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The two shelves are simple edge-joined panels — a 1x10 core framed in 1x4 on both open sides — but the leg sets and the X braces underneath are where this design earns the "modern farmhouse" name. The 2x4 legs need to go on level and square to each other before the mitered cross braces go in, because the braces are cut to a fixed 45° and won't forgive a leg set that's out of true.
Build both shelf panels identically before attaching either one to the legs — laying them side by side to compare is a five-second check that saves a much longer fix later if one came out a different size than the other.
| Item | Qty |
|---|---|
| Pine, 1x10, 8 ft | 1 each |
| Pine, 1x4, 8 ft | 2 each |
| Pine, 2x4, 8 ft | 2 each |
| Pocket hole screws, 1-1/4" | 1 box |
| Brad nails, 1-1/4" and 2" | 1 box |
| Wood glue | 4 oz |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Shelf core boardsPine 1x10 | 4 | 3/4" × 9 1/4" × 23 3/4" |
| Shelf end trim, shortPine 1x4 | 4 | 3/4" × 3 1/2" × 18 1/2" |
| Shelf end trim, longPine 1x4 | 4 | 3/4" × 3 1/2" × 25 1/4" |
| Top shelf framePine 2x4 | 2 | 1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 18 1/2" |
| LegsPine 2x4 | 4 | 1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 17" |
| X cross bracesPine 2x4Long point to long point, both ends cut at 45°, not parallel. | 8 | 1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 5 1/2" |
Buy 6 boards at 8 ft.
2 boards
2 boards
2 boards
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 →
Cut the 1x10 into four pieces and join two together on the long edge, either with glue alone or 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws. Repeat for the second panel — build both before moving on, and compare them side by side.
Measure the depth of each panel and cut the short 1x4 trim to match — it should come out close to 18-1/2". Attach with 1-1/4" brad nails and wood glue. Measure and cut the long 1x4 side trim to fit the remaining open edges and attach the same way.
Build the two 2x4 leg sets with 2" brad nails and glue.
Attach the upper shelf panel to the insides of the leg sets.
Attach the open ends of the 2x4 legs to the bottom shelf panel with screws — preferred over nails here for extra hold. Make sure the legs are attached level before moving to the next step.
With the legs confirmed level, attach the mitered cross braces at 45° underneath the lower shelf between the leg sets.
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