Simple Side Table or Nightstand

Attach a leg to a side support, then repeat for the other three corners, building two matching leg-and-support pairs. Two 2-1/2" screws per joint.

Attach the two 1x10 bottom shelf boards inside the leg sets so their outside edges sit flush with the legs. Use either 1-1/4" brad nails and glue, or the shorter star bit screws — screws are easier to fill and hide for a paint finish, nails are easier to hide for a stain finish (use a generous amount of glue either way).

Check that the legs are square to each other as you go: if the 1x10 edges don't line up flush on both sides, the legs went in slightly twisted, and it's worth correcting now.

Repeat the same fastening method for the top 1x12 boards. For a true bedside table where the back sits against a wall, start with the front board flush on the front and both sides, then let the back board overhang the back edge by about 1/2" — that edge is never seen. For a floating side table or an end table where every side shows, trim that back overhang flush with a circular saw instead.

Sand and finish to match the room.