How to Build a Waterfall Side Table

Imagination

The artistic challenge — or opportunity! — of any woodworking project is visualizing your finished item in the piece of wood even before you buy it. Have general measurements in mind and bring a tape measure when you go hunting for that superb slab.

A few things to think about when looking at a slab: Start with your overall dimensions, including the thickness of the piece. Then consider how much of the live edge is exposed, the amount of sapwood, and how many cracks you see in the wood. (You can fill cracks. Don’t let them deter you from buying an attractive piece.)

Determine how much machining and milling it will take to make the piece usable for your project. It’s the science and art of woodworking.

Lay Out the Top

• Before you start cutting, examine the contours of the live edge and notice the wood’s grain patterns. Decide which surface will be most pleasing for the top of your table. As much as possible, leave the live edge untouched.
• Lay out the size of your table frame on the underside of the piece. Draw lines where you plan to make cuts.
• The front edge of the top will have a 45-degree angle, with the front edge of the table frame aligning at the short point of the 45-degree angle on the underside of the top. Some of your tabletop might have straight 90-degree cuts. That depends on the slab you chose and the shape of its live edges.