How to Build a Stylish Wood Ball Coffee Table 

Looking to create a unique statement piece for your living room without spending a fortune?


This DIY wood ball coffee table is a perfect weekend project that blends creativity with functionality.


Using simple materials like planters and a wood board, you can craft your own stylish sphere leg coffee table in no time.


Let’s dive into the steps to make your own!


This post was transcribed by a member of the Hometalk editorial team from the original HometalkTV episode.

Tools and Materials:

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Tracing the shape for your wood ball coffee table top

1. Trace and Cut Your Wooden Board

Start by laying your wooden board flat on a clean surface.


Trace an organic shape following the natural grain of the wood—this will give your wooden bowl coffee table a natural, fluid appearance.

Building a unique coffee table

Once you’ve traced the shape, clamp the board securely to your workbench or any stable surface. Use a jigsaw to carefully cut out the traced design. Don’t rush—follow the curves closely!

DIY furniture project

2. Sand the Wooden Surface

With your board cut, it’s time to smooth out the rough edges. Grab your orbital sander and begin with 100 grit sandpaper, working up to 220 grit to ensure a smooth finish.

Sanding the edges of the board with an orbital sander

Sand both sides of the board to remove any splinters or imperfections.


Once the sanding is complete, wipe down the board with a clean cloth to remove dust.

Applying gel stain to enhance the natural grain of the wood

3. Stain and Seal the Wooden Board

To bring out the wood’s natural beauty, apply two coats of gel stain in the color hickory.

Make sure to follow the product instructions on the can for the best results.


Sealing the wood with polyurethane

Once the stain is dry, apply two coats of satin polyurethane for a durable finish, sanding lightly between coats with 220 grit sandpaper.

Craft your own coffee table with a simple wooden bowl hack

Let the table top sit and dry.

Gather your planters—these will serve as the sphere legs

4. Prepare the Planters (Your “Wooden Balls”)

Now let’s create the legs for your DIY sphere leg coffee table. Head over to Walmart or order online to grab four planters—these will be the base legs of the table.


Wipe the rims of the planters with a clean cloth to ensure the adhesive sticks.

Transforms planters into the perfect sphere legs for a beautiful coffee table

Apply a strong layer of construction adhesive to the rim of one planter and place the second planter upside down on top.

Steps to create a ball foot coffee table

Repeat this for the remaining two planters.


Let the adhesive dry completely.

Filling the gaps between the planters with wood filler

5. Fill and Sand the Gaps

Once the adhesive has dried, use dark wood filler to fill in the gaps between the planters for a seamless look.

Handmade wooden coffee table

After the filler dries, sand down the planters with 220 grit sandpaper.

Budget-friendly wood bowl coffee table project

This step will remove any glossy texture and make the legs look more like part of the wooden bowl coffee table.

Woodworking and DIY guide

6. Stain the Planter Legs

To give the planters a wood-like finish, use the same gel stain you used for the tabletop.

Applying gel stain to the planters to create a faux wood effect

Apply it using a chip brush to mimic the look of real wood grain on the planters, turning them into convincing “wooden balls.”

Follow these easy steps to add a custom furniture piece to your home

7. Assemble Your Wooden Ball Coffee Table

Now it’s time to put it all together.


Apply a generous layer of construction adhesive to the tops of the planters (now your table legs).

Custom coffee table design

Use a foam brush to smooth it out evenly.

Aligning the tabletop to the sphere legs

Center the wooden board on top of the planters and weigh it down with heavy books.

Weighing down the top to ensure a secure bond

Let the adhesive cure for 24 hours.


Craving more unique coffee table designs?

Learn how to make this Studio Mignone inspired piece for another creative coffee table idea!

How to craft a chic wood ball coffee table for your home

Steps to Create a Wood Ball Coffee Table

Your very own ball foot coffee table is now complete and ready to make its debut in your home!


This project shows that with a little creativity and patience, you can turn simple materials into a one-of-a-kind piece.

Use this wooden bowl hack to build a stylish coffee table with sphere legs

If you have any questions, suggestions, or if you made your own version, drop a comment below. I’d love to see what you created!

The Simple Homeplace
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