How to Build a 2-in-1 Coffee/Dining Table (2024)

ByMike Berner

Step 1

Build up the Top

• I started with a piece of walnut plywood cut to size. On the underside, glue three-inch-wide strips of the same plywood on the edges and pinned them into place.
• Put one more three-inch strip in the middle and add two six-inch-wide strips to provide a mounting surface for the legs.
  • Pro tip: Doubling the top like this adds stiffness without too much additional weight.

Step 2

Bevel the Edging

• The top is wrapped with edging to hide the plywood edges. Square edging would be fine, but I cut a 13-degree bevel on the edging stock. This bevel matches the angle of the legs and gives the table a more refined look.

Step 3

Add the Edging

• Fasten the edging to the ends of the table first.
• When I added the side edging, I let it protrude beyond the bevels of the end edging.
  • Pro tip: Instead of fumbling with long clamps, I used a pin nailer to hold the edging in place while the glue dried.

Step 4

Trim the Edging

• Trim the overhanging ends of the edging to match the bevel.
• Protect the wood from the saw teeth with a layer or two of painter’s tape.
• Then sand the cuts smooth and flush.

Step 5

Pro Tip: A Jig Makes Tapered Legs Easy!

To safely cut the tapered legs, you’ll need a jig for the table saw. There are simpler jig designs but this one is my favorite. You’ll just need a few scraps of plywood, a pair of toggle clamps and knobs. In 30 minutes you’ll have a great jig for this and future projects.

Step 6

Cut Slots in the Sled

• Drill two holes six inches from the ends of a sled made from a 12-in. x 30-in. piece of plywood.
• Draw lines to connect the holes, then cut out the slot with a jigsaw.

Step 7

Assemble the Fence

• Cut two slots in a two-inch-wide fence. The fence slots should line up and be perpendicular to the slots in the sled.
• Connect the fence to the sled with a pair of threaded jig knob and 1/4-in. bolts
• Then attach toggle clamps and a heel to finish the jig.

Step 8

Set the Taper Angle

• Align the end marks on the leg with the edge of the sled.
• Position the fence against the leg and lock the fence into place.
• Make sure the leg is against the heel of the fence and clamp it down.

Step 9

Taper the Legs

• Adjust the table saw fence to cut along the edge of the jig and then make the cut.
• Cut all the long legs with the same jig setup, then adjust the jig to cut the shorter legs.

Step 10

Assemble the Legs

• The half-lap joints for the legs are made by layering the leg parts.
• Fasten the parts with glue and a nailer or clamps.
  • Pro tip: I built two leg sets at a time, laying them out on my workbench to make sure I got a “mirrored match.”

Step 11

Connect the Legs

• Cut another 13-degree bevel in the stretcher then glue and screw it between a pair of legs.
• Fasten a second stretcher to make a strong corner where the legs will pivot on the hinge.

Step 12

Attach the Piano Hinge

• Align ends of the short legs up to the inside of the edging.
• Position the legs with a framing square, then pre-drill and screw a length of piano hinge to the tabletop and the legs.