How to Build a MODERN Round Wood Coffee Table

In this video, I'm sharing how I built these simple modern coffee tables from leftover maple I had from my last project video!
Check out the plans and details of this build here:
www.woodshopdi...
I'm sharing two ways to assemble--one using wood glue and screws and the other using half laps.
Plus, I'm showing how to make a super simple circle jig to use with a router. Hope you enjoy the build!
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TikTok: / woodshopdiaries
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SHOP NEW WOODWORKING TEES AND BUILDING PLANS HERE: woodshop-diari...
Some posts you may find helpful in this build:
How to square board edges & make your own 2x2s: www.woodshopdi...
How to build table tops: www.woodshopdi...
Basic Guide to Using a Router: www.woodshopdi...
How to finish raw wood furniture: www.woodshopdi...
Tips for professional looking DIY furniture: www.woodshopdi...
Tools and Materials:
*Affiliate links below
Materials:
*Lumber amounts may vary based on the size table you are building (See plans: www.woodshopdi...)
Materials:
(2) 2x8x8 boards (makes a top approx 34″ diameter)
(2) 2x2x8 boards (for the base)
2 ½″ wood screws
⅝″ wood screws: amzn.to/3zZ2NOO
⅜″ dowel (optional to plug screw holes): amzn.to/3utW9Pq
Figure 8 fasteners: amzn.to/3mfvGBK
Wood Glue: amzn.to/39VbzDc
Ebony Stain: amzn.to/3DhuiW0
Clear Poly: amzn.to/3B01ksT
Tools:
Miter Saw: homedepot.sjv....
Table Saw (optional)
Circular saw: homedepot.sjv....
Cutting Guide: amzn.to/3D0mach
Router (optional-can use a jig saw or band saw instead): homedepot.sjv....
OR Jig Saw: homedepot.sjv....
Drill/Driver: homedepot.sjv....
⅜″ forstner bit (Optional-to countersink and plug screw holes): amzn.to/3kYABro
⅝″ forstner bit (to install figure 8 fasteners): amzn.to/39SfqRd
Large clamps to glue up top
Flush cut saw (hand or oscillating): homedepot.sjv....
Chisel: homedepot.sjv....
Hand Plane: amzn.to/39TEg3a
Belt Sander: homedepot.sjv....
Orbital Sander

[@ELCADAROSA]

Beautiful tables, Shara. I’ve used a dado set on my table saw when making the cuts for half lap joints. Much cleaner cuts.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Yeah, I considered using my table saw to make the cuts, but they had to be cut at an angle and I don’t trust my miter gauge…I’ve not taken the time to dial it in. Something I need to do “one of these days when I have free time” 😂 those days never exist

[@btrswt35]

@@WoodshopDiaries suggestion, specifically do a video on tuning up your equipment like this. Maybe a video on making a homemade crosscut sled? You also mentioned not having a router table, another possible video idea(?). I've been woodworking for 30+ years and in my experience some of the most useful videos for instructional purposes are for making the tools to make the projects 😉

[@AlanPieroway]

I like that she can do wonders without a giant super machine equipped shop. She makes things that I could actually see myself making. An inspiration.

[@EclaWood]

Meja bundar yang bagus

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much!

[@diyhuntress]

I’m obsessed with theseee! 😍

[@WoodshopDiaries]

You’re the best Sam! 😘😘

[@cliffstarks9579]

I went to my local Home Depot and Lowe’s and they neither have the figure 8 pieces to attach a table top. I even got some washers and laid them out in a figure 8 and explained how and why they work and both places said nope, don’t have anything like that. So, my lovely Shara, what is the correct term for these and by any chance do you have a part number for either Lowe’s or HD? I ordered some on Amazon and when they came in they were tiny and for jewelry. I would appreciate your help, since you have so much time on your hands from dry wall hanging! 😂

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I linked the ones I used in the description. I’ve never seen them in the store at either my Lowe’s or Home Depot. I’ve always had to order them online.

