Step 1:

Gather the following materials and tools:

Materials

1. Coffee table, preferably one with an open shelf and glass top

2. Pair of coffee table lift hinges

3. Large food-safe container which fits within the shelf space of the coffee table and has a lid

4. Piano hinges (cabinet hinges can work also)

5. Exterior corner moulding trim

6. 6mm (1/4") smooth finish plywood

7. 2"x4" and 2"x2" conventional lumber (2 pieces each) 

8. Automatic magnetic catch for cabinet doors.

9. Enamel cabinet paint

10. Small fountain pump (Here a 340l/h, adjustable pump was used)

11. 13mm (1/2") Food-safe tubing, roughly 1 foot in length

12. Hydroponic net cups (3" cups were used here)

13. Clay pebble hydrotons

14. Rainbarrel spigot kit

15. Fan with speed control

16. Programmable Timer

17. Power Bar

18. LED full spectrum grow lights and mounting clips with switch and deflectors

19. Hydroponic Nutrient (mixed as per manufacturer's specification)

20. Various wood screws and air nails. 

21. Wood filler

Tools

1. Tablesaw

2. Chop Saw

3. Air nailer and air tank

4. Drill, drill bits, and hole saw drill bits.

5. Measuring tape

6. Permanent Marker and pencil

7. Sander and sand paper

8. TDS Meter (This is an option tool for measuring the nutrient level in the hydroponic water. This is not required if the nutrient water is replaced weekly)

9. pH Tester drops/Meter (Another optional tool, this one used to measure pH levels in the nutrient water. The ideal range is a pH between 5 to 6. This is not required if the nutrient water is replaced weekly)

Step 2:

1. Keep materials nearby to reference as  the table build continues

2. Clean and prepare table for partial dissasembly

Step 3 :

1. Remove middle shelf from coffee table. Set aside for use later.

2. Carefully separate the table top from the coffee table frame. In all likelihood, the top will be screwed and glued.

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Step 4:

1. To ensure table lift hinges have a solid wood frame to fasten to, and to give more height for plant growth, an extension is needed

2. Cut 2"x4" into 4 pieces, so the extension will have the same dimensions as the table frame. In the case of this example, the shorter pieces were reduced to 1" in thickness to ensure the hinges lined up with the table top edge.

Step 5:

1. Join the pieces together using construction screws. Ensure the frame is sqaure at all corner and matches the dimensions of the table frame. 

Step 6:

1. Fasten extension to the table frame. 

2. Next, while ensuring the table top lines up neatly, fasten table lift hinges to the extension and to the table top.

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Step 7:

1. Test out lift hinges to see if the table top moves freely and is clear of any obstruction. 

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Step 8:

1. Next steps are to reattach the shelf and building the side wall enclosure.

2.  Gather the 1/4" plywood and 2"x2" members in preparation.

Step 9:

1. Plan to set the new height of the self down lower. In the case of his experiment, the bottom of the shelf was left at 2" off the floor to allow room for fingers to reach under to move the table.

2. using the 2"x2" members, build a frame to support the shelf. Attached the the frame to the coffee table legs. 
3. Using the air nailer, attach the shelf to the new wood framing.

Step 10:

1. Cut 1/4" plywood into 4 panels, matching the dimensions of the table and accounting for the thickness of the panels. 

2. Ensure an opening is left for access doors shown in later steps.

Step 11:

1. Using an air nailer, fasten panels to coffee table.

2. Use spacers as needed to ensure that panels are backing onto materail at the same level.

3. Ensure that panels are flush to the top of the framing as to not interupt the table top from closing properly.

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Step 12:

1. Cut 4 corner moulding pieces to size .

2. Fasten to table using air nailer.

Step 12:

1. Using 2"x2" lumber, construct 2 doors. Ensure clearance is left for the door hinge and wiggle room as needed.

2. Cut down piano hinges to size. Fasten to coffee table and doors. 

Step 13:

1. Cut 1/4" panel for both doors. Using air nailer, attach to door frames.

Step 14:

1. Next, construct an angle mount for the LED grow lights. 

2. Using wood blocking cut at 45 degree angles, air nail to structure and fasten light clip. 

Step 15:

1. Repeat this for both sides of the cabinet. Lights should be facing downwards so it does not shine into your eyes when seated around. 

Step 16:

1. Next step is to paint the cabinet. Here a mistinted paint was purchased. This paint from Behr is specifically for cabinets as iti has a more durable enamel finish. 

Step 18:

1. Prepare all surfaces by wiping them down to remove dust and debry.

2. Paint all surfaces. Multiple coats may be needed.

3. Allow to dry fully.

Step 19:

1. Measure rain barrel spigot to select appropriate drill size. To avoid leaking, the hole size must be as close to the spigot size as possible.

Step 20:

1. Carefully drill hole through plastic container.

2. Assemble spigot assembly according the manufacturer instructions. In general, teh rubber gasket should be on the water side.

3. Make sure any threaded connection is taught, but not over-tightened.

Step 21:

1. Next, layout out the locations of the net cups. Allow for 6 to 10" in between each.

2. Using a permanent marker, trace out the net cups.

Step 22:

1. Select the appropriate hole saw drill bit for your net cups. The cups should be easy to go in, but still allow support for the lip. 

2. Carefully drill out holes. It may help to provide wood backing while you drill out holes.

Step 23:

1. Drill two holes at either end of the lid for 1/2" tubing. This tubing, with the water pump, will circulate th water within the container

2. Cut tubing to length and fit with 90 degree angle connector. Fit through the hole.

3. Drill a third, larger hole for the pump plug.

Step 24:

1. Place cups in holes

2. Fill each cup to the top with hydroton clay pebbles.

3. Attach tubing to water pump

4. Add in air stone & pump

5. Fill up container with water, adding nutrients as indiated by manufacturer.

Step 25:

1. Add power bar into cabinet and plug in lights, water pump, air pump, and timer.

2. Plug in power bar and ensure everything is working

Step 25:

1. Place seeds or seedlings into the hydrotons.

2. Place the container inside of the coffee table.

3. Monitor the nutrient water using the TDS Meter and pH tester. Add more nutrient one it drops below recommended levels. Add pH up or pH down to balance pH level as required. Alternatively, replace the nutrient water weekly,

4. If algae or mould form, carefully remove the plant, clean the all parts with soap and water, and replace the nutrient water. You can also add in 3% hydrogen peroxide (10ml per gallon/ 4 litres, up to 3 times per week).