I got this idea after seeing similar style benches, tables and other types of consoles. I really like the look of steel pipes and feel it makes furniture look really awesome! 2x4's are cheap, easy to find, reasonably easy to work with, and look pretty dang good when stained and oiled. This is really cheap to make and honestly quite simple. Take your time and be as precise as possible without worrying too much. This style of furniture covers most mistakes! Have fun!

Step 1: Grab Your Supplies

SUPPLIES

Twelve 2x4's
3 Feet of 2x12 or similar for shelf
Two 3/4" Steel Pipes at 8" in length
Four 3/4" Floor Flanges for Steel Pipe
Glue
1 1/2" Wood Screws

TOOLS

Table Saw
Skilsaw
Chop Saw/Mitre Saw (optional)
Sander
Square
Tape Measure
Screw Gun (or Screwdriver)
Hand Planer (optional, but will make it look much better!)
Stain or Danish Oil (I used both, Early American Stain)
Black Spray Paint

Step 2: Prepare 2x4 Rip Cuts

Set saw depth on table saw
Rip (cut) just enough on either side to remove beveled edges on all 2x4's

Step 3:

Be careful and use eye protection, ear protection, and face mask (respirator) suggested
Use push stick and keep safe from blade

Step 4: Cut to Length

Measure out 44" (or desired length) on one ripped 2x4
Cut 2x4 to length
Use your new cut off as stencil for the other 2x4's

Step 5: Choose Best Looking Edges

choose best-looking edges and organize wood to your liking
Decide if you are gluing good side down or up

Step 6: Glue Up

Use a good quality Wood Glue like Titebond
Spread glue on the wood using scrap wood or similar item
Glue all wood together and consider staggered ends

Step 7: Stagger Wood Before Glue

Use one of your ripped 2x4 cut offs to use as spacer to correctly stagger wood on ends

Step 8: Clamp Together

Clamp it all together and double check spacing on the ends is as good as possible
There is room for correction later using sander and planer

Step 9: Cut Leg Sides

Cut your 2x4 cut off's in half for legs (we will cut it to length after we glue and clamp)
Use your first cut off as a stencil to speed things up
Does not have to be super precise since we are still going to cut final length after we glue

Step 10: Glue Legs Together

Glue Legs together
Make sure to apply glue to the staggered portions (this is where your strength comes from)
Spread glue evenly and when all flush, clamp it all together

Step 11: Cut Leg Length

When glue is set and dry, flip table up to measure out leg length
Cut using a circular saw carefully and as straight as possible
Do this to both ends at your desired height (I chose 17")

Step 12: Sand & Plane

Plane top and side surfaces until it looks awesome
Sand on all surfaces
Make sure to sand off sharp edges
Start with 80 grit sandpaper and finish with 120 or 220

Step 13: Paint Inside Console

Line the edges with painters tape to protect from paint
Paint the underbelly and insides using black paint (I used spray paint)

Step 14: Stain or Oil

Apply oil or stain to the color of your choice
I used Stain and Oil, Early American Stain from Minwax and Medium Walnut Danish Oil
Sand with fine sandpaper prior to protective coat
I used Danish Oil as last coat but you can also use a polyurethane
Using a rag works best to apply stain and polyurethane

Step 15: Make Shelf

Using a 2x12 (or similar size) measure out 3 feet
Cut at 3 feet for shelf
Sand and Stain to similar (or different) color of your console

Step 16: Mount Shelf

Thread the steel pipes and flanges together
Center and screw them into the top side (best looking side) of the shelf on either end
Prop shelf up against bottom of console, center, and mount it