How to Make a Simple Veneer Coffee Table

Using wood veneer allows you to achieve the look and feel of a solid wood coffee table without the expense of buying quality wood slabs. MDF is an ideal substrate for applying wood veneer to, and makes a simple, sturdy coffee table. Plywood and particleboard are also good substrates for veneer, with hardwood being the least suitable. The key to successful veneer application is waiting for the adhesive to fully dry before bonding. A practice run on a small piece of MDF will help you get the hang of it before constructing your coffee table.

Medium density fiberboard (MDF), 1 ¼ inch
Saw
Veneer
Utility knife
Contact cement
Paint roller
Lumber, 1-by-2 inch
Sandpaper
Clamps
Drill
Screws, 1 ¾ inch
Veneer edgebanding, 1 ¼ inch
Varnish
Paintbrush

Instructions

- 1
  Cut the MDF into a table top of 24 by 36 inches and three leg supports of 18 by 24 inches. Cut the veneer with the utility knife into two pieces measuring 24 by 36 inches and six pieces of 18 by 24 inches.
- 2
  Mix the contact cement thoroughly. Apply a coat of contact cement with the paint roller to one side of the 24-by-36-inch MDF piece, and to one side of all the leg pieces. Apply a coat of contact cement to the back of one of the 24-by-36-inch pieces of veneer and to three of the 18-by-24-inch pieces.
- 3
  Leave the contact cement to dry thoroughly; check the approximate drying times on the label of the contact cement container. The contact cement should be totally dry to the touch, no tacky feeling at all.
- 4
  Sand the sharp edge off one side of a 1-by-2 lumber board -- a scrap piece is enough. Place the 24-by-36-inch veneer over the table top so that the contact cement on both pieces is touching. Use the sanded edge of the lumber board to press the veneer onto the table top, pulling the board over the veneer in long, even strokes until it is completely bonded.
- 5
  Repeat with the table legs. Apply contact cement to the other side of the table legs and repeat the veneer application process, but only apply veneer to one side of the table top at this point.
- 6
  Position the veneered legs of the table 12 inches apart, clamped upright. Sit the table top over the three legs, veneer side down. The end legs should be flush with the sides of the table top and the middle leg should be centered.
- 7
  Drill six pilot holes, sized to match the screws, along the table top into each leg, then screw the table top down onto the legs. Ensure that the screw heads are just below the surface of the table top.
- 8
  Apply contact cement to the table top and the last piece of veneer, then bond as you did the other veneer pieces. Applying the top veneer after screwing in the legs allows you to hide the screw holes.
- 9
  Cut pieces of edgebanding -- strips of veneer designed for use on exposed edges -- to the exact measurement of the exposed edges of the legs and table top. Apply them in the same manner as you did the larger pieces of veneer. Allow to dry for 24 hours.
- 10
  Apply two coats of varnish to the veneered coffee table, allowing the recommended drying time, as stated by the varnish manufacturer, between coats.

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