THE END TABLE : 13 Steps

I needed a small table. I started browsing images and really liked Greene and Greene styled furniture. Using this as a guide I let my imagination do the work knowing I didn't have the skills to compete with G&G.

Step 1:

I selected clear pine with a nice grain.

Step 2: THE LEGS

I glued two 1 x 2s together for each leg. I trimmed the foot for a decorative look. I cut them to length using my stop jig. Yes, I wrote the word STOP on it. I did this after tossing it in the trash a few times. I kept track of each piece of the build with markings and chalk.

Step 3: THE TOP

I assembled the top with pocket screws and glue. I marked out the final size in chalk. Don't balk at chalk. It comes off easily. I cut to size and added breadboard sides. The clamps left slight dimples so I sprayed them with water which raised the grain and made them go away. The dowels in the breadboard ends were purely decorative. I sanded everything.

Step 4: SIDES

Three sides and one smaller front piece where the drawer will go. Once cut I ganged them together and sanded until smooth. I added dowels for a decorative look. It was as close to the Green and Green look as I wanted to get.

Step 5: INLAY

I found an oak board and cut strips from it which I inlaid into the various pieces. I placed the side pieces against each other to ensure the inlays would be the same. Using a block plane and more sanding made everything look nice.

Step 6: SHELF SUPPORTS

The four shelf supports were done the same as the upper frames, ganging them together and sanding smooth.

Step 7: THE ASSEMBLY

Then I assembled all the parts.

Step 8: THE BOTTOM SHELF

Now came the bottom shelf. I was going to do a solid shelf then looked at the lumber I had left. The final design came to me out of necessity. Necessity being I didn't want to go out and buy more lumber. Pocket hole plugs were trimmed then sanded flush.

Step 9: THE DRAWER

I built the drawer and made a decorative handle to fit with the rest of the design.

Step 10: THE FINISHED END TABLE

I stained it and sprayed it with a lacquer finish.

Hope you enjoyed this demo as much as I did building it.

Step 11:

I used the same basic construction techniques to build a pair of end tables for my son and his wifey for Christmas. The difference was in both design and materials. These were both made out of scrap wood from pallets. You can even see the nail holes on the edge of the top. I purposely left them for artistic purposes. Other nail holes I filled with epoxy mixed with dark acrylic paint. This idea I've used on other projects and colored the epoxy with exotic colors for some surreal effects. My advice; try it, it might just turn out to knock your socks off.

Like Marcel Marceau said, a mime is a terrible thing to waste. Well, maybe he didn't say that. The only word I ever heard him say was NO! in Silent Movie.

Step 12: Rather Than Buy Gifts...

I make them. And they don't have to be elaborate. I made that towel bar for Wifey and she loved it. Something your make with your own hands and give as a gift is really appreciated.