How to Build a Rustic Nightstand

Rustic furniture is warm and natural, making it a style that many people like. Because it's often solid wood, rustic furniture can have a hefty price tag. You don't have to spend a lot to have rustic furniture, though. You may already have what you need. For example, if you're planning to take down a tree in the near future, consider using a section of the trunk as a nightstand. This natural piece of furniture will give your bedroom a touch of both rustic beauty and whimsy.

Tree trunk, about 1-foot in diameter
Measuring tape
Chainsaw
Safety-protection hammer
Chisel
Medium-grit sandpaper
Fine-grit sandpaper
Lint-free cloth
Carpenter's pencil
Drill
Screw-in furniture feet
Wood stain and paintbrush -- optional

Instructions

- 1
  Select a tree trunk. If you aren't planning to take down a tree in your yard, see if you can find one at a lumber yard. The trunk section should be about a foot in diameter. Using a chainsaw, carefully cut a section of trunk that's 18 inches tall. For an especially whimsical touch, you may want to use the very bottom of the trunk and leave part of the roots showing.
- 2
  Put the stump in a cool, dry location such as a barn or a garage. Let the stump dry for one month.
- 3
  
  You may need tools to remove the bark.
  
  Peel off any loose bark with your fingers. Use a chisel and hammer to chip off the hard-to-remove bark. Continue this process until all of the bark has been removed.
- 4
  Sand down the sides of the stump, using medium-grit sandpaper.
- 5
  
  The top of the table should be smooth.
  
  Sand the top and bottom of the stump with fine-grit sandpaper. The surface should be smooth to touch.
- 6
  Rub the entire nightstand with a damp lint-free cloth. This will clean off the dust left from the sanding. Continue cleaning the stump until your finger is clean when you run it across the stump.
- 7
  Flip the stump over so the bottom of the stump is on top. Measure out and mark four locations equally spaced around the bottom of the stump. These are the places where you will put the legs.
- 8
  Drill a hole in each marked location. These holes will make it easier to screw in the furniture feet and keep the stump from cracking.
- 9
  Screw short furniture legs into the holes. Furniture legs are available online and at hardware stores. Flip the nightstand over so that the top is showing.

Lift Table for Pets

How to Glue 2-by-4s to Make a Table

Tables