DIY Fluted Coffee Table

Being first homeowners, I knew it wasn't realistic to assume we would be able to get all of the furniture on my wishlist. I have a rather expensive taste that isn't parallel to our budget, so I knew I had to put in some hard work to bring my vision to life. Fortunately for me, I have a natural creative flare and love DIY projects. Unfortunately for my dad, he had all the tools and handy skills I needed to execute the job.

Materials Used:

• Tasmanian Oak dining table (purchased from Facebook Marketplace)

• Kmart Ribbed Side Table (I used a product that is no longer available, however, I've linked a similar one that can be used as the perfect base for this project)

• Porta Timber Tasmanian Oak half-round dowel

• Plywood Hardwood Marine AA Grade (Dad had some in his garage, this can be purchased from Bunnings)

• Limestone paver

• Raw masonry expandable plugs

• Timber screws

• Liquid Nails

• Cabot's Interior Varnish

• 60, 80, 120, and 180 grit sandpaper
  

Method:

1. Cut the dining table to the desired size using a jigsaw Tip: it is better to make it bigger than you need if you aren't quite sure what size you want. You can always cut more off but you can't add it back

2. Sand both sides of the cut dining table using 60 grit, followed by 80, 120, and lastly 180 grit

3. Unwrap the Kmart side table and take off the lid

4. Measure and locate the centre of the dining table top to ensure the base sits evenly in the middle

5. Turn the side table upside down and use liquid nails to adhere the base to the top using the centre guide marked in the last step

6. For additional support, it is recommended to use timber screws to secure the top to the base

7. Use the lid removed from the side table earlier as a template to cut marine-grade plywood to the same size Optional*: the base of the Kmart side table we used was made from MDF, so we did this step to make the base more durable

8. Adhere the paver to one side of the new marine-grade lid using liquid nails and raw plugs Tip: any moderately heavy product can be used for this step. This ensures the table won't topple over, the base is quite light

9. Adhere the lid with the attached paver to the bottom of the base using liquid nails and screws

10. Tip the coffee table upside down once it has dried and measure the height of the base for the half dowel

11. Cut the Tasmanian Oak dowel pieces to size

12. Flip the table upside down and adhere the dowel pieces to the base of the table using liquid nails

13. Let this dry overnight before trimming and sanding any lengths that are taller than the length of the base

14. Give the table a wipe down and finish with 3 light coats of Cabot's interior varnish

15. Allow the varnish to dry overnight again before styling your new coffee table
    

I am still so pleased with how this project turned out! Similar coffee tables online were upwards of $900 which was well over our budget. Keeping in mind we had some materials at home, this project cost me roughly $310 out of pocket which is a massive saving. This is not only my favourite DIY project to date, but it is my favourite piece in our home knowing I made it with my dad. I think this might be the start of a new hobby we have together [sorry dad!].

Head over to my Instagram to see how I've styled this coffee table!

*All images used in this post are the property of AJ from @aj.athome, who owns all of the rights to these images. Do not use, modify or distribute these images without written consent*