$10 Side Table

Build a simple wood side table using just three 2x3s and straightforward cuts. Angled legs, lower stretchers, and a glued-up wood top create a sturdy table while keeping the lumber cost under $10.

Materials

2×3 studs (3)
Wood glue
Wood screws
Wood filler
80-grit and 120-grit sandpaper
Cedar-tone exterior wood finish

Tools

Miter or circular saw
Drill/driver
Bar clamps
Smaller clamps for assembly
Random orbital sander
Tape measure
Speed square

Steps

Cut two long aprons at 13 3/4″, two short aprons at 12″, and two lower stretchers at 13 7/8″. Cut four legs at 20″.
Mark a 10° angle on each leg using a rafter square. Cut both ends of each leg at 10° with the cuts parallel so the legs sit flat while splaying outward.
Assemble the aprons into the upper table frame using butt joints and wood glue. Clamp the frame square and allow the glue to set.
Cut seven tabletop pieces at 15 3/4″. Glue the strips edge-to-edge and clamp them together with bar clamps. Let the frame and tabletop dry overnight.
Position the four legs against the inside of the upper frame with the angled ends oriented consistently. Predrill, then glue and screw each leg to the frame.
Install the two 13 7/8″ lower stretchers between the legs for additional stability. Predrill before driving the screws to reduce the chance of splitting the 2x3s.
Trim the glued-up tabletop as needed to square the edges. Sand the top and table base with 80-grit followed by 120-grit sandpaper.
Center the tabletop on the base and secure it from underneath with angled screws so no fasteners are visible from the top.
Fill visible screw holes and imperfections with wood filler. Once dry, sand the filled areas smooth and complete any final finish sanding.

Notes

Actual 2×3 dimensions can vary, so verify your lumber before making the final cuts and adjust dimensions if needed.
Keep the 10° cuts on each leg parallel and oriented the same way so the table sits evenly.
Bar clamps are recommended for getting a flatter, tighter tabletop glue-up.
Predrill all screw locations, especially near the ends of the boards, to help prevent splitting.
A cut-list optimizer can help plan the cuts across all three 2x3s and reduce waste.

Difficulty: Beginner

Estimated Time: 1-2 days