How to Make a Wood and Concrete End Table

Combine wood and concrete to make an industrial-style side table that would fit perfectly in a loft.
wood and concrete side table

Wood and Concrete Side Table

Stay true to your living room's minimalist look with a wood and concrete side table.

From: Danmade

Photo by: Boyte Creative

Boyte Creative

Wood and Concrete Side Table
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Materials and Tools:

(2) 2” x 3' wood dowels
(2) 3/4" x 3' wood dowels
(1) 15-3/4" x 3' white melamine shelf
(2) 3' x ¼” threaded rods
(8) 1/4" nuts and washers
concrete mix
trowel
bucket
water
silicone
clear concrete sealer
matte clear polyurethane
caulk gun
drill and 3/8” drill bit
circular saw
tape measure
hack saw
level
pencil
hammer

Create Melamine Form

Use a speed square and circular saw to measure, mark and cut melamine at 15 3/4", two 4” wide strips at 15-3/4” long and two 4” strips that are 17” long. Line the four strips around the square to create a box, and secure with nails. Silicone all of the edges.

Cut for Table Legs and Braces

Cut two 36” x 2” dowels in half to make four 18” legs for the table. Cut 3/4” x 3/4” square dowels at 13” to create leg braces.

Create Table Base

On each leg, measure and mark a line at 3/4” and 1-1/4” using a speed square. Rotate each leg one turn, and mark a line at 1-1/4” using a speed square. Make a mark at each center of the 3/4" line, and drill a hole with a 3/8” drill bit. Rotate each dowel, and drill another centered hole 1-1/4” down.

Attach Legs and Braces

Using wood glue and a nail gun, attach one brace perpendicular to two legs at the 1-1/4” mark. Repeat this step for the remaining two legs, and use the remaining two braces to tie all four legs together. 

Secure Rods

Measure and mark 14-1/2” on a threaded rod, and use a hack saw to cut to size. Make four total, and slide the rods through the pre-drilled holes. Attach washers and nuts to the ends to secure rods in place. 

Add Concrete

To make the concrete, slowly mix concrete powder with water in a large bucket until you get a cake batter-like consistency. Place the table base upside down into the melamine form. Trowel concrete on top of the threaded rods and into corners first to add weight and hold the legs down. Trowel concrete in remaining areas until it's 2 inches thick. Tap the sides of the melamine form to release air bubbles, and allow to dry for 24 hours. 

Sand and Finish

Use a hammer to break away the melamine form from the concrete. Sand the concrete down with 220-grit sandpaper for a smooth finish, and add clear concrete sealant to protect the concrete top. Apply polyurethane to the wooden legs. 

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