[@brianackles4087]

you're one of those magical unicorn women that are drop dead gorgeous and knows how to work with wood. Are you sure you really exist?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Haha I’m not sure I’d agree about either of those attributes 😂 but thanks for the compliment nonetheless. I do, in fact, exist 😆

[@franciscomedina6485]

Shara you are Beautiful and Talented I like all your projects. Receive a big hug from me to you since Los Angeles California

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! I appreciate your kind words! Have a great weekend!

[@jeanloreaud9282]

Super conception et belle réalisation bravo à bientôt salut Jeannot 😉🛠

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you watching!

[@ryangwin1318]

I use a combination of cutting methods for circles specifically, but my personal preference is to make a similar jig to your router setup, but attach you circular saw. Ive cut many large circles for counter tops, benches and tables that way and though it seems a bit awkward to think about, it works phenomenally. The circular saw has the cutting power needed to make the job easier, and theres very little clean up afterward. Nice design. I really like this simplicity of your design. Thank you maam.

[@frankrhynes4121]

Great job and good eye for design Where did you learn your wood working skill from You have the heart of a wood worker

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I appreciate that! I just learned by doing…I built a dining table many years ago and loved the process of making things so I started making more things and just figured it out as I went.

[@MCsCreations]

Really beautiful work, Shara! 😃 I really loved the design you made! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! I appreciate you watching and glad you enjoyed it! Have a great weekend!

[@christophermckinney984]

Love these Shara! I’m still watching, but the design is spot on, as usual!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy the rest of the video :)

[@christophermckinney984]

@@WoodshopDiaries I did really like the rest, and I think they greatly compliment the kitchen/dining table you did in the last video. Also, I think you just gave me a really good idea on a circle jig for my router using a piece of leftover flooring. And by all mean, please continue to include the “mess ups”, like your attempt at a half lap with the circular saw…they might be the only thing keeping me from putting you on a pedestal!

[@nickysidebet4557]

I love the intro music in all your videos lol. I also love the videos

[@Aaron-nj4ou]

Great build. Very well explained and the contrast between the maple and the ebony looks fantastic. How do you like the Mirka?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! I liked my Mirka fine for the 2.5 years I had it. It died a couple weeks ago and I got a Bosch to replace it. For the $2000 price difference, I didn’t like it $2000 more 🤣

[@samspade4634]

Hey, fun channel! I am sorry it took so long, but am a new subscriber and hit the bell. So far I've watched 3 of your videos and I took something new away from each one. Thank you and I look forward to learning more.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I really appreciate that! Thanks so much for following along!

[@SuperArbi007]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you 👍

[@jacobpoblete3535]

Hi shara , from chile

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Hi! Thanks for watching!

[@jasonthomas1760]

Very awesome build girl! I'm with you on the marking. If I don't layout every single cut, you can bet your paycheck I'll cut it the opposite of what I need. May be why I have put off the trim work in my kitchen so long...

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! I totally understand that. Trim work is tedious…I’d procrastinate on it too 😅

[@ernestoserr3885]

thank you so much for sharing ,, I´m going to try to make these tables !!! shout out to you from mexico !!!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Awesome! Happy building 😊

[@FritsvanDoorn]

What a great design again. I guess that your next project will be a matching chair or bench or so? Can't wait to see it.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! Not sure what the next project will be. 😅 we are packing to move so I’ll have to see what I’m able to put together next

[@jjs811]

Another amazing build.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I appreciate you watching!

[@moh.basel88]

Well done shra great job 👏👍

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much!

[@asdfjkl426]

Very nice. I appreciate you sharing the the alternative tools and and techniques for making the half-laps and cutting the circle. It helps me understand the trade-offs that you considered. Cheers.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much for watching!

[@johnkelley9877]

They look great! P plike the ebony stain better than the paint. I agree about it allowing you to see the grain of the wood. Your designs just get better. Thanks for sharing this.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I appreciate that. Thanks so much for watching! 😄

[@jbailey78]

These came out beautiful! Great work!

