How to Build an X Base Console Table

It’s hotter than blue blazes in the shop lately, but I’ve been busier than ever!! When the sweat starts running, the sawdust just soaks it right up for me. It’s a good system I have going on.

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Just kidding…it’s really itchy.  It’s basically like covering yourself in a sweaty sawdust paste. Air conditioning would be a much better system HA…for real.

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Anyway, let me get back on topic here…I’ve got another fun and easy furniture build for you today that won’t take you too long to do so hopefully, you can avoid the sweaty sawdust paste situation.

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It’s a simple X base console table! The size is easily adjustable with these plans, but this one measures 34” tall, 16” deep, and 35” long. Ready to make your own?? Let’s get to it.

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For this build, you will need:

Tools and Materials

Miter Saw

Circular Saw

Drill

Kreg Jig for pocket holes

2 ½” pocket hole screws

1 ¼ pocket hole screws

2 ½” wood screws (you need some that you can drive in flush to the wood)

1 ¼” wood screws (you need some that you can drive in flush to the wood)

Wood Glue

Wood Putty

Measuring tape

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(5) 2x2x8

¼ sheet ¾” plywood

(1) 2x10x8

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Step 1: Cut X Base frame pieces

For the legs, cut 4 pieces of 2×2 at 32 ½” long. For the side supports, cut 4 pieces of 2×2 at 12” long. For the front and back supports, cut 4 pieces of 2×2 at 30” long.

Step 2: Assemble the X base frame

Drill 1 ½” pocket holes into both ends of the side and front and back supports. Using 2 ½” pocket hole screws, assemble two side “panels” using the legs and side supports like shown. The bottom support is screwed in so that there is 4” between it and the bottom of the leg.

Once the side panels are together, attach the front and back supports like shown using 2 ½” pocket hole screws. Again, the bottom support is attached so that there is 4” between it and the bottom of the leg.

Step 3: Add the Xs

Here, it is easiest to mark and cut instead of me giving you the measurements. Hold a 2×2 up on the side making sure to line it up with the corners and mark where to cut. Mine ended up being ABOUT a 24 degree cut on both ends to fit. It’s easiest to cut long and trim off some to get a really tight fit.

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Once you get your main “cross” piece cut (on both sides), screw it in place with 2 ½” wood screws through the top and bottom side support pieces. You could use pocket hole screws, but this way is much cleaner so you don’t have to see holes. (Ignore that the whole X is screwed in here…imagine it’s only the one long piece.)

For the remaining “cross” piece, cut the same angle you cut for the main piece. In my case, it was about 24 degrees, and hold in place and mark the length it needs to be to meet the main X. You will cut this end at 45 degrees. Cut to fit the 4 pieces (2 on each side) just like this to make the rest of the X.

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Screw the first piece in like shown with 2 ½” screws through the top or bottom support (like shown above). Then use another 2 ½” screw to screw the other end like shown through the main X piece.

For the last piece of the X, screw one end with a 2 ½” screw through the top or bottom support like shown. Then, use a 1 ¼” screw to screw FROM THE BACK SIDE (the side that wont be shown) into the main X. Putty over the screw

Step 4: Add Bottom Shelf

Cut a piece of ¾” plywood to fit the opening in the bottom and drill ¾” pocket hole screws along the edges. Using 1 ¼” pocket hole screws, attach so the top of the shelf is flush with the 2×2 supports.

Step 5: Add Top

Check out my post here on how I make table tops. Cut two pieces of 2×10 at 35” and either glue together (like I do in my post here) or use 2 ½” pocket hole screws to attach them. Once they are attached, trim down with circular saw (or table saw) to 16” wide.

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Center the top on the base and using 2 ½” wood screws, screw the top on through the 2×2 supports along the top of the base.

Step 5: Finish the X Base Table

Putty and sand as needed. I let my friend finish this table since I made it for her. Plus, you know how I hate finishing (remember from this console cabinet post??).

This little table is the perfect size for an entryway table, or for a small kitchen or dining room to store décor or plates, etc. on. You could even stack some blankets or baskets on the bottom shelf for a living or bedroom. It’s super versatile.

So what do you think?? Is this a project you think you’ll tackle? If so, I’d love it if you’d pin this for later so you can find it when you’re ready to get building!

Let me know what you think in the comments below and what other kinds of projects you’d like to see plans for 🙂

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Until next time, happy building 🙂