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The base is nothing more than two ladder-style side frames joined by short connectors, but the finishing sequence is the one detail worth following exactly: finish the base before attaching the top if you want a two-tone look, but leave the top edge of the frame completely raw. Stain or paint on that surface would act as a release layer between the glue and the wood, weakening the bond between the base and the top exactly where it needs to be strongest.
A generous bead of glue across the whole frame top, not just at the corners, is what keeps a single-board top like this from cupping or separating from the base over time — a few screws alone aren't enough grip across that much surface area.
| Item | Qty |
|---|---|
| Pine, 2x2, 8 ftFurring strips are a cheaper substitute. | 4 each |
| Pine, 1x12, 4 ft |
| 1 each |
| Self-tapping trim screws, 2-1/2" | 16 each |
| Self-tapping trim screws, 1-5/8", or 1-1/4" brad nailsFor attaching the top. | 1 box |
| Wood glue | 2 oz |
| Wood filler | 1 each |
| Paint or stain | 1 each |
Overall cost: $. Lumber prices vary by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure we would only be pretending to know.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L |
|---|---|---|
| LegsPine | 4 | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 29 1/4" |
| Side frame piecesPine | 4 | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 45" |
| End frame piecesPineOr 3" less than the actual width of your 1x12 top. | 4 | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 8 1/4" |
| TopPine | 1 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 48" |
Buy 5 boards at 8 ft.
4 boards
1 board
Assumes 8 ft stock, a 1/8" saw kerf, and buying each part at its own width. Change the board size or kerf on the full board plan →
Build two ladder-style side frames from the legs and side frame pieces, using 2-1/2" screws — one screw per joint with generous glue.
Connect the two side frames with the shorter end frame pieces, attaching with glue and 2-1/2" screws. Set the assembled frame on a level surface and adjust any joints as needed so it sits flat without rocking. Let the glue fully dry.
If you want a two-tone finish, paint or stain the base now, before attaching the top — but leave the top edge of the frame completely raw. Finish there would act as a release layer and weaken the glue bond with the top.
Apply glue generously across the whole top edge of the frame — not just at the corners. Set the 1x12 top in place and nail or screw down.
Fill any visible nail or screw holes with wood filler, let dry, and sand lightly. Finish the top with stain and a clear polyurethane coat to seal it.
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