While the project is already underway, I thought I go ahead and start from the beginning. A couple of years ago, I built a new workshop in the backyard. I included a ‘bonus’ room above it with plans to eventually finish it out as a mancave: wet bar, big TV, etc.
Although the mancave is not 100% finished out (I still need to make some cabinet doors, connect the water supply, and paint trim) it’s football season and have the big TV and a comfy couch, so it’s useable. I don’t have a coffee table though, so there is nowhere to set a big steaming pile of hot wings or queso. So I looked through my stash and found a nice slab of spalted silver maple that would fit nicely.
We were originally trying to go with a modern theme up there and, although I have not really adhered to that style, I’m tipping my hat to it with the base of the coffee table. The below picture shows the slab sitting on top of a small box set in front of the couch as a test fit. It’s too low, and the box is too small, but it’s a start.
The top looks a bit small in that photo but it feels just right and I think it will work quite well. So I think I’m going to increase the size of the base (in every dimension), put a big square hole in it, and paint it gloss black enamel. Here’s a quick sketchup:
Since the base will be painted and glossy, I’m building it out of MDF. I hate the stuff, and I rarely use it, but I think it will work well in this application.