Easy DIY McGee & Co. Coffee Table Dupe

What’s better than a $3775 McGee & Co coffee table??? One that you build yourself for pennies compared to that price!! When I saw this Edita coffee table by McGee & Co, I was determined to make it my next build. Let me just say, building it was easy! Forking over close to 4k–no way!

I perused many diy coffee table ideas before landing on this perfect coffee table for my pergola makeover, I built this DIY coffee table to complete my set of outdoor furniture that I shared here last week. Of course, this beautiful coffee table can be used indoors or out. It will definitely find a new home in my living room, when the cold weather sets in. Way too beautiful to leave out in the elements for no one to see. But for now, I am loving its geometric design and how it complements our pergola space….

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So, let’s get to the build. I know you’re going to love this free coffee table plan!!

DIY MCGEE & CO COFFEE TABLE DUPE

(Instructions are based on the following dimensions: 18″ tall; 25″ wide; 45″ long. If building a different size, be sure to adjust measurements accordingly).

Skill Level: Beginner

Cost: Approximately $150

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Wood Needed:

4-2x4x8 pine boards

2-1x5x8 pine boards

1-4x8x3/4″ sheet of plywood (good quality)

Materials Needed:

Kreg Jig Screws 2 1/2″

Wood Glue

GRK Wood Screws 2 1/2″(any brand wood screw will work; just sharing my favorite here)

Wood Filler

Paint or stain

Outdoor Poly (This is a great poly for both indoors and outdoors)

Tools Needed:

Miter saw

Drill

Kreg Jig

Table saw (OPTIONAL) (If you don’t have a table saw, you can cut your plywood with a circular saw or a jigsaw)

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NOTE: If you’ve never used a Kreg Jig, here’s a great tutorial. If you don’t have one, I highly recommend buying one. You will use it all the time in the DIY realm! And it makes builds so much easier!

First Step: Build the tabletop frame

Here’s the cut list:

Cut two 2×4’s at 20 1/2″

Cut two 2×4’s at 43 1/2″

Drill 1 1/2″ pocket holes into each end of the 20 1/2″ boards.

Attach 20 1/2″ boards to 43 1/2″ boards using 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws. (NOTE: Be sure to use a straight edge to ensure that your boards are square-at a 90 degree angle-with each step. I like to use these. If your boards are not square, you will have a wobbly table). And now you should have a frame that looks like this….

Now you’re ready to add your supports.

Cut three 2×4’s at 20 1/2″.

Drill 1 1/2″ pocket holes into each end of these boards.

Attach to your frame, using 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws. Once again, be sure to check for square with each board you attach (See picture below for recommended placement of each board)….

Cut two 2×4’s at 20 1/2″. (These will be the Leg Support Boards)

Drill 1 1/2″ pocket holes into each end of these boards.

Attach these boards to your frame, using 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws. Once again, be sure to check for square with each board you attach (See picture below for further instruction)….

Step Two: Build the legs

Cut two 2×4’s at 20 1/2″.

Cut four 2×4’s at 14″.

Drill 1 1/2″ pocket holes into one end of each board.

Using 2 1/2″ p.h. screws, attach to 20 1/2″ 2×4’s. You now have legs that should look like this….

Attach the legs to the Leg Support Boards, using 2 1/2″ screws. (Note: As you can see in the picture below, the legs get attached to the under side of the Leg Support Boards….

To add some chunkiness to my boards, I wrapped them with plywood. To do this, I simply cut plywood strips to fit on each side of each leg. I attached them with 1 1/2″ screws….

Step Three: Attach tabletop

Cut plywood to fit for tabletop. It should cover all of the 2×4’s. Attach using 1 1/2″ screws…..

Attach table apron: Cut 1×5’s to fit around entire table top. Screw them into the 2×4’s using 1 1/2″ screws….

And here’s the step where I messed up. I thought I was finished at this point, so I wrapped the legs with 1×5’s to cover up the rough edges of the plywood….

And then I added my wood stain and clear coat poly and proudly gave my new outdoor coffee table a home under my pergola. It was a great addition to my new outdoor living space…

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It stayed like this for weeks, before I realized I forgot something! Do you see what it is?

I forgot to add the plywood to the legs to make this new coffee table the unique table that it is!! So, back to my garage to add the plywood. However, I had to add extra boards to have something to screw my plywood into and it became a more complicated project than it should have been. So, I won’t tell you all of those steps, because they’re not necessary. Thankfully! I’m going to jump right to the correct way of adding the plywood. But unfortunately, I don’t have pictures for this step, since I didn’t do it this way. 🙁

Simply cut a piece of plywood to fit the span of each side of legs….

You’ll now want to cover up the rough edges of your plywood. To do this, cut 1×5’s to fit on each end of your new wide leg bases….

Now you’re ready for the finish work. Fill your nail holes with wood filler and then, when dry, lightly sand those spots. Stain or paint and add 3-4 coats of poly.

Although it took some time to get the final look I was going with for my diy table, I finally got there. That’s DIY for you. A lot of trial and error. But with perseverance, you will succeed and have a beautiful piece of furniture to show for it!!

DIY MCGEE & CO COFFEE TABLE DUPE

DOWNLOAD AND PRINT THE FREE PLANS HERE!

