This space-saving "built-on" combines a couch area and two table areas in a compact, single unit. It's made of a 10' base piece of Novoply, covered with 1/4" walnut plywood on each end-table section, and with foam rubber cushions on the couch section. It is supported in front by three decorative 12" brass legs, and in back by an 8' fir mounting strip which is centered and mounted to the wall.

To create a modern-design effect, the author attached strips of Weldwood hardwood window stool moulding to the front and end edges of the base piece. These mouldings are rabbeted at an angle so they slant inwards toward the top surface. If the reader doesn't care to use this type of moulding, he can attach solid wood strips at right angles to the edges of the base piece, or leave off the strips altogether and cover the edges with matching wood trim.

The couch-end table in this project was finished with walnut stain. The foam rubber cushions were covered with matching fabric and small throw pillows were placed along the back edge of the couch section to add a finishing touch.

Make a layout of base piece on large sheet of paper, obtaining dimensions from Fig. A. Following layout, cut base piece from 3/4" Novoply, 2' wide by 10' long. (10' Novoply is sold in 30" widths so you will have to cut 6" off.) On side edge measure 18" from back edge and mark. Then, measure 2' from side edge along front edge and mark with line drawn across width. Draw a line from point where 2' line meets front edge to 18" point on side edge and cut off front corner along this line. This will form an end table. Repeat on other end of base piece.

To make five strips for front and side edges of couch-table unit author used Weldwood hardwood window stool moulding, No. 7, which is rabbeted at an angle on inside surface so that strips, when mounted to couch, slant inwards at top. (If you can't obtain this type of moulding, center and attach 4"-wide solid woods strips to edges of couch at right angles.)

Ends of strips must be mitered where they join at corners. To determine miter angle, bisect angle at which front and sides join. When cutting stool moulding, place strip, with rabbeted surface facing downward, on top of 3/4''-thick piece of plywood. Set saw to correct angle and cut.

Attach strips to all front and side edges of couch-table unit with glue and 4d finishing nails. Attach side strips first, then front strip. Sink nails and fill holes with matching putty.

Cut two pieces of 1/4" walnut plywood, 2' by 2'. Temporarily place these two pieces evenly together face to face and cut front corner at same angle as Novoply base piece. Separate pieces and attach one to each end of couch-table with glue and brads to form end  edge, table tops.

Turn couch-table upside down and mount three 12" brass legs to front edge of couch portion only. First, mount legs at corners which divide couch from end tables; then, mount third leg in front center. Place legs 31/2" from front

Cut back support from clear Douglas fir, 2" by 3" I by 8'. Center back support against wall so it extends equally on either end of couch portion, giving sup tables, yet remaining concealed. Be sure top of back support is even with top of legs on front and mount with long screws into wall studs.

In 6' couch portion, bore seven equally-spaced 1/4" holes, 3/4" in from and parallel to back edge. Countersink holes for flathead screws. Center couch on back port to end support, snug against wall, and mount with 2" No. 14 flathead screws. In this project, two 2' by 3' foam rub-of couchber cushions were covered on the seat portion to finish assembly.

Are You Ready To Move Onto The Next Lesson? Click Here