How to Build a Glass Top Coffee Table With a Shadow Box Design

Adjust the table saw to cut at a 45-degree angle. Move the fence on the table saw over so that it cuts just the corner edge from a 3/4-inch thick plywood panel. Lock the fence into place.

Saw a 45-degree angle on the 18-inch wide edges of the four plywood panels. The 45-degree angles should cut the same side of each panel so that the two 3/4-by-18-by-24 inch ends and the two 3/4-by-18-by-36 inch sides fit together like a picture frame to form a rectangular box. Lay the panels flat on the table of the saw, one at a time, and guide them through the saw with the 18-inch edges flush against the table saw fence to complete each cut.

Stand the two 3/4-by-18-by-24 inch ends parallel to each other with the 3/4-by-24 inch edge flat against a work surface. Space the outside edges of the ends 36 inches apart. Place the two 3/4-by-24-by-36 inch sides on either side of the ends to form a rectangular box.

Hammer finish nails though the sides into the ends at each corner joint. Space the nails approximately every 3 inches.

Align the 3/4-by-24-by-36 inch panel over the top edges of the rectangular box. This is the bottom. Hammer finish nails through the bottom into the edges of the rectangular box approximately every 3 inches.

Center a nail set onto each finish nail head. Tap the nail set with the hammer to set each nail in the assembly into the surface of the wood approximately 1/16-inch deep. Fill the nail holes with putty and a putty knife. Allow the putty to dry overnight then sand the dried putty with a sanding block equipped with fine-grit sandpaper.

Apply two coats of spray lacquer onto the assembly. Allow four hours between coats. Let the final coat dry for at least 24 hours before continuing.

Place an adhesive-backed rubber pad on the top edges of the rectangular assembly in each corner and in the center of the top edge of each 36-inch side. Lay the tempered glass panel over the assembly to complete the coffee table. Add decorations inside the assembly as desired.