• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Woodshop Diaries
  • About
    • Work With Me
  • DIY Projects
  • Shop
  • Getting Started
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
    • Work With Me
  • DIY Projects
  • Shop
  • Getting Started
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • Γ—

    Home Β» DIY End Table with Shelf (Using Only 2x2s!)

    DIY End Table with Shelf (Using Only 2x2s!)

    February 19, 2021 by Shara, Woodshop Diaries

    In this post I’ll show you how to make a simple DIY end table with shelf using just 2x2s!

    Angled view of DIY black and wood end table with timber screws on sides. Black frames and wood top and bottom shelves with vase and book on top

    This simple side or end table is a great weekend build and only requires a few basic tools!

    .

    It’s got a modern industrial vibe going, but you can get creative and finish differently to match your own dΓ©cor style.

    .

    So if you’re ready to get building, let’s go πŸ™‚

    This post contains affiliate links. See policies.

    Tools and Materials

    For this Basic DIY End Table, You Will Need:

    • (8) 2x2x8 (Or cut your own 2x2s from 2x4s with this tutorial)
    • Saw (can use jig, circular, or large miter saw for this)
    • Drill/Driver
    • Wood Glue
    • Clamps (long bar or pipe clamps are best)
    • 2 ½″ wood screws
    • Black timber screws (I used these–you need 12 screws per table)
    • Sander
    Overall dimensional diagram of end table--18" tall, 18" deep, 24" wide

    Step 1: Assemble Top and Bottom End Table Shelves

    The top and the bottom shelf of this end table are made up of 2x2s glued together.

    .

    Obviously, you can use other lumber sizes here instead as you wish, but I just liked the “butcherblock” look of the 2x2s.

    Overhead view of DIY end table--top made of 2x2s glued together

    Now, I make my own 2x2s from 2x4s using my table saw. You can learn about how to make your own 2x2s in this post.

    .

    BUT, if you don’t have a table saw, using 2x2s straight from the store is fine.

    .

    First, I cut 6 of my 2x2s in half to give me 12 total 2x2s about 48″ long–it doesn’t have to be EXACT. I’ll be trimming this down later.

    .

    I separated these into two sections of 6 and glued up 6 at a time using wood glue and pipe clamps. You can glue up all 12 at once, but I think it’s easier to do it in sections.

    RELATED: Check out this post for how to glue up panels for some helpful info about glue ups!

    Shara using pipe clamps to glue six 2x2s together to make the first half of the shelf panel

    This gave me two separate panels about 9″ wide and about 48″ long.

    two sets of panels made of 2x2s glued together on workbench

    Once the glue dried on each section of 6, I sanded the tops smooth. If you have a planer, you can plane each section smooth, but if not, a belt sander or orbital sander works, too.

    .

    Then, I glued these two panels together. This gives me one large panel about 18″ wide and 48″ long that is made up of twelve total 2x2s.

    Panel in pipe clamps on workbench being glued together

    Again, if you didn’t want to use 2x2s here, you could glue up another size here as long as you end up with it being 18″ wide at the end.

    .

    Once the glue dried on the whole panel, I used a circular saw and an AccuCut (or a straight edge works, too!) to cut two shelves.

    RELATED: Check out how to use the AccuCut in this post!

    .

    You could also use a jig saw here or a miter saw if yours is large enough.

    .

    I trimmed about 1″ off one edge to give me a smooth edge to start from first. Use a square to ensure you cut this 90 degrees.

    Smooth square edge cut off glued up panel

    Then, I measured from the smooth edge and cut two pieces 21″ long to make the top and bottom shelves.

    Shara using circular saw and AccuCut to trim shelf panel from slab

    Sand well to remove all glue residue and, if desired, go ahead and stain/paint as desired. I stained these Minwax Provincial.

    Dimensional diagram of top and bottom shelf panels--18" x 21"

    Step 2: Assemble End Table Frames

    These frames were also made from 2x2s. Since they will be painted, I simply glued and screwed them together. Once it was assembled, I could putty over the screw holes.

    .

    However, if you plan to stain and don’t want to see the screw heads or the putty, you can use dowels or pocket holes instead.

    .

    I cut the 2×2 pieces and assembled two frames like shown using wood glue and a 2 ½″ wood screw at all the joints. NOTE: Don’t forget to predrill before driving the screws!

