Sofa table

[Will Downing]

It's been a while since I checked in, but life has a way of turning one around in circles.  The wife indicated she wanted a "sofa table" to go behind the couch.  So I looked up several designs and plans and presented a sketch to the client.  She wasn't impressed.  After some judicious questioning, it was determined that a top no bigger than 5 inches was desired with legs that allowed for minimum clearance of the couch to wall.  Soooooo...on went the thinking cap and here's what I came up with.

Using reclaimed lumber, I took a cedar plank and milled it down for the top.  Cut a dado into the bottom and inserted a 1/2" thick piece of oak for the apron. Then started on legs.

 

Using 2x2 stair risers that I got a smoking deal on (10 bundles of 12), I milled the edges on the shaper and cut a mortise for the apron to slide into.  Glued up and squared up the assembly in preparation for feet.

 

My original plan for the feet didn't meet the test for minimum clearance (too wide) so I rotated the orientation and added the two pads to each base for stability.  Honestly it was the iffyest portion of the plan, but...

 

the stability was excellent.  No wobble, and all the joinery locked up solidly.  A minimalist approach that matched my mental expectations.

 

Three coats of spray laquer, with a light sanding between each to bring out the grain and color.

And installed.  29 inches from floor to top, 72 inches long, 4.5 inches wide.  The wife is happy, I got to make some sawdust and a design from my mind turned into a finished piece using material at hand.  I really like the mixed media of the cedar contrasting with the white oak.

 

Thanks for looking.

Will

 

Edited August 9, 2016 by Will Downing
remove extra photo

[lew]

That turned out really nice, Will! 

 

The placement assures it will be stable.

[John Morris]

I was worried about the stability of it yet Will, but since it's behind the sofa, that will work my friend!!! Great idea and I like the mind thought process that went into this, well done sir! Now, what goes atop this table?

[Will Downing]

Placement is everything isn't it!  I can rotate the feet if need be, but the client is very happy.  It will be used for everything from drinks, to the omni-present phone chargers to books.  Extra space as a catch-all.  My guess is that the cats will find it attractive as well.

[lew]

22 minutes ago, Will Downing said:

My guess is that the cats will find it attractive as well.

[Gene Howe]

Very nice and always a plus when the client is happy.

[Cliff]

what a cute little table!