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Make a DIY side table

Make a DIY side table

To make a unique and stylish side table, you just need a GTA 26 cordless pruner and a few materials. Why not give this rewarding DIY idea a go?

Creative living ideas for DIY enthusiasts

This easy-to-make side table makes a useful and attractive feature in your home. This is a DIY dream: a project that is not just fun to build, but which also requires very few resources. You can use our instructions as a creative guide, but the final design is in your hands – after all, what could be more unique than DIY furniture?

DIY side table: materials

You will need the following materials and tools for this side table DIY. When it comes to wood, it’s really a matter of personal taste, so you should simply use what appeals to you. Remember that wood will need long-term maintenance, for example regular oil or varnish application.

  •  STIHL GTA 26 garden pruner
  •  A wooden plank
  •  1 m long metal rods (1 x 8 mm, 2 x 6 mm)
  •  Pencil and ruler
  •  Construction adhesive
  •  120-grit and 180-grit sandpaper
  •  File
  •  Hacksaw
  •  Wood drill bits (8 mm and 6 mm)
  •  Cordless screwdriver or drill
  •  Personal protective equipment
Materials to build a DIY side table: STIHL GTA 26 cordless garden pruner, gloves, cordless screwdriver and more

Committed to your safety: protective equipment

Using powerful tools in your DIY is fun and means you can extend your abilities, which is great as long as you are relying on effective and safe protective clothing while using them. Always wear personal protective equipment when working with your chainsaw. This includes a helmet, cut protection trousers, safety boots, and more. The operating manual for your product contains more details on this. Fully familiarise yourself with the tool before you use your chainsaw for the first time, and check it is in flawless condition before each use. On request, your STIHL dealer will be happy to prepare your tool for its first use, and will also advise you on models and sizes of protective clothing that you can try at your leisure. Please remember that personal protective equipment is no substitute for safe working techniques.

DIY side table: step-by-step instructions

With materials, tools and safety considerations taken care of, you can start the DIY. Please ensure that you always wear safety glasses when cutting metal and drilling. This simple but effective project can be completed in an hour or two.

  • DIY side table step 1: plan your design

    Your side table will be created to your own design. As you plan what shape you want the table top to be, bear in mind that straight cuts are easier to make; it's also sensible to consider the order and shape of cuts you'll need. Once you've decided on your side table design, draw the shape onto the underside of the plank with pencil.
    You can see a simple template in the picture below.

  • DIY side table step 2: saw out shape

    Use the STIHL GTA 26 garden pruner to methodically make the required cuts. Guide the pruner with both hands and apply it at the stop. Saw from the underside so that the cut edge on the top surface is smooth and clean. Remove the excess pieces of wood as you progress. The edges on the underside are generally a little ragged after cutting, so you will clean these up in the next step.

  • DIY side table step 3: smooth edges

    Use a file and sandpaper to refine the cut edges. It's best to start with a metal file for a finer finish, then use sandpaper until the edges are safe and smooth.

  • DIY side table step 4: make the table legs

    Now it's time to bend your metal rods to become table legs. Hold a rod with both hands, and carefully but forcefully push the ends together. The 6 mm metal rod should be bent into a smaller radius than the thicker 8 mm rod. You can use a hacksaw to shorten the legs if you prefer a lower table.

  • DIY side table step 5: drill holes

    Use a wood bit to drill two holes for each leg in the underside of the table top. Make sure the holes match the diameter of the metal rods you are using. Drill at a slight angle so that the legs will splay beyond the table top for better stability.

  • DIY side table step 6: glue the legs

    For the last step, glue the metal legs into the holes using construction adhesive. Check the drying time for the adhesive before you stand the side table up; this may be up to 48 hours.

When the glue is dry, you can finish the wood. If you use clear varnish, we recommend that you apply one coat and then sand the surface with 180-grit sandpaper before adding a second coat of varnish to your DIY table. Alternatively, you can apply hardwax oil for a more natural finish that still protects the wood.

Using your DIY side table

When it’s finished, your side table needs a home! It makes a lovely living room plant stand, or a handy piece of furniture to keep by the couch for books and magazines. The stylish minimalist design makes it a versatile and striking addition to a room.
Admiring your handiwork may give you the taste for more DIY. It’s easy to adjust the size and design of the wooden side table, so why not make a whole set?

A finished DIY side table in a living room

Summary: make a DIY side table

  • This side table DIY doesn’t require many materials
  • A wooden plank and some metal rods are the main items you will need
  • The STIHL GTA 26 garden pruner means it’s easy to make this unique side table
  • Cut a wooden plank into a shape you like
  • Glue metal legs into drilled holes
  • Always wear personal protective equipment while you work, as directed in your operating instructions

What is a unique idea for a side table DIY project?

A unique idea for a side table DIY project is to make a table top from a plank, in whatever shape you like. Then you can bend metal rods into hairpin-style legs of different sizes. Drill and glue them into place for a unique feature.

How do you build a wood side table?

You can build a wood side table with a unique look by cutting a plank into a shape of your own design. Then, make stylish hairpin-style legs out of metal and simply drill holes to attach them to the table top. Glue them into place and varnish the wood.

How tall should a side table next to a couch be?

How tall a side table next to a couch should be depends on how you plan to use it, but in general you want them to be a little lower than the height of the sofa arms. Most side tables you buy are between 60 and 75 cm tall.