How to Build a Handmade Rustic Wood Table

It may look like an old log lying in the woods to some, but with a little cutting and sanding, you can create a functional and eye-pleasing rustic wood table. Use as an accent piece on the patio or practically anywhere inside. This rustic charmer is a sure conversation piece wherever you choose to place it. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Preparation

1

Select a wooden slab in the desired width, length and thickness for the table top. Use a draw knife and gently round the corners of the slab. This will make the corners safer and help keep the wood from splinting.

2

Remove the top, rough layer of bark from the rounded side of the slab with the draw knife. This will give the table a much neater look while still keeping with the rustic style.

3

Smooth slab edges gently using sandpaper. Use the sand paper to level out the smooth surface of the slab. This will be the table surface. Set the slap aside for later use.

4

Cut four straight saplings 5 inches in diameter to use as the table legs.

5

Trim any twigs or branches off the saplings. Sand down any stumps.

Assembly

6

Make a 3-inch diameter hole in the each corner of the rounded side of the slab. Make each hole 2 inches from the sides of the slab. These are the holes for the legs of the table. Sand the insides of the holes down to make them slightly larger.

7

Choose top and bottom ends for the legs The thicker and stronger ends of the saplings work best for the bottom. Cut the top 2 inches of the each leg to 3 inches. This is a tendon that will fit inside the holes on the table top.

8

Stick the tops of the legs in the holes made in the corners of the table tops. Make sure all of the tendons fit tightly in the holes.

9

Make a shallow 1-inch diameter hole, 3 inches from the bottom of each leg. This will be a hole for the supports of the legs.

10

Measure the distance between the two right side legs. Also, make the same measurement for the other side. Cut two supports, one for each measurement taken.

11

Fit the supports into the shallow holes made in Step 4. Push the supports into place so they fit tightly.