How to Build a Foldable Wooden Coffee Table

This project shows you how to build a compact, foldable coffee table that is sturdy when open and slim when folded. Every measurement, cut, and screw placement is explained clearly, so you don’t need prior woodworking experience or guesswork.

Final Dimensions (Very Important)

- Length: 900 mm

- Width: 500 mm

- Height: 450 mm

Table folded:

Thickness: 85–95 mm (depends on folding brackets)

Materials — Explained Clearly

1. Wood Type (Why Pine Is Used)

Use solid pine boards, thickness 18 mm. Pine is:

- Easy to cut

- Lightweight (important for folding)

- Cheap

- Forgiving for beginners

Avoid MDF or particle board — they do not hold screws well.

2. Wood Cut List (Exact Measurements)

Tabletop

1 piece: 900 × 500 × 18 mm

Legs

4 pieces: 450 × 60 × 18 mm (60 mm width gives strength without bulk)

Apron Frame (Supports the Tabletop)

2 long aprons: 820 × 60 × 18 mm

2 short aprons: 420 × 60 × 18 mm

These dimensions allow a 40 mm inset from the tabletop edges on all sides.

3. Hardware

4 folding leg brackets with locking mechanism

Must lock automatically when opened

Wood screws

4 × 40 mm (frame + legs)

4 × 30 mm (frame to tabletop)

Wood glue (PVA)

Optional: felt pads for feet

Tools Required (Beginner Friendly)

Measuring tape (metric)

Pencil

Hand saw or circular saw

Drill

Drill bits:

3 mm (pilot holes)

6 mm (optional countersink)

Screwdriver bit

Sandpaper: 80 / 120 / 220 grit

Clamps (optional but helpful)

Step 0 — Lay Everything Out (DO NOT SKIP)

Lay all wood pieces on the floor:

Group legs together

Group aprons together

Keep tabletop separate

Double-check measurements before assembly. This is where mistakes are prevented.

Step 1 — Sand All Pieces

Start with 80 grit to remove rough edges

Move to 120 grit

Finish with 220 grit

Lightly round all sharp edges — this prevents splinters and looks professional.

Step 2 — Build the Apron Frame

Assembly Dimensions

Outside frame size:

820 + 2 × 18 mm = 856 mm

420 + 2 × 18 mm = 456 mm

Instructions

Lay the long aprons parallel

Place short aprons between them

Apply wood glue to joints

Clamp or hold firmly

Drill 3 mm pilot holes

Drive 2 screws per joint

Check squareness by measuring diagonals — both must match.

Step 3 — Attach Frame to Tabletop

Turn the tabletop upside down

Center the frame:

40 mm inset from each edge

Drill pilot holes upward

Use 4 × 30 mm screws

Use 8–10 screws total

Do not drill through the tabletop.

Step 4 — Prepare the Legs

Each leg:

Length: 450 mm

Width: 60 mm

Thickness: 18 mm

Sand edges thoroughly — legs are frequently touched.

Step 5 — Install Folding Brackets

This step determines how well the table folds.

Attach one bracket to the top of each leg

Align bracket flush with leg edge

Screw firmly (pilot holes first)

Fold bracket flat

Position leg inside apron corner

Screw bracket to apron

Important:

All legs must fold inward toward the center.

Step 6 — Test Folding Action

Open all legs until brackets lock

Press down gently on tabletop

Fold legs inward

Ensure nothing rubs or jams

Minor movement is normal; wobble is not.

Step 7 — Final Sanding

Lightly sand entire table again with 220 grit.

Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Step 8 — Finish (Optional but Recommended)

Options:

Clear varnish (natural look)

Wood stain + varnish

Paint (modern style)

Apply 2–3 thin coats, sanding lightly between coats.

Final Result

You now have:

A strong foldable coffee table

Slim storage profile

A solid beginner woodworking project

A foundation to build more advanced furniture