I just completed my first build (#AnaWhiteFarmhouseDesk). It has a ton of mistakes, but they are my mistakes to learn from.
1. Measure twice cut once not measure once cuss twice.
2. Cutting 2x4s in half does not make a store bought 2x2. Which is really 1 1/2 x 1 1/2. Who determined that we would measure wood (used in carpentry which requires very precise measurements) and just round up? Awwe, they'll figure it out!
3. Steelwool & vinegar stain with a black tea conditioner provide a beautiful aged wood appearance, but when using different types of wood it is nearly impossible to match (maybe even store bought stains are like that, too.)
4. When your 95 yr old grandfather (how freakin' cool is it that I have a 95 yr old grandfather... With a planer no less) tells you to catch the "wormy Chestnut planks" on the other side (okay... I'm bragging about getting my hands on wormy Chestnut for my desk top) remember to bring you own PPE because at 95 he doesn't require ear protection and doesn't give a frog's fat a$# if sawdust shoots in your eyes & nose... What's the problem???? He never had a new pair of shoes until he was in the military serving in world war 2 so what's a little sawdust?
5. Sometimes you just need to ask for help from your trusty uncle! Thanks to my uncle Nathan (Lord do I love this man!) I finally, with his help, completed the build by assembling the desk top yesterday. I was so afraid of screwing up my gold desk top (aka wormy Chestnut)
6. Mistakes... Do not fear them, but rather embrace them because that is life's playground where learning happens.
7. Learn from others. Thank you Ana White, Woodworking for beginners members FB group and YouTube!
Desktop and shelf hardwoods were given a few layers of had rubbed poly.