BHG.COM/DIYMAGAZINE DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2020 67
MATERIALS
- Science table
- 1×3 poplar boards
- Chop saw
- Drill
- Pocket-hole jig and screws
- Wood glue
- Pin nailer
- Clamps
- Sandpaper
- Primer
- Paintbrush
- Semigloss paint
Step 1 Create the low shelf’s front and back trim
pieces by measuring the distance between the
inside edges of the front legs of your science
table and cutting two poplar boards to fit. Repeat,
using the distance between the inside edges of
the front and back legs, for the two side pieces.
Step 2 Determine how many shelf slats you will
need by first deciding the size of gap you would
like between each slat; ours is ¼ inch. Measure
the distance between the outside edges of the
front table legs. Subtract 2 inches to account
for the side pieces and a slight inset, then divide
that number by the sum of 2½ inches (the slat
width) and your desired gap size. Subtract your
gap size measurement from your result. If you
get an uneven number, adjust your gap width to
accommodate the number of whole slats.
Step 3 Determine the length of the shelf’s slats
by measuring the distance between the outside
edges of the front and back legs, then subtract
2 inches from that measurement to account for
the shelf’s front and back trim pieces and a slight
inset from the legs. Cut slats to length.
Step 4 Drill two pocket holes on each end of the
front, back, and side trim pieces.
Step 5 Measure table leg dimensions. Subtract
1 inch to account for the shelf’s trim pieces and a
slight inset. Use that measurement to cut notches
on each end of two slats to fit around legs.
Step 6 On your work surface, set front and back
trim pieces parallel to each other on a ¾-inch
side. Arrange slats inside the trim pieces, using
spacers cut to your gap size for consistency and
positioning notched slats correctly. Glue, nail, and
clamp the slats to the front and back pieces.
Step 7 Glue and screw the shelf to table legs so
the shelf sits at your desired height. Attach the
side trim pieces with screws and glue. When dry,
sand, prime, and paint the unit.
COFFEE BAR SHELF
MAKE IT
TABLE TALKSource a science table from an online
school supply shop or keep tabs on school closures
and renovations to snag a used version you can
retrofit with a bottom shelf, above. A laminate tabletop
offers durability while also being more cost-effective
than epoxy resin. Opting for a wooden base creates a
cohesive look once the shelf and base are painted.