[@brandoaucasi5825]

Hola bebecita brrr real hasta la muerte baby😁😁🇵🇪

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

That's beautiful maple and a beautiful table!

[@ΓΕΡΑΣΙΜΟΣΣΤΡΑΓΓΑΣ]

That is absolutely beautiful project , that's great thanks

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@sinam1951]

Amazing job! I always enjoy and learn a lot watching your videos!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I appreciate that! So glad you enjoy them!

[@polgartibor1958]

Shara thank for you video , big LIKE for you !!!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much!

[@TheToddbart]

Great work, they turned out beautiful.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! I can’t wait to put them to good use!

[@pensiveboogie]

You mean “They turned out beautifully”

[@Abierre2013]

Veeery cool!!! Colors and build, very nice! Brava!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much!

[@jbb5470]

Turned out Great Shara! Really like the looks of the tables

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! 😊

[@pteddie6965]

These are beautiful, Shara. I love the risers. Thanks for the video.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! I love them too! Somehow I’m into making things look like they’re “floating” lately 😂

[@kopan6a]

I like so much your videos, thanks and and good work¡ 😁👏🏽👍🏽😎

[@TranzystorTV]

I enjoy watching You! :) By the way, project as always- excellent :)

[@ZachStein]

Very cool looking table. If you don't mind me saying... As far as making a circle. There are ways to do that and calculate how much wood to use in your panel glue-up to waste less wood. Chris Salomone did a great video on doing that.

[@bartthatcher5799]

Killer design and great-looking project.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much!

[@nelsontriana8499]

I LIKE HER SKILLS SHE IS BRILANT

[@sddiymakeitworthit7512]

That’s awesome

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you 👍

[@timtoulson9662]

Thanks for the inspiration, I will use the leg technique to build some tables my son and daughter are wanting. Very nice effect.

[@johnnnyboo7105]

Wowww! So beautiful shara! Love the maple/black combo

[@tomasgulas]

That was so cool idea to cut the circle, great job!!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! Definitely a simple but effective way to make a circle jig!

[@JamesDeese]

First, congratulations on the new house. Second, I have to say that the dinner table and these coffee tables are good examples of efficient use of wood, and facing the wood to affect. What beautiful furniture, or art...both. Thank you for sharing your work.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate you watching and your kind words!

[@davidrudd1845]

Unbelievable...you make it look so easy and with the right tools it probably is...but I love it....and a great way to recycle all those smaller left over pieces of timber.. thank you. It gives me ideas...

[@alexramirez15]

Nice work

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much!

[@ebmarson]

Nice job. I like the contrasting colors. Thanks for sharing

[@jackitodd4803]

Love these. Thanks for all the great tips!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Hope they were helpful!

[@cesarsanchez-jb9wu]

Excelente trabajo en haces lo difícil muy fácil

[@wyattselleck7236]

Impressive. 👍

[@Lamefoureyes]

Commenting for the algorithm!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! 😄

[@73satanico]

👍👍👍

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you!

[@estherfilip3275]

Wow, so beautiful!❤️

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you!

[@pf5658]

Love the design and they turned out beautiful. 😊

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I appreciate you watching!

[@chetnash5991]

Leave no scrap behind! Maybe a 1/8 round over edge

[@WoodshopDiaries]

A chamfer or round over would be great if you don’t like sharp corners. I actually prefer the sharp corners in my designs, but can definitely understand if others don’t. Glad you enjoyed the project. Thanks so much for watching!

[@TheBengstonWoodshop]

Awesome job!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@Cestyoo]

Omg i love it! I would use the little table as a stool. Does it hold the the weight?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I sat on mine to test it 😂😂 doesn’t budge a bit

[@marcusdavis8650]

Those tables are very beautiful nice and thick you do such awesome work as always!

[@frankrhynes4121]

Can’t wait for the next video

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much for following along!

[@myhandydiy4471]

nice simple process, and they look amazing

[@joangrant5248]

Another fantastic project!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you!

