Make a set of nesting tables

These nesting tables are perfect for small living spaces. The table fit neatly inside each other when not in use, or can be unpacked and used for essential storage when needed. They’re also great for a children’s bedroom. Make them and paint them in bold colours for a fun accessory.

DIFFICULTY:  Easy
ESTIMATED TIME:  One day

MATERIALS:

• 2 of 397 x 482 x 18mm SupaWood Large sides
• 1 of 397 x 464 x 18mm SupaWood Large shelf
• 1 of 397 x 500 x 18mm SupaWood Large top
• 2 of 397 x 391 x 18mm SupaWood Medium sides
• 1 of 397 x 420 x 18mm SupaWood Medium shelf
• 1 of 397 x 456 x 18mm SupaWood Medium top
• 2 of 397 x 300 x 18mm SupaWood Small sides
• 1 of 397 x 376 x 18mm SupaWood Small shelf
• 1 of 397 x 412 x 18mm SupaWood Small top
• 2 of 397 x 209 x 18mm Baby sides
• 1 of 397 x 368 x 18mm SupaWood Baby top

TOOLS & ACCESSORIES:

• Wood glue
• Wood filler
• 3.5 x 35mm cut screws
• Drill/Driver plus assorted bits
• Optional: Dremel Trio or router
• Carpenter’s square
• Jigsaw, circular saw or tablesaw if you are cutting your own board
• Tape measure and pencil
• Straightedge or steel rule

If you are cutting all the pieces to size yourself, you can cut 1200mm sheets into 3 strips to allow for the 3mm you lose when cutting with a saw.To cut accurately, measure distance between blade and edge of saw base, then subtract this from measurement you are cutting.

Set up a straightedge – as shown right – to make cuts. As you cut each piece, mark which part it is and which is the top, as it’s easy to mix them up.

An optional step to make butt joints look great is to make them stand out. This is a trick often used in joinery.Set a Dremel Trio or router to cut a 3mm deep x 3mm rebate all the way around underside of each tabletop.

When the top is joined to the sides there will be a groove between the pieces, which looks like it is meant to be there. Sand edges of routed edges so they’re smooth.

On the large, medium and small sides, measure up and draw a line 48 and 66mm for mounting the shelves.Drill three 3mm pilot holes along the centre of your drawn lines. Use a countersink bit on the outside of the sides (the sides that will show) so that screw heads will be below the surface of the board.

Apply a thin bead of wood glue to the shelf edge and then screw the shelves in place.Use a carpenter’s square to check before attaching the other side.

Drill three 3mm pilot holes down the sides of each top. For accurate placing these holes should be 9mm in from edge.Run a thin bead of wood glue along the top edge of the sides and screw on large top. The shadow line will now be quite evident.

Continue to assemble the other tables in the same way.Fill all screw holes with wood filler. When dry, sand with 180-grit sandpaper.

You can paint the tables with a wipeable paint such as Plascon Sure Coat Matt acrylic, Sure Coat Gloss Enamel, or with Rust-Oleum 2X spray paint.If using spray paint, apply an undercoat and sand smooth with 240-grit sandpaper once dry. This will prevent excess absorption by the supawood and you will use less spray paint to cover.

Stick small silicone bumpers to underside of tables to prevent scratches when sliding tables out from each other.