Have you ever thought, "Ya know, I'm rather tired of having nothing to set my food and drinks on while watching TV in bed. And don'cha know it, I always end up with a wet bed from a spilled cup. Ugh."
What you need, friend, is a bedside table. Oh, but not just any bedside table. If you're like me, you live cheaply. TV dinners and macaroni sound familiar? Thus, reclaimed wood is the way to go for this beautiful, useful table. Follow this guide and before you know it, your sheets will be unsoiled, your lap free, and your remote always at hand. Let's begin.

Step 1: Gather Driftwood!

Be sure to first check with your local authorities so as to make sure that it's legal to gather driftwood from your local search area. Once done, begin the hunt! Pieces of interest can be any of those that catch your eye - often, these include pieces well-weathered and full of twists. The more unique the better!

Step 2: Clean Pieces

Your gathered pieces, if desired, may be cleaned up via sanding. I often start with a 60 grit piece for roughing, followed by a 220 grit for smoothing. You may use a rotary tool to reach tight areas. Or, if you like, you may leave the pieces uncleaned for a more natural, rustic look.

Step 3: Finish Your Pieces

To add visual appeal, you may choose to wax your driftwood. Any type of paste wax is fine (make sure it is applied in a well ventilated area!). Simply wipe on, wait a few minutes, then wipe off. Finish by buffing with a smooth, clean cloth - to bring out a shine.

Step 4: Assemble Your Pieces!

Now that the tedious work has been done, you're ready to begin assembly! Arrange your pieces according to taste, drill pilot holes through places where screws are to pass through (driftwood tends to be very brittle - take care in making sure it doesn't split when screwing in your screws by using pilot holes). Some pieces may need to be cut to length. If so, post cut, sand the rough area and re-wax.

Step 5: Finish Up!

I used a few reclaimed wood planks for the top portion, clear-coated with varnish (4 coats, with 24 hours wait time between each coat). Make sure the piece is level and you're all done! Enjoy your timeless, classy piece of art. Huzzah, friends.