This three shelf console table is a variation of my two-toned console table. It’s built in exactly the same way with the exception of adding a third shelf. The legs are 2×4’s so make sure you buy your wood several weeks (or more) before building to let them dry out as much as possible before building.
Three Shelf Console Table
Materials
Lumber needed for table top and shelves:
- Join several pieces of 2x lumber to achieve desired width
(or greater than desired and then cut down to size) for table top and lower shelf. - Top is 18″ wide
- Lower shelves are 12″ (the leg opening is 12 7/16″ wide shelf should be less to allow for wood movement).
- In this drawing, the lower shelves are flush with the legs but the top overhangs by a couple inches in each end. Of course you can modify the length of each to make your table fit your space.
2×4 Lumber lengths needed for legs:
- two – 16 5/8″
- four – 18″
- four – 27″
Build legs
- Refer to my two-toned console table to see pictures of how I cut and assembled the legs.
Add middle shelf support
- Attach a 1×3 to each leg with pocket hole screws.
- The pocket holes should be on the top of the board so they are hidden once the shelf is in place.
- Location of the middle shelf is up to you. Do you want it in the middle, top third or closer to the bottom? You decide!
Sand and Finish
- sand the legs and stain, clear coat or paint as desired now. It will be easier now than after the shelves are attached.
Add Top and Shelves
- Join and trim wood to create shelves of the appropriate length and width.
- Attach to the legs.
- Dowels or loose tenons would be a great option.
- Or just screw up through the leg parts into the top and bottom shelf with wood screws.
- The length of each piece can be adjusted to meet your needs.
Enjoy!
If you build any of my plans, I would LOVE to see how your project turned out. Tag me on instagram and use #SawdustGirl and #BuildLikeAGirl so I’ll be sure to see!
Val says
Great! I bookmarked this. We live in an Edwardian house with a long narrow hallway. When I have time I am going to make something similar – a console table/shoe rack. Will change the dimensions to fit in the available space and might add another shelf. This tutorial will come very handy, thank you Sandra!
Gayla Baker says
Wonderful! I noticed the bottom support is not flat but has a cutout. How is that done? I plan to add four sides to the top so that it becomes a “box” to hold seaonal potted plants. I will caulk all seams and paint the inside, too, with oil based enamel so that any accidental water runoff from the plants won’t damage it. Many thanks.
Sandra says
There is a link in the post taking you to a post that shows you how to do that.
Randy says
Why can’t I ever get the free plans???
Sandra says
The information is in the post. And it’s free.
Patrick W Henry says
Sanda, this is the first time I have seen anyone recommend letting construction grade lumber dry out before using it. I try to keep a supply stickered and clamped for as long as posible to reduce shrinkage. Thanks for the plans, I will be filing these away for a summer build (the shop is not heated).
Rhonda Dowdy says
Pure genius! My husband and I love your work. We are on our last (I hope) kitchen renovation. Finding your site and plans has been a blessing to us DIYers!
Sandra says
That’s great to hear. I’m glad you found me and thanks for following along!
Jennifer says
Hate to break it to you but if the top is a table you only have 2 shelves underneath! ?