Build a Modular Coffee Table

Cut the Legs to Length

While the panels are drying, we'll work on the table's legs. If you're building the table to the specified 15-inch height, you'll need five legs that are exactly 2" x 2" on each side, cut to 14-1/4" in length.

While you can buy 12/4 stock and mill it down to the desired 2" on each side using a surface planer, it might be easier to simply ask your wood supplier to have the piece milled to the size you need when you order it (particularly if you don't have a surface planer).

Once you have the 2x2 stock, cut five pieces at 14-1/4" in length for each table.

Next, we'll need to set up your radial arm saw or table saw with a stacked dado set to cut some large rabbet-like notches in the ends of the legs. Use four chippers to set the width of the stacked dado set to a 3/4" cut, according to the instructions that accompany the dado set.