How to Build a 2-in-1 Coffee/Dining Table (DIY)

Introduction

I’ve got a large family, and when we all gather it’s become tradition to haul a card table up from the basement and evict the coffee table to make more space for dining. Our next big get-together will be different. Instead of shifting furniture around, I’ll just flip up the coffee table legs and round up the kids!

Tools Required

Materials Required

• 1-1/2" x 4' piano hinge
• 2" trim-head screws
• 3/4" x 2" x 8' walnut board
• 3/4" x 3-1/2" x 8' walnut board
• 3/4" x 4' x 8' walnut plywood
• Glue
• jig knob set
• pin nails
• toggle clamps

A Vintage Project That Still Has Legs Today

The inspiration for this project came from an article Family Handyman published way back in 1956.

Family Handyman

Project Reimaged for Today

I thought the idea of a two-in-one table was brilliant, even for today. I used the same hinged-leg concept but updated a few key things:

• The original article suggested using a door or solid wood for the tabletop. Plywood was available back then but in a limited range of options. Luckily for me (and you), we can now make projects faster, easier and often better with plywood.
• In coffee table mode, this project looked awkward with its large overhangs and inward-tilted legs. So I tweaked the design and found that placing all eight legs on the floor gave the table a more balanced and unique look.
• Since the legs will be swung in and out, I decided to build a half-lap joint instead of a miter, which would have to be reinforced. It also made assembling the legs much easier.