Build a chess table with drawer

DIY - $410

Skill - 3/5

Time - 2 days

 

Designed to position next to a sofa this 730mm high side table also doubles as a games station, featuring a chequerboard top and large drawer to store the pieces.

 

The pattern is made by gluing 20mm thick blocks of 65 x 65mm pine dressed all round (DAR) to a base.

 

Cut 64 squares using a mitresaw then lightly smooth using a sanding block and 180 grit abrasive paper to clean up the edges.

 

Position the pieces and apply black sealant underneath and around the edges, making a design feature of the joints then finish the squares in contrasting stains.

 

Choose finger-jointed (FJ) pine for the shelf, rails, cleats, drawer sides and front and DAR pine for the legs, using butt joints with pocket hole joinery to make the table.