How to Build a TV Table

Mark the 1-by-6 cedar board with a straight line, using the carpenter's square and a pencil, and cut off the end of the boad with a saw. This will square the board. Repeat this step for all boards before measuring and cutting the needed piece, or skip the step if the boards are square.

Cut two 1-by-6 boards 46 inches long and two of the 1-by-6 boards 23 inches long, using the saw. These are the pieces for the skirt under the top of the table.

Clamp the boards together, placing the long pieces on the outside and the short pieces inside of the long pieces flush at the edges.

Fasten the corners together with a drill, wood screws and trim washers. Use two screws per corner.

Cut five 1-by-6 boards 52 inches long for the tabletop.

Pre-drill for the screws to prevent the boards from splitting and secure the boards to the skirt frame with wood screws.

Cut a 2-by-4 23 inches long for the support piece under the tabletop.

Place the support piece in the middle of the skirting so that is flush with the edge of the skirting and reaches each side of the table. Secure in place with wood screws and trim washers through the side of the skirting and with screws through the top of the table into the brace piece.

Cut four pieces of 2-by-4 each 34 inches long for the legs of the table. If a different height for the table is preferred, alter the length of the legs.

Place the cut legs to the inside corners of the skirt with wood screws and trim washers. Insert the screws through the leg and into the skirt, using the drill. Repeat this step until all four legs are secured to the table skirting.

Cut two 2-by-4 pieces each 23 inches long, using the saw. These pieces will be horizontal supports to give the table extra stability and the frame for a bottom shelf

Secure the supports 3 inches from the end of the legs with two staggered screws through each of the legs.

Cut three 1-by-6 boards each 46 inches long for the bottom shelf pieces.

Turn the table over and secure the shelf pieces to the horizontal supports with wood screws.

Sand any rough edges and clean up sanding dust. Stain or varnish to finish the table, using a paintbrush.