Tiled Side Table desktop
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How to create a tiled side table (from scratch)

If you have ever admired a tiled side table, plinth or bedside piece and thought “I’d love to make one of those but it looks too hard,” think again. A simple furniture project made from tiles and MDF or plywood is a brilliant entry point for novice DIYers because it combines basic construction with a stylish finish.

RYOBI NEW ZEALAND Wed, 07/22/2026 - 17:59
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The key is to take it slowly – plan carefully and choose the right tools for the job.

When working with tiles, accurate measurements are paramount to a great-looking finished piece. Tiles look attractive when they are uniform – in orientation, spacing, and edge finishes. So, you’ll want them to fit perfectly to the timber structure you have built. Your tile layout will influence the size of every timber panel, so taking the time to measure your tiles, allow for grout lines (gaps) and mark your cuts accurately will help everything line up neatly when it is time to assemble.  

Getting started

Start by choosing the type of piece you want to build (check out @ontheflipside.kb’s video below for her cute tiled side table, or websites like Pinterest also have plenty of thought-starters). A compact side table, plant stand or cube-style side table or pedestal is ideal for beginners because the shapes are straightforward and the panels are manageable to cut.  

MDF is smooth, stable and great for painted or tiled surfaces, while plywood offers extra strength and a natural layered edge if any part remains visible.  

DIY Tiled Side Table

Measure twice, cut once

Before you cut anything, dry-lay your chosen tiles and work backwards from their size – reducing or eliminating any cuts. This helps you determine the best dimensions for the top and sides so you do not end up with awkward slivers of tile at the edges.

Once your plan is set, mark every panel carefully. Double-check the height, width and depth, and label each piece before cutting. A RYOBI 18V ONE+ Circular Saw is the tool to reach for when cutting straight lines in MDF or plywood panels, cutting large sheets down to size. When assembling your pieces, the RYOBI 18V ONE+ Drill Driver is your no-fuss option when pre-drilling and driving screws, helping to join panels neatly and reducing the chance of splitting or misalignment.  

If your design includes a cut-out or a curved shape, the RYOBI 18V ONE+ Jigsaw gives you the flexibility to add those custom touches.  

Using the right tool for the right task will make the work easier, cleaner and much more enjoyable, especially when you are still building confidence. 

Be a square, man

As you assemble, keep checking for square and test-fit pieces before fastening them permanently. Even a few millimetres can make a difference once tiles are added. A well-measured base gives you a better finish, less waste and a smoother tiling stage.  

Tools for the task

Let’s go through the tools we recommend, one-by-one. 

RYOBI 18V ONE+ HPTM Brushless 184mm Circular Saw

A circular saw is the tool you want when your project calls for straight cuts in MDF or plywood. These are available from your local big hardware store in large sheets that you’ll need to cut to size at home. 

For a tiled furniture piece, that means trimming your top, sides, shelves or internal supports to clean, repeatable sizes. Beginners will appreciate how the right saw helps create a more professional-looking result than trying to force the wrong tool to do the job. Accurate straight cuts help your furniture sit square, assemble neatly and provide an even surface for tiling. When your measurements are right and your cuts follow them precisely, the rest of the build becomes far less stressful and much more satisfying.

ONE+ HP BL 184MM CIRCULAR SAW

Circular saws are:

  • designed for straight cutting tasks, helping you size MDF or plywood panels neatly and efficiently 
  • ideal for creating clean, repeatable cuts, which supports better alignment during assembly 
  • great for beginners who want a tool suited to sheet material rather than relying on guesswork (or a tiresome handsaw).
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RYOBI 18V ONE+ Drill Driver

A drill/driver is the all-rounder that helps bring your furniture build together. Once your panels are cut, you will use it to pre-drill holes, drive screws and assemble the carcass. This matters for beginners because pre-drilling holes for screws can help prevent MDF or plywood from splitting (especially near the cut edges). And the adjustable torque (twisting force) feature makes it easier to avoid overdriving screws or stripping screw heads. It is also useful for attaching internal supports or pilot holes for hardware if your piece includes a shelf or door.

18V 4 Piece Kit

Drill drivers should feature:

  • a 2-speed gearbox that helps you switch between faster drilling and slower, more controlled screwdriving 
  • 24 clutch settings to provide better control, which is especially helpful when working with delicate sheet materials 
  • a 13mm ratcheting chuck and LED work light to improve bit grip and visibility while assembling your project.
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RYOBI 18V ONE+ HPTM Brushless Jigsaw

A jigsaw is the tool that adds personality to your tiled furniture project. While a straight-edged cube or table is a great beginner build, you might want to soften the design with a curved leg profile, a decorative side panel or a cut-out handle. That is where a jigsaw shines. A fully featured jigsaw is made for straight, curved and bevelled cuts, so it gives you more freedom to personalise your piece once you feel ready to go beyond simple rectangles. It’s also ideal for making cut-outs in tight spaces where a circular saw can’t reach. For novices, it is a great reminder that the right tool does not just make the job easier, it also opens the door to more creative, custom-looking results.

18V ONE+ HP™ BRUSHLESS JIGSAW

A jigsaw:

  • makes straight, curved and bevelled cuts – it’s ideal for custom furniture 
  • should have tool-less blade change and multiple pendulum settings support strong cutting performance across different materials 
  • needs tool-less blade changes and an LED work light to make it easier to stay focused and keep momentum during a build.
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I did it my way ...

There is something incredibly satisfying about turning a few boards and a box of tiles into a finished furniture piece. You are not just making a table, plinth or bedside piece. You are building skill, confidence and a better understanding of how materials, measurements and tools work together. That first project often becomes the one that sparks the next idea, then the next. A tiled furniture piece – just like your first RYOBI power tool - can absolutely be the start of something much bigger. 

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