Solid oak coffee table

Solid oak Coffee table

with Purple Heart wood

This small project was a personal one I worked on in my spare time—something that doesn’t come around often! Every now and then, I find a little window of time in the workshop, and this project was a chance to put that time to good use. My two boys, Harry and River, absolutely love sitting down to eat their spaghetti hoops while watching cartoons on the TV. So, I thought, why not elevate the experience a little?

I designed and built a solid oak table, about 400mm high, with a simple yet sturdy structure. To add a unique touch, I incorporated a Purple Heart wood rail at the base and crossed oak dowels through it. This detail not only enhances the table’s visual appeal but also makes it stand out as a one-of-a-kind piece. The table was finished with Osmo top oil, which is food-safe and provides a durable, easy-to-clean surface for all those little mealtime messes.

The construction features traditional mortise and tenon joints, which are designed to last for years—though I say that with a knowing smile, as my boys tend to test the durability of everything they come into contact with. I’m sure it won’t be long before it’s covered in crayon marks, but that’s all part of the fun! Regardless, it’s a project I’m proud of, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it holds up.