What to Consider When Choosing a Coffee Table

Before we go, let’s have some coffee table talk.

Choosing the right size:

Ideally, your coffee table should be no more than 2/3’s the length of your sofa. You should allow for approximately 16 inches of leg room between the coffee table and sofa. The height of the table should be between 16″ and 18″. While the standard size of a coffee table is 48″ to 54″ in length and 24″ to 30″ in depth, this is by no means set in stone. The perfect size is dependent upon many other factors, as we’ll discuss below.

Choosing the right shape:

There are so many different shapes of coffee tables to choose from. While the shape of your room definitely plays a role in choosing the right shape for your coffee table, even more important is the layout of your space.

For small spaces, a rectangular or an oval coffee table works best.

If you’re working with a large space, a square or round coffee table works great.

Sometimes finding the right coffee table for a sectional or large couch and love seat can be a challenge. Here’s a great tip: When you find the rectangular coffee table you love, buy two. Push the two rectangular coffee tables together and now you have a bigger table that will work and look great in the space. Not to mention, this will also add so much character.

Choosing the right type of coffee table:

Functionality is key when choosing the right type of coffee table.

A traditional coffee table offers a timeless style. Usually it’s a rectangular, wooden coffee table who’s function is to look good more than anything else.

For a more functional coffee table, an ottoman with a lift-top or a coffee table with drawers is a great option for built-in storage.

Choosing the best material for your coffee table:

For a more elevated look in your living space, choose a table made of natural materials. Such as solid wood or a marble top. While offering a sophisticated look, a glass top or acrylic table can make a room feel larger.

Upholstered coffee tables offer the sturdiness of a solid table, but the comfort of an ottoman. It still allows you to place a tray or a drink on it, without the fear of it tipping over and spilling. It’s a great way to add a cozy feel to the space while not compromising on functionality.

How to Style Your Coffee Table

Start with a blank canvas

First and foremost, take everything off your coffee table and start with a blank slate. This allows you to see it without all of the stuff blocking the creative juices in your mind. From this point, I like to add a plant and work from there.

Balance is key

A common mistake people make when decorating a coffee table is wanting to center everything in the middle of the table. A more creative way to add dimension is, to think of imaginary lines on your coffee table. These lines are dividing it up into sections. For example: if your table is a large round table, break up the space into 4 equal pie pieces. From there, you can fill each pie piece with an odd number of items or fill two of the pie pieces with an odd number of decor items….

Here’s a great example of utilizing all four quadrants….

Photo credit: Ballard Designs

The simplicity of this coffee table styled is a great example of concentrating on two sections of the table. I’m loving the monochromatic look here too…

Photo credit: West Elm

When styling a rectangle coffee table, divide it into 3 quadrants and choose two of those quadrants to add decor. Leave the 3rd quadrant empty.

Notice how they’ve divided this table into three quadrants and have left the far left side empty? This provides a natural balance to the table and draws the eye to one side rather than all over the place. Not having to scan the entire table to see all the decor is very calming to the eye…

Photo Credit: West Elm

This design is even more simplistic with only one quadrant drawing the eye. I like how they have off set it to the end of the table, rather than going with the middle. While it flows into the middle section slightly, it is not centered there and adds an element of creativity….

Photo Credit: West Elm

Consider scale

Add a statement piece such as a large vase and green plant with smaller items placed next to it. For example, you could stack a couple books and add a candle on top of them. The large vase with plant would be in one quadrant with the books and candle overlapping into the next quadrant.

Photo Credit: Arhaus

When styling your coffee table, keep in mind that people are coming at it from all different angles. Therefore, you want to be sure it has a 360 degree view. Display items that look good no matter which direction they’re being viewed.

Add coffee table books

Coffee table books are a great way to show your personality. Be sure to buy books that you love and represent who you are. Maybe you love to travel, or have a passion for a certain hobby. Don’t be afraid to display those books on your coffee table. When displaying these books, open them up to a page spread that best accentuates the aesthetics of your room.

Use books to stack other decor items. For example, stack two to three books and place a succulent or a souvenir on top.

Organize with trays

A great way to corral all of the odds and ends items is with a tray. Give your remote controls, coasters, little glass jar candles a home. This will not only organize the space better and make it less cluttered, it will also eliminate that feel of objects not being grounded and floating in the space.

K.I.S.S

Keep it super simple. When decorating a stylish coffee table, less is more. Try not to overcrowd the tabletop. Especially in this diy coffee table, the table becomes the focal point.

I personally like to add just ONE item to my own coffee table. One statement piece and that’s it! For example, currently on my family room coffee table, I have a large planter with a beautiful green plant in it. Just the right size for the space. And the best part, it doesn’t take away from the gorgeous coffee table itself.

Let the coffee table be the statement

A coffee table is a great way to add another accent color into the room. A black accent color is always a great way to add dimension and create a dramatic result. It’s versatile, classic and timeless. It’s even been referred to as the little black dress of interior design. It packs a punch all on its own.

My favorite stores to duplicate furniture designs

I love to build furniture and will often check out my top favorite design stores when coming up with a new piece to build. I love the unique and different look offered by Lulu & Georgia. A few of my other favorites are West Elm, Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel and McGee & Co. They all have very novel designs that I love to replicate when building my own furniture.