    End table side frame dimensional diagram

    Step 3: Drill Pilot Holes in Side Frames

    To give this little DIY end table an industrial look, I used these black timber screws in the side frames to attach the top and bottom shelf.

    Close up of timber screws used to attach shelves on end table

    But with changes in temperature and humidity over the seasons, the top and bottom shelf may expand and contract and cause a split.

    .

    So to help prevent this, I drilled pilot holes into the side frames to give the screw some “wiggle room” to move around as needed.

    .

    I marked these locations on the frames and used a small drill bit to drill a hole at each spot. NOTE: The holes on the bottom need to be at least 2 ¾″ from the edge to avoid hitting the wood screw from step 2 πŸ™‚

    Diagram showing pilot hole locations on end table side frames

    Then, I found a drill bit that was slightly larger than the screw (5/16″ seemed to work well) and drilled out these holes.

    Using 5/16" drill bit to enlarge holes on side frames

    Once all six holes were drilled in each frame, I puttied as needed, sanded well, then primed and painted them SW Iron Ore.

    RELATED: Check out this post to learn more about how to finish raw wood furniture!

    Step 4: Assemble End Table Together

    Once the paint and stain was dry, I attached the top and bottom shelves between the two side frames using the 2 ⅞″ black timber screws.

    Graphic showing two shelves attached between two side frames

    It’s important to predrill here as the top and shelves can split with these large screws.

    .

    It’s also important to assemble these pieces square. If you have some corner clamps, or a speed square, either clamp it square while you assemble or check for square after each screw.

    Shara Woodshop Diaries driving timber screw through end table frame to attach top shelf

    You don’t want to end up with a lopsided or “leaning” end table πŸ™‚

    Step 5: Finish End Table

    Once the table was assembled, I applied a couple coats of poly (I used Minwax Polycrylic) to seal it all and protect it, and then it was finished!

    Modern industrial black and wood end table with timber screws on side--staged with vase and book

    A simple DIY end table with a bottom shelf. The perfect addition for beside the couch, a recliner, or any seat in the house. You could even use it as a nightstand.

    .

    Do note that this table is 18″ tall. If you wanted a taller table, simply cut the legs on the side frames a little longer and everything else stays the same πŸ™‚

    .

    I hope you’ve enjoyed this simple little weekend woodworking project and if you’d like to check out more end table ideas, here are a few of my favorites!

    • How to build a simple little side table from a few boards and with a few simple tools.
      DIY Simple End Table
    • DIY Dog Crate Side Table
    • How to build a DIY Mission Style End Table
      DIY Mission Style End Table

    If you liked this project and want to see more, be sure to subscribe below to the newsletter when you will be the first to learn about new project posts, tips, and the latest happenings on Woodshop Diaries.

    .

    If you’d like to save this for later, don’t forget to pin it!

    Pinterest graphic showing DIY modern industrial end table with white boxes over laid with text " Easy DIY end table building plans"

    Until next time, friends, happy building πŸ™‚

    Related Posts

    How to Build a Writing Desk
    Simple DIY Storage Trunk
    How to Upholster a Bench
    Previous Post: « How to Decide Which Kreg Jig to Buy
    Next Post: Home Office DIY File Cabinet »

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi friend! I'm Shara, the voice, maker, and videographer behind Woodshop Diaries. Here I share my DIY projects with you! Happy Building, friends! :)

    More about me β†’

    Woodworking Tips & Guides

    • 5 Tools To Get Started Woodworking
    • Woodworking Tips: How to Square Board Edges and Make Your Own 2x2s
    • 5 Secrets to Professional Looking DIY Furniture
    • How to Cover Plywood Edges

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Tips to Take Your Projects to the Next Level

    --5 Secrets to Professional Looking DIY Furniture

    --How to Properly Finish Raw Wood Furniture {Without a Sprayer!}

    --How to EASILY Cover Plywood Edges

    --4 Ways to Fill a Pocket Hole

    --10 Must Have Tools for Furniture and Cabinet Building

    Printable Building Plans

    Check out our shop to browse printable PDF building plans!

    Website Policies

    This website is for entertainment purposes. Using any information provided is to be at your own risk.

    This site uses cookies to provide you with a better experience.

    All images and text on this site are property of Woodshop Diaries, LLC. Please be respectful and don't steal this content.

    See policies page on this site for more information.

    Copyright Β© 2021