Rustic Cottage End table Final Report Part 2

For my main project I made an end table for my couch with a folding leaf extension in the rustic cottage core aesthetic. I chose this aesthetic because I really enjoy it and it matches my current living room decor. I also knew I wanted to use wood to create this end table due to cost, tools, and skill restraints.

I planned out an initial project schedule using a Gantt chart. I utilized this Gantt chart to keep me on track for getting my project done. 

Like any project, I had some unexpected setbacks and other challenges that caused me to deviate from my originally planned schedule. Shown below is the actual timeline that my project ended up following. 

Once I selected this idea, I started off the project with some general brainstorming and sketching. I measured my couch to determine the dimensions of the table. I then modeled the table in SolidWorks. Once I got my dimensions figured out, I began purchasing materials. I bought redwood from Home Depot for the legs and frame of the table, and edge glued hardwood for the table top. I cut the wood to size, and sanded down the edges. 

For the table top, I then stained the wood with a white wood stain to make it intentionally contrast the color of the legs. I had never used wood stain before so this was a new experience for me. 

For the frame and legs, I began assembling the frame using wood screws. I also painted flowers on the wood using acrylic paint. I then sealed all of the wood using a clear polyurethane stain to protect it. 

Next I attached the piano hinge to the table top using wood screws. With the table top open, the one side was drooping slightly, so I hot glued some wooden dowels under the hinge to combat this. 

I then used wood glue to attach the top frame to the underside of the table top. I ended up purchasing some clamps to hold these pieces together while the wood glue dried. 

I then used the corner brackets to attach the legs to the top and bottom frames. This step was quite difficult. The wood is very hard and it was a struggle to drill into. I used clamps to try to hold the pieces in place while assembling with the corner supports. 

I then had the completed product!

In conclusion, I am fairly satisfied with how this project turned out. I had very minimal woodworking skills and tools to work with. I also had a limited budget and knew that any major mistakes would cost me money. The final product looks fairly similar to my initial idea. It was very cool to see this idea come to life, despite the setbacks I faced. I plan to keep this table and use it in my living room. I may end up detaching the folding leaf as I don’t see myself using it that much. I really like the visual appearance of the table and I think I’ve achieved my desired aesthetic.