Farmhouse 2x4 coffee table

How to make it

1. 

   1

   Let the wood settle

   Stack the lumber indoors with spacers for a week. Construction lumber is wet and moves as it dries.

2. 

   2

   Cut the pieces

   Cut 4 top boards at 48 in and 4 legs at 16 1/2 in. Cut 4 long rails at 37 in, 2 short aprons at 11 in and 8 slats at 18 in.

3. 

   3

   Drill pocket holes

   Drill 2 pocket holes on each end of every apron and long stretcher. Drill pocket holes every 8 in along one edge of 3 top boards.

4. 

   4

   Build the end frames

   Join 2 legs with a short apron, flush at the top. Glue and pocket screw. Build the second end.

5. 

   5

   Connect the frames

   Attach 2 long aprons at the top, flush with the legs' outer faces. Attach 2 long stretchers 4 in up from the floor the same way.

6. 

   6

   Build the top

   Glue and pocket screw the 4 top boards edge to edge from underneath. Clamp them flat while the screws go in.

7. 

   7

   Sand and attach the top

   Sand the top with 80, 120 and 180 grit. Center it on the base with 2 in of overhang all around and fasten it with figure-8 fasteners so the wood can move.

8. 

   8

   Add the slats and finish

   Screw the slats across the low stretchers with about 1 in gaps. Condition, stain and brush on 3 coats of poly.