Rustic Buffet End Table #DIY

After 3 years staring at the empty space beneath my dining room window, I decided it was time for a buffet end table. I went to Pinterest for some ideas and found this awesome design by Ana White.

I decided to modify the dimensions and do a multi-stain pattern to give the table a more bohemian look. 

This is a picture of all the materials purchased to make the table.

Also, if you don't have a Kreg Jig, here's a link. I literally can't live without mine.

Here's my cut-list:

Cut List	QTY	Wide-In	Deep-In		Tall-In
Legs	4	2	2		32
Leg Braces	4	2	2		16
Horizontal braces	4	2	2		66
Bottom table	1	16	1		70
Top Table	1	22	1		72

Tools Needed: Table Saw, Kreg Jig, Wood Glue, Stain, 220 Grit sanding paper for finishing. 

Here's what I did, step by step, for those who would like to also make this table.

I'll add that one thing that I would do differently is using thicker wood for the table legs - just to make it that much more sturdy in case people try to sit on it. 

Step 1 is to cut all the wood, either per the cut list above, or to the specifications of your own space.

Step 2 was to create the end-frames for the table. This was super easy by drilling pocket holes with the Kreg Jig on the sides of the wood that no one would see and reinforcing the structure with wood glue.

Step 3 was attaching the frames that will become the skeleton for the table. Either have a friend, SO, or a bunch of clamps to get this one done. But already, it actually looks like a table!

At this point, there should be no wobbling because everything should be both even with the floor and perfectly flat on the top. Take your time and use a level; and if it's not perfect, do it again. It will be worth it in the end.






While waiting for the wood glue to set, I went ahead and stained the frame in Dark Walnut. I wanted it super dark, without much grain showing, so used two coats, followed by 3 coats of poly.

A gentle sanding afterwards brings out a slight yellow around the edges that offers a warm charm to the structure.

Step 4 involves staining the wood that will become both the top and bottom shelf of the table. The bottom shelf should have 4 notches on each of the 4 sides that will fit perfectly into place with the table legs. I just used my table saw to do this, but a jig saw would've been better for those of you who are worried about accurate, detailed cuts with a table saw. Take a look at the corners in the pic.

Here's the list of stains I used for the shelves:

Puritan Pine Miniwax - One of my favorites - a classic
Colonial Maple Miniwax - A soft, woodsy stain
Summer Oak Rustoleum - A very light, subtle stain
Driftwood Rustoleum - My new favorite stain - very modern
Dark Walnut Rustoleum - Should always have this handy

Step 5 is to actually join all the pieces of wood together. Very easy with 4 basic clamps, wood glue, and my trusty drill with the Kreg screws.

After joining everything, I put 3 coats of poly on either side, and repeated this step both for the top and bottom shelf (pictured here). Once everything is joined, each shelf is sturdy, beautiful, and moisture free.







Make sure you give the wood a light sanding with 220 grit sand paper after each layer of poly, so there are no bubbles on your beautiful wood.

Here's a close-up. By now, you should be getting excited because you're almost done!

Step 6 involves gluing and clamping both the top and bottom shelf to the frame.

Let it set in place overnight with all the clamps. The next day, I installed braces for each corner of the table, just to make triple sure everything stays in place and the table is super strong against whatever gets thrown at it.

The table is now done! Honestly, I couldn't stop looking at it. I can't believe how polished and professional it looks! To me, it looks almost as good as anything I could've bought for a lot more at Crate & Barrel.

The best moment was when my sister Jeannie calls me early in the morning just to tell me how excited she is about my new table, lol.

To follow me on pinterest:
http://www.pinterest.com/gotchoi/



I leave you now with a little table porn.