[@JayBergCustoms]

I love that ebonized wood look on the legs! Great contrasts. Almost broke your phone there at the end lol.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! Yes I love the contrast here. I almost left it natural but I’m glad I didn’t. Also, I’ve dropped my phone SOOOOOOO many times and it’s still kickin 😂 otterbox for the win 🙌

[@aprilhampton6298]

Your tables are beautiful!!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you watching!

[@alliphil1]

Oooooh!!! I LOVE the look of these!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you!!

[@SawdustmakerLori]

Your tables turned out gorgeous!!! I love the modern look and that maple is truly beautiful......great job!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I’m so glad I had enough leftover to make this! I’ll definitely have to use this again in the future!

[@michaelharrington6291]

You out did yourself!! Those are super nice!

[@olfertpoelen]

NICE!

[@jmuraw1488]

I love all the furniture you build! I need to transform my garage into a workshop!!

[@donnygrahambuilds]

Nice pieces! Maybe time for a new dado stack in the table saw? =] I know CMT makes a pretty stellar set *thumbs up*

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I have one, I just didn’t trust my miter gauge to be precise enough to cut these that way 👍😅

[@irvinwittmeier5208]

Good project !;-)

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much!

[@runforyourlife5400]

Это прекрасно

[@craiggoodwin9704]

Shara, another great build. I love how you molded the wood into place until it fit perfectly and looked flawless. The ebony contrasted with the clear coat really brings out the natural beauty of the wood. Sorry it took so long to watch your video. We went camping out of town of course. We camped next to a small lake in the middle of apple country in Washington State, of course. I took my scratch pad with me so I could scratch out some things to build while I enjoyed my coffee. My next build will probably be one of your projects which get better and better each week. By now your probably working on the next one which I am looking forward to. Thanks for Sharing!

[@alidivsalar6396]

Great as always 👌👍 I enjoyed 👍

[@WoodshopDiaries]

So glad to hear it! Thanks for watching!

[@alidivsalar6396]

@@WoodshopDiaries you're welcome, good luck 💐

[@ColocasiaCorm]

Beautiful and tables not bad either 😉

[@elizabethlevine4263]

These are amazing!!!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! ☺️

[@saliyalokeshwara]

I actually love this design

[@jessewatts1377]

Where do you get your maple wood from

[@WoodshopDiaries]

A local saw mill

[@scottmorris4914]

Question. How do you keep the blade in your jigsaw from deflecting to one side or the other? My luck it would deflect “in”, and then using a flush cut router bit would not work.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

For cutting through thicker materials, a thicker blade helps prevent as much deflection. However, when going around an outside curve, it most likely would deflect outside vs inside, so it wouldn’t really matter

[@AB-nu5we]

When I cut large circles like that, I use the router all the way through. I just keep taking deeper passes till I get through the wood. For thicker cuts, you can use a collet extension (they're often used on CNC cutters). Regardless, great results on both tables.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I’ve always done that on my past round tables. Tried something new this time 👍 Not sure I’ll do it again 😂

[@wyattselleck7236]

Thank you for sharing.

[@Jones572]

Great design🤙🏾💯

[@patelkrunal311]

LOVE THIS!!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you 👍

[@RG-ce5hj]

99.7 k. You will hit the 100k subs any day now! YAAAY!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

It’s getting there slowly! We’ve been moving and setting up my new workshop so that’s been a nice distraction from keeping a constant eye on it 😂

[@andrewiliff1446]

Truly inspiring! Nice work!

[@Zerbijan]

Awesome Great tables🤙

[@chrissleblanc]

Looks like a cool design for a bar stool

[@WoodshopDiaries]

That would be a cool design for some stools! Great idea

[@chrissleblanc]

What's the angle on the legs

[@WoodshopDiaries]

All the details can be found in the plans: www.woodshopdiaries.com/modern-diy-round-coffee-table/

[@nobuckle40]

Very nice tables. I noticed that you don't have a jointer. Do you find that for the kind of projects you make that not having one is beneficial?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! No I don’t have a jointer. They’d come in handy occasionally, but I wouldn’t use one enough to justify the cost plus the floor space it would be to have one. There are alternatives to using one if you get creative and don’t need it very often (like me)

[@RG-ce5hj]

These tables are crazy nice! Your style of building and the narration really make the video enjoyable to watch.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I appreciate that! Thank you! I’m happy to hear you enjoyed it and I appreciate you watching 😊

[@everett8114]

Good job kid

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks

[@rob_o.n.e6625]

great work !!!

