‘C' The Table?
The Home Handyman|July/August 2020
I decided that I would organise a side table to have my coffee and cake, cell phone and glass of wine handy instead of balancing a tray on my lap whilst checking out the sport news on TV. After thinking about various side table options, the easiest was to make a C-table. Plus, I could easily do the job with a minimum of materials and hand plus a few power tools.
‘C' The Table?

Tools and materials

Timber: 3 x 1.8m x 44 x 22 Pine Par (see Fig 1. for the cutting list)

Cordless drill

Various wood drills

Cordless screwdriver

Tape measure

Steel rule

Handsaw (fine toothed)

Adjustable square

Depth marking gauge

12 and 18mm chisels

Wood rasp, medium cut

Rubber mallet

Wood clamps (4)

Sander

120 and 220 grit sandpaper

Wood filler

Masking tape

Wood glue

Wood stain

Wood sealer

4 x 40 x 4mm cut screws

8 x 35 x 3mm cut screws

Step-by-step guide

Step 1: Measure on your settee/armchair the gap between the bottom and the floor; the clearance needed between the bottom of the settee/armchair and the arms. In my instance, I needed 20mm gap at the bottom with a little over 600mm for the side arms. The tabletop doesn’t need to be very big, just enough for a mug or a beer glass, a small plate and, of course, your phone or TV remote. I had a piece of Formica topped shelving 250 x 480mm. The table frame is made up of standard pine par 1.8m x 22 x 44 or 1.8m x 45 x 20. Because I had the 22mm format, I had to get a metre of it shaved down to 20mm.

Depending upon your measurements (see Fig. 1) cut the timber to the lengths you need. Remember the old adage of measuring twice before cutting, mark out the cut line with an adjustable square, so that if you’re using a hand saw/ back saw you don’t cut at an angle which is not a right angle and you remember to allow for the thickness of the saw cut. Or, of course, you can get the guy at the timber shop to cut everything to length on the table saw.

Measure the gap at the base, the height of the arm.

Esta historia es de la edición July/August 2020 de The Home Handyman.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición July/August 2020 de The Home Handyman.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE THE HOME HANDYMANVer todo
UPGRADING home security
The Home Handyman

UPGRADING home security

When it comes to home security, doors, locks, and handles are your first line of defence.

time-read
4 minutos  |
January/February 2025
CEILING ELEGANCE
The Home Handyman

CEILING ELEGANCE

All you need to know about cornices and crown moulding.

time-read
4 minutos  |
January/February 2025
8 DIY MYTHS YOU SHOULD STOP BELIEVING
The Home Handyman

8 DIY MYTHS YOU SHOULD STOP BELIEVING

DIY can seem intimidating, especially if you’re new to it or have heard some of the common myths that discourage people from trying their hand at it. But don’t let these misconceptions hold you back! Here are 8 DIY myths you should stop believing and the truth behind them.

time-read
2 minutos  |
January/February 2025
WINDOW WONDERLAND
The Home Handyman

WINDOW WONDERLAND

Windows are more than just functional parts of a home they're key design elements that influence your comfort, security, and energy efficiency.

time-read
4 minutos  |
January/February 2025
CONCRETE CREATIONS: A guide to working with cement
The Home Handyman

CONCRETE CREATIONS: A guide to working with cement

With the right tools, techniques, and a little know-how, working with cement can be straightforward and incredibly rewarding.

time-read
5 minutos  |
January/February 2025
HOW TO CARVE A WOODEN BIRD
The Home Handyman

HOW TO CARVE A WOODEN BIRD

Do you love nature and its beautiful creatures? Are you passionate about wood carving and want to combine the two? If so, you're in the right place! In this article, we'll show you how to carve a wooden bird that captures the beauty of nature and provides a satisfying creative outlet.

time-read
3 minutos  |
January/February 2025
SHELF-INDULGENCE
The Home Handyman

SHELF-INDULGENCE

Free-standing shelves are a versatile solution for tidying up almost any space. Whether it's your desk, kitchen, workshop, craft room, children's room, or even a spot for plants, these shelves can help you organise and declutter.

time-read
3 minutos  |
January/February 2025
RACK IT UP
The Home Handyman

RACK IT UP

If you've ever wanted to create a custom shelf that combines industrial style with functionality, this project is for you! Using metal tubing and wood, you'll build a robust shelving unit perfect for organising your space.

time-read
3 minutos  |
January/February 2025
BUILDING A SIMPLE KITCHEN BENCH
The Home Handyman

BUILDING A SIMPLE KITCHEN BENCH

I needed a kitchen bench, so I built one... When you're in need of furniture but don't want to spend a fortune, building it yourself can be both a cost-effective and satisfying solution.

time-read
5 minutos  |
January/February 2025
SIT HAPPENS
The Home Handyman

SIT HAPPENS

An ergonomic kneeling chair is a practical and stylish solution for anyone who spends long hours working at a desk.

time-read
6 minutos  |
January/February 2025