Osborne Builder's Studio: Fluted Coffee Table

For this build, ¾” red oak plywood is the main material used for the table. Cut the sheet to 48”, which will be the final length for the top and bottom of the table. Then, cut that piece in half, to 24”, which will be the final width for the table.

Center a compass on the tabletop and mark out the corners for a rounded oval. Use a jigsaw to cut out the corners of each panel, making sure to cut with the bottom side facing upwards.

The table will have an interior width of 18” wide. Use a ruler to make a mark on the inside of where the side supports will go.

Calculate the reveal of the table based on the thickness of your tambour.

Once the support panels have been cut using a table saw, mark out the locations of where dowels will be placed to help with alignment. It is important to make sure the marks match on the top and bottom panels to make sure everything remains square during assembly. After ensuring everything is square, use a drill to make the holes for the dowels.

Once the dowel locations have been drilled onto the top and bottom panels, use a doweling jig to transfer the marks onto the interior panels.

Use a drill to add some pocket holes to the top and bottom of each support panel to add some extra support to the table and fully secure each panel together.

Add some wood glue to each of the pre-drilled holes in the panels and add some wooden dowels into each location.

Add the side and end support panels together and secure them using the pre-drilled pocket holes. When these have been correctly placed and secured, screw the pieces together using the pre-drilled pocket holes. The table top should align the same way as the bottom and should be secured using the same pre-drilled pocket holes.

Determine the desired location for the furniture feet, mark the area and use a two-step bit to pre-drill holes for them.

Drill a small hole into the foot itself. Select an appropriate length screw for the foot and attach the foot to the table through the pre-drilled hole. Other options for attaching furniture feet are offered on the Osborne website as well.

Cut the flexible tambour panels to the correct length at 12 ⅞ in.

Create a few more support panels for the tambour by cutting some leftover plywood and making sure it is flush with the existing support panels. Trace out this template onto the remaining plywood and cut out 8 more for the final assembly. These might need to be shaped slightly differently, depending on the table.

Add some wood glue to the frame and place these pieces within the frame, securing them with a finish nailer. Secure a piece onto the top and bottom of the frame.

Slide the tambour panels into place and secure them by using a finish nailer, so they are secured into the newly added plywood. Wood glue can also be added to the back of the tambour to help with attachment. Make sure to leave a small gap between each of the tambour panels when they are being installed next to each other, this will help to avoid any warping. Repeat this process with each of the remaining tambour panels.

For a center shelf, cut a piece of scrap plywood to size at 18 ½ by 18 ⅜ in. Next cut some small side rails to hold the shelf in place, once installed.

Mark the locations for the side rails, add some wood glue, and attach using a finish nailer. Test out the shelf fit and place into the table.

Add some pre-glued edge banding to the sides of the table to give it a finished look.

Trim the edge banding to size and sand out any imperfections on the table, making sure not to sand too far into the plywood.

Remove any dust from the table and then add the wood finish of your choice.