Crafting a Stylish Round Side Table: Woodworking Plans for a Perfect Addition to Your Space
Are you looking to add a touch of elegance and functionality to your living room, bedroom, or home office? A round side table could be just the piece you need. Not only do they add a stylish accent, but they also provide a convenient surface for lamps, books, or decorative items. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of creating your own round side table using simple woodworking plans.
Gather Your Materials and Tools
Before you dive into the project, ensure you have all the necessary materials and tools. Here's a list to get you started:
- 1.5" thick plywood (for the top) - 24" diameter
- 2x4 lumber (for the legs and apron)
- Wood glue
- 1.5" pocket hole screws
- 1.25" wood screws
- Sandpaper (120 and 220 grit)
- Stain or paint (optional)
- Woodworking clamps
- Circular saw
- Drill with driver bits
- Jigsaw
- Orbital sander
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Safety glasses
Design Your Table: Dimensions and Cut List
For a standard side table, we'll use the following dimensions. You can adjust these to fit your specific needs:

| Piece | Quantity | Dimension |
|---|---|---|
| Table top | 1 | 24" diameter x 1.5" thick |
| Legs | 4 | 16" long x 3.5" wide x 1.5" thick |
| Apron (top rail) | 1 | 24" long x 3.5" wide x 1.5" thick |
| Apron (stretchers) | 4 | 12" long x 3.5" wide x 1.5" thick |
Create the Table Top
Begin by cutting the table top from your 1.5" thick plywood using a circular saw. If desired, you can use a jigsaw to create a decorative edge. Sand the top thoroughly using 120 and 220 grit sandpaper.
Build the Legs and Apron
Cut the legs and apron pieces according to the cut list. Use a pocket hole jig to create pocket holes on the inside of the apron pieces. These will be used to attach the apron to the legs.
Assemble the Table Base
Apply wood glue to the pocket holes and the ends of the apron stretchers. Attach the stretchers to the top rail using 1.5" pocket hole screws. Next, attach the legs to the apron using 1.25" wood screws. Ensure the table base is square by measuring the diagonals and adjusting as needed.

Attach the Table Top
Flip the table base so the top is facing up. Apply wood glue to the top of the apron and the bottom of the table top. Carefully place the table top onto the base, ensuring it's centered. Use clamps to secure the table top to the base while the glue dries.
Finishing Touches
Once the glue has dried, remove the clamps and sand any rough spots. If desired, stain or paint the table to match your existing furniture. Allow the finish to dry completely before placing items on your new round side table.
Congratulations! You've just created a beautiful, functional round side table using simple woodworking plans. Enjoy the pride and satisfaction that comes with building something with your own hands.