How to Make a Handmade Rustic Coffee Table

Visit the local wood shops that design furniture to get an idea of what style you would like for your project. Many, if not all, have websites so you can look at the items without leaving your home. My idea would be to choose a 3 inch thick slab for the top and a 15 inch high stump like piece with the diameter suitable for looks and to support the top
well. I saw some really beautiful coffee tables when I lived in Montana. These were lovely pieces of wood furniture that caught everyone's attention. Yours, when finished, will be an honor to own especially since you designed it and made it yourself.

Select the slab, wood top and center stump, determining size, shape, amount of money you want to spend along with delivery terms. If you have access to a pick up truck or plan on renting one, your delivery queries are answered.

Choose to finish the slab and stump with linseed oil or urethane. Let those surfaces completely dry before moving them. I suggest linseed oil to really enhance the wood, preserve it and give it the "right out of the woods" look. You and your guests will marvel at the grain and natural beauty of the wood.

Design your idea for the stump. Your choices can be to have a slightly larger diameter directly under the top with a different sized slab at the floor area, a reversed idea, or equal size for both.

Organize the leg or stump, making sure it is positioned with enough to support the coffee table top. Your selection might even be for two supports. In that case double the screws in the parts I mentioned. Put your top and support together first to see what the coffee table will look like when finished.

Now you will need to determine if you want to screw or glue your pieces together. Either is as good for holding these parts together. I would highly recommend screwing them together so you can move it more easily. Use at least 4 heavy duty 2 inch wood screws, positioning them equidistant from each other in the stump base piece. Fill with wood putty, stain and admire your finished job.