[@WillysPerformanceCycleCtr]

Good morning Shara! Another great design and build. I especially like how you scavenge your leftovers and build such beautiful pieces of furniture! Thanks for including alternative ideas on how to make cuts, etc…. Like you, I like to use stain in lieu of paint. Sooo much easier and I think it looks much better. Thanks for another great project and keep on building. Have a nice weekend!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! I appreciate you following along and watching! I’m definitely going to be swapping black paint for black stain again. I don’t know why I never thought about that before 🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️😂 I hope you have a great weekend!

[@kennethstarkey4360]

Wow! That’s a great take on nesting tables. They look beautiful

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! I appreciate you watching!

[@hviking1970]

Love your videos, just wanted to remind you of another way to cut the half laps. Your sliding miter saw should be able to handle that. You can set a stop for the height of the miter saw and a stop for how long the half lap should be. Perfect half laps every time. Not saying its the best way to do it, just another option for half laps. Keep up the great work.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Yes that’s a great way to do it as well! Thanks for watching!

[@Bekim8310]

Beautiful coffee tables Shara! Excellent work!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! I appreciate it!

[@timdyer7692]

Nice job, Shara! The tables look great. Very good use of left over materials.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! I can’t wait to put these to good use!

[@michaelb542]

Got to love it when you have just enough wood laying around to make something. And in your case something that looks amazing. Well done. And thanks for sharing. Keep up the great work Shara. Like always looking forward to seeing what's next. 👌

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Yes! Nothing better than not having to go to the store to buy anything to build a project. 😂 that’s rare for me haha. Glad you enjoyed the project and video. Thanks so much for watching!

[@makermikesizer]

These are lovely. I'm really liking your recent pieces.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! I appreciate you watching!

[@scottmorris4914]

I like the idea of just gluing one board at a time for the top, much more easily manageable getting the boards to line up.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Definitely easier to get things lined up. A little more time consuming but not bad.

[@igork.2271]

You are in my top 20 woodworking YT content creators, so I want to ask you, when you say the measurements to include the metric values as well. I hate that I have to turn on the calculator to calculate feet and inches to cm or mm. US YT content creators are dominant in the YT virtual space so they have to adapt to the rest of t he world and not the opposite. This is just a suggestion, if you refuse of course no hard feelings there are a ton of other viewers and YT creators. Thanks!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I appreciate you watching and glad to hear you enjoy it! I understand where you’re coming from but as I personally use inches/ft, and about 80-90% of my audience is in the US, that’s what I share in my plans. I apologize for the confusion.

[@RJ-es5ho]

Why in the world would she need to adapt to the rest of the world? She caters to her audience. I don't go on Peter Millard's channel and ask him to convert to freedom units. He uses metric and if I want to follow along, I convert them myself.

[@igork.2271]

@@RJ-es5ho I'm not sure if this is sarcastic comment or not :D, but anyway, I agree, she don't need to adapt to anything if she doesn't want, the thing is simple she is the seller we are the customers. I only asked if she can include metric as well not to use it. Many content creators during the video editing write cm, mm on the screen it's easier for the rest 6-7 billion people. I respect Shara very much because she include the free plans and making things with usual tools not with 1 million USD equipment. Also, I encourage you to go to the Millards's channel and write to him to include "Freedom units" as well.

[@vs77mail]

Love the contrast and the design. Fantastic jod, well done and thanks for sharing.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you watching!

[@tree_carcass_mangler]

Great projects, and I liked the discussion on different ways of doing things. Thumbs up and thanks for posting!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! You can get as complex or as simple as you want with this…I wanted to make sure I covered it all 😅