How to Build a Simple Mission Style End Table
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DIY Side Table Plans

How to Build a Simple Mission Style End TableDIY Side Table Plans

This little end table is a perfect fit for tight spaces or it would make a great plant stand! My sister asked me to make her a simple side table to sit between her chairs on the front porch, so here I am with the DIY Side Table Plans for you.

Hey guys, it’s Shara again from Woodshop Diaries! I’ve been working on several larger projects and decided to switch things up a little and work on some fun smaller builds like this cute little side table! The railings on the side make this somewhat of a “mission style” piece of furniture, which I’m quickly becoming a fan of. But the style is so simple that it would fit in with just about any décor—modern, farmhouse, traditional.

How to Build a Simple Mission Style End Table

If you’re ready to get building this cute little DIY side table, here’s what you’ll need:

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Tools:

Materials:

  • (1) 2”x 2”x 8’ board
  • (2) 1”x 2”x 8’ board
  • (1) 1”x 6”x 8’ board
  • (1) 1’x 4’ x 8’ board
  • 1 ¼” pocket hole screws
  • 1 ¼” and 2 ½” wood screws
  • Wood Glue

Cut List:

  • (4) 1 ½”x 1 ½” x 19” (table legs)
  • (8) ¾” x 1 ½”x 11 ½” (top and bottom supports)
  • (3) ¾”x 5 ½”x 16 ½” (table top)
  • (1) ¾”x 3 ½”x 14 ½” (part of bottom shelf)
  • (2) ¾”x 5 ½”x 14 ½” (other part of bottom shelf)
  • (4) ¾”x 1 ½”x 12” (side rails)

DIY Side Table Plans Instructions:

Step 1: Cut legs and supports

Cut four 2”x 2” pieces for table legs according to the cut list above. Then, cut eight 1”x 2” pieces according to the cut list for the top and bottom supports.

DIY Side Table Plans

Step 2: Assemble the frame

Drill a ¾” pocket hole into each end of all 8 support pieces. Make a mark on the legs 3” from the bottom. Attach the supports as shown below (line up the bottom edge of the bottom support with the 3” mark.)

DIY Side Table Plans

Once you have two frames assembled as shown above, attach two supports between the two frames at the bottom (as shown below.) You can go ahead and attach the other two at the top, but I found it easier to do this after the bottom shelf is in place.

DIY Side Table Plans

Step 3: Add bottom shelf

The bottom shelf is composed of two 1”x6” boards and one 1”x4” board. Cut the shelf pieces according to the cut list and glue them together using wood glue.

Once the glue has dried, use a jig saw to notch out 1 ½” squares into all four corners.

DIY Side Table Plans

Slide the shelf in place and use a nail gun to secure the shelf to the bottom supports.

DIY Side Table Plans

Step 4: Add side rails

Cut four 1”x 2” side rails according to the cut list. If you haven’t already attached the last two top supports from step 2, go ahead and attach these using 1 ¼” pocket hole screws. Place the 1”x 2” side rails in place (two rails on two opposite sides) spacing evenly. (I found 2 7/8” space between the rails provides even spacing.) Clamp rails in place while you screw them in.

DIY Side Table Plans

Drill pilot holes through the top supports and screw in 2 ½” screws to hold the rails in place at the top.

DIY Side Table Plans

Then, drill pilot holes at an angle through the bottom and screw in 1 ¼” screws to hold the rails in place at the bottom.

DIY Side Table Plans

Step 5: Attach the top

Cut three 1”x6” boards for the top according to the cut list. Just like the bottom shelf, glue the boards together.

DIY Side Table Plans

Once the glue has dried, line the top of the table base with glue and clamp the top on.

DIY Side Table Plans

Finishing Your DIY Side Table:

Sand it down and putty holes. Paint, stain or finish as desired. I stained the table with Rustoleum Weathered Gray.

How to Build a Simple Mission Style End Table

I love the simple style of this table.  What do you guys think? Do you think you could use these DIY plans to build your own side table?

How to Build a Simple Mission Style End Table

For another simple, but stylish end table, check out my twisty table!

Until next time, happy building 🙂

Shara's Signature

Like this side table? You may also like this copper pipe and wood half round table:

Half Round Copper & Wood Side Table | Pretty Handy Girl

 

 

9 replies
  1. Dave Naden
    Dave Naden says:

    I had the exact same problem yesterday; I just cut 4 new boards, about 1/4″ longer. I think the plans are off a bit. But, nice job–great little table!

    Reply
  2. Amy
    Amy says:

    I started putting this table together this morning and for some reason my side rails are too short. I’ve checked my measurements and they are right. So I’m wondering if the side rails should have been 12 1/4 or 12 1/2. So to keep from having to re-cut my wood I’m just gonna move up from the 3 in. mark from the bottom to 3 1/4 or 3 1/2. Just wanted to tell ya in case the measurement is wrong but all of my wood is cut right. Hopefully if the measurement is not accurate then it can be corrected to keep others from cutting to short.

    Reply
    • Shara
      Shara says:

      Yes, I am so sorry, this was a typo. The side rails should be 12 1/4″ long OR you could move the bottom supports up to 3 1/4″ from the bottom instead of 3″ and keep the 12″ side rails. Either would work. Thank you for catching this!!

      Reply
  3. Topsecret1979
    Topsecret1979 says:

    I love all the projects you do!
    I have a question though, what do you do about warping with green wood from a big box store?
    Thanks

    Reply
  4. Emma Metson
    Emma Metson says:

    Shara, these side tables are so sweet! They’re a simple, yet effective design and very fit for purpose.

    Plus, I love the stain you have used. I am a sucker for monochrome though, haha!

    Brittany, thank you for sharing this DIY on your wonderful blog 🙂

    Reply
  5. Ivory
    Ivory says:

    As always, what a fabulous job. I have a t
    Side table exactly like this beautiful table you made. The only difference I got my’s from a second hand store on their 50% off day, and paid only $1.50. What a steal!

    Reply

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