# DIY Rustic Homemade End Tables
With more people looking to return to what they see as a simpler life, interest in rustic decor has soared. Although the natural theme is well-suited for a cabin in the woods, it is also showing up in the urban retreat. Rustic furniture varies widely, yet simple, natural materials prevail. Handmade rustic furniture is attractive to those looking to create an inviting atmosphere without breaking the bank. This do-it-yourself end table made from birch is truly rustic and surprisingly easy to construct.
Things You'll Need
- Well-seasoned, spreading tree trunk sections, 30 inches long, 3 to 4 inches in diameter
- Bow saw
- Hand pruners
- Scribe
- 2-by-4 scrap wood
- Jigsaw
- Reciprocating saw
- Drill and drill bits
- Countersink bit
- 3-inch drywall screws
- 2-inch drywall screws
- Birch veneer plywood
- 1-inch branches
- Wood glue
- Marker
- Wood putty
- Cream-colored paint
- Polyurethane
- Paintbrushes
Instructions
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1
Rough-cut two 30-inch sections of a birch tree trunk using a bow saw. Cut the branches as close as possible to the same length. Turn the trunk pieces upside down on a flat surface.
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2
Trim off any branches that do not touch the flat surface.
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3
On the branches that do touch the surface, mark the end of each branch for a straight cut using a scribe, with a piece of scrap 2-by-4 as a guide. Trim branches with a jigsaw. All branches should touch the surface as evenly as possible.
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4
Set both of the trunk pieces on a level surface and measure and mark 25 inches from the bottom of the trunk. Use a reciprocating saw to cut each trunk.
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5
Put the trunks side by side and move them around until you achieve an intriguing pattern with the branches on the inside of each trunk interwoven and the trunks butted together at the top. Outside branches should touch the ground to help support the table.
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6
Drill pilot holes in three or four places where the trunks and branches meet. Use 3-inch drywall screws to hold the pieces together.
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7
Sand the top of the trunks so that they are fully level with one another
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8
Cut a circle from birch plywood that is 22 inches in diameter.
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9
Cut 75 pieces of branch, each 1 inch in diameter and 2 inches long.
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10
Spread wood glue along the top edge of the birch plywood circle several inches at a time. Place the twig pieces around the perimeter of the circle so that they are flush with the tabletop and the edges are as close as possible. Allow this piece to dry completely.
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11
Set the tabletop on the trucks; adjust until the top is stable. Trace the position of the trunks onto the bottom of the tabletop.
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12
Remove the tabletop and drill a pilot hole at the center of each marking.
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13
Spread a liberal amount of wood glue on the top of each trunk, replace the tabletop, and fasten the base with 2-inch drywall screws. Push the screw down slightly below the top of the wood using a countersink bit.
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14
Fill the screw holes with wood filler and sand lightly. Paint the tabletop in a cream color to complement the birch and seal with polyurethane.
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