Build your own end tables! These gorgeous rustic style end tables are built from 2x4s and lumber. We love the large size and the open bottom shelf. Stain or paint any color. Our beginner friendly plans make it easy with step by step diagrams, shopping list and cut list.
Also in this Collection: Rustic X Console Table, Rustic X Coffee Table and Rustic X Bench Plans

Preparation
- 2 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
- 1 - 1x12 @ 3 feet long
- 2 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long
- 2 - 2x6 @ 8 feet long corner bracket hardware decorative bolts
- 2 1/2" and 1 1/4" Pocket Hole screws
- wood glue
- 8 - 2X4 @ 22 1/2" - Legs
- 4 - 2X2 @ 16" - Trim
- 2 - 1X12 @ 16" - Bottom shelf
- 2 - 2X2 @ 26 1/2" (LONG POINT TO SHORT POINT, ENDS ARE PARALLEL, 50 DEGREES OFF SQUARE) *
- 4 - 2x2 @ 13 1/4" (Longest edge, one end cut at 50 degrees off square, other end cut at 10 degrees off square, see diagram) *
- 5 - 2x6 @ 27" - Top
*You may wish to trace and cut these in place
Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!
Instructions
Step 1
Step 4
Now it's time to fit your cross braces. A standard miter saw should cut a 50 degree angle off square. If not, you will need to mark it with a square (remember 50 degrees is off square, so that means the angle off the board edge would be 40 degrees.
Another trick is to just hold the board in place, mark the angles, and cut. These aren't support boards or anything like that, so some glue and a few nails or countersunk screws from top/bottom will do the trick.
TIP: We recommend building the entire X first, the attaching the complete X inside the end table.
Step 5
Step 6
It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
Comments
In reply to Quick question by Rfillmore
Ana White
Mon, 06/27/2016 - 10:00
I would recommend pre
I would recommend pre-staining all boards.:)
laurahamer07
Sun, 07/24/2016 - 20:47
x bars
Hi there,
I was hoping someone could help me out. What would the length of wood be for the 2x2 crossbar prior to cutting it to the appropriate angle? We are doing everything by hand with no mitre saw So it's easiest to make one 90 degree cut prior to the off square cut.
TIA for the help! (26.5" from long to short point is what I'm referring to)
Merc7112002
Wed, 07/27/2016 - 12:24
Awesome idea!
pruittmac
Tue, 10/18/2016 - 07:24
Rustic end table
I am planning on making one of these tables today. Wondering about how long it takes just to build it? TIA!!!
Jaelane
Fri, 11/18/2016 - 15:15
kreg jr
you said you have a kreg jr. It when I go to look for one there are so many different kinds. Kreg R3 jr , R4 ect. I'm not sure which one to buy. What exact one do you have?
Bethany Simmons
Tue, 02/28/2017 - 13:11
Decorative brackets and bolts
Anyone have any suggestions on where to find reasonably priced decorative brackets and bolts?
In reply to Decorative brackets and bolts by Bethany Simmons
Brian Famous
Thu, 01/25/2018 - 12:57
Make them yourself!
You can actually make them yourself fairly easily. All it takes is a piece of flat bar steel, a way to cut the steel (I use a grinder with a cut off wheel, but a hacksaw would work too), a drill with a good drill bit (for drilling the bolt holes), a vise, a hammer, and some spray paint.
If you get a longer piece of steel than you need, it's easier to bend because you get more leverage on it. To make it even easier, you can use a torch to heat the steel at the point you want to bend it.
MacGyver
Mon, 01/22/2018 - 16:01
Measurement help
I'm new to the world of woodworking and trying to figure out the easiest way to adjust the measurements but still make it look the same.
In reply to Measurement help by MacGyver
Brian Famous
Tue, 01/23/2018 - 07:41
New dimensions?
If you are trying to change the measurements, can you provide the new final dimensions (height, width, and depth) you are trying to achieve? Knowing those dimensions would be the first step in determining how the measurements need to be changed.
MacGyver
Tue, 01/23/2018 - 15:20
Terminology help
New to woodworking and new to terminology. In terms of the lower shelf, what does 3/4 PHs mean.