This project was built and designed by Brady Hommel. It’s a creative, low-cost side table made from one 2×12 board and built outdoors in the scenic Utah desert.
Turning a single board into a functional, rustic table shows just how much potential even the most basic materials can have. Brady walks through the entire process—from distressing the lumber to shaping the round tabletop—while making the most of the environment and adding some fun to the build.
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Starting with Distressing Techniques
To get the aged, reclaimed look, Brady begins by distressing the wood. Using a reciprocating saw, he runs the blade across the surface from multiple angles, leaving behind unique tool marks and texture.
This isn’t a precise or delicate process—it’s all about having fun and adding character to the board. He even lets his kids join in by jumping on the board, throwing rocks, or banging it with tools, giving the final piece a truly one-of-a-kind personality.
Cutting and Gluing the Tabletop
The next step involves rough-cutting the board into two sections, each slightly oversized for what will eventually become an 18-inch round tabletop. By leaving extra material on the cuts, Brady allows room to refine the shape later.
He squares up the mating edges to ensure a tight glue joint, then orients the grain in opposite directions for added strength and visual appeal. After applying glue and clamping the boards together, the top is left to dry while attention shifts to the base.
Building the Base with Clean Lines and Subtle Angles
The base is made from the same board, ripped down into 1.5-inch by 1.5-inch strips. Brady cuts each leg with a 6-degree angle, giving the piece a slightly tapered stance that elevates the overall look.
Pocket hole screws are used for assembly, offering hidden joinery that’s quick and secure. Once the legs and supports are cut and joined, the base is checked for square and set aside to dry.
This part of the process showcases just how much can be done with one board and a few essential tools. All the parts—top and base—are cut from a single 2×12, keeping costs low and simplicity high.
Shaping the Circular Top
With the glue dried on the tabletop, Brady uses a homemade compass or simple protractor method to mark out a perfect circle. This helps eliminate the guesswork of freehand cutting and ensures a symmetrical, even shape.
He then cuts the circle using a jigsaw, staying just outside the line before sanding down to final shape. Light sanding is used on the edges to preserve the rustic surface texture while still smoothing out any rough corners.
A light stain is applied to enhance the natural grain of the wood. The goal here isn’t perfection but personality—and the subtle imperfections from the distressing process add charm and uniqueness.
Painting and Finishing the Base