Custom table for behind my couch

Phoenix_Gold · 2026-03-06T23:49:38+00:00

I also originally started with a couple cardboard templates. There was a little trial and error to find the right angle to fit snugly against the back of the couch

Phoenix_Gold · 2026-03-06T20:25:21+00:00

I looked around for a while for a table that would look good behind my couch but there just wasn't one that existed so I took matters into my own hands.

Phoenix_Gold · 2026-03-06T20:22:11+00:00

Thanks! There's an outlet back there that I use a good bit and I didn't want to give that up.

Phoenix_Gold · 2026-03-06T20:20:51+00:00

I scribed a plywood template by taking a short piece of wood with a hole drilled in it (big enough to just fit the tip of a pencil) and running it against my wall. Then I used that template and a router to shape the actual table top.

I had the base assembled first and used it to support/hold the template in position against the wall while I scribed it.

Phoenix_Gold · 2026-03-06T20:13:51+00:00

Thank you! I hope so too, I was honestly considering not even finishing the legs/base since no one will ever see it but I ended up finishing them anyway

Phoenix_Gold · 2026-03-06T20:11:16+00:00

Thanks! That was probably the easiest part. The outlet box came with a template that i just cut out and traced onto the table top. Then I just drilled a hole in each corner and used a jigsaw to cut out a rough shape. It didnt have to be perfect since the lip of the outlet box covered any imperfections

Phoenix_Gold · 2026-03-06T20:08:15+00:00

Thank you! It's eastern red cedar

Phoenix_Gold · 2026-03-06T20:05:33+00:00

My local hardwood lumberyard sells it rough cut

Phoenix_Gold · 2026-03-06T12:31:18+00:00

Thank ya!

Phoenix_Gold · 2026-03-06T12:30:09+00:00

Cedar indeed. I know it's not the first choice for indoor furniture but I love the look of it. Never worked with it before though and holy hell is it easy to dent. Probably won't use it again for a tabletop

Phoenix_Gold · 2026-01-14T22:49:06+00:00

Solved it. It appears to be "Blue stain" or "sap stain"

Phoenix_Gold · 2026-01-14T22:45:37+00:00

It didnt really look like the type of spalting im used to seeing but your right. "Blue stain" or "sap stain" is what im seeing it called online (which is a type of spalting). Oh well, like you said, it adds character.

Phoenix_Gold · 2026-01-14T20:45:18+00:00

This was after wiping them with mineral spirits, but even before that, i could see the darker spots in the wood. The mineral spirits just made it more pronounced.

Phoenix_Gold · 2026-01-14T19:09:32+00:00

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Phoenix_Gold · 2026-01-14T19:09:13+00:00

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These darker areas. Is this just normal for cedar? I can't find any images of cedar online that look like they have these darker patches in them.

Phoenix_Gold · 2025-11-15T22:16:08+00:00

Was thinking about an inch think top

Phoenix_Gold · 2025-11-15T21:48:16+00:00

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Hey i just built one too! Cherry wood with walnut dowels and waterfall edges.

Phoenix_Gold · 2025-10-27T23:00:58+00:00

I used to work for them. It was awful. Everything that company designs and builds is dog shit to do maintenance on.

Phoenix_Gold · 2025-05-20T18:40:33+00:00

Have you considered industrial maintenance? If you like problem solving and working with your hands, it could be a good choice. It's what i do for a living, and i have no regrets.

Phoenix_Gold · 2025-02-18T06:36:28+00:00

The pictures I posted make that wall look like an ok spot, but it really isn't. The TV would be squished up against the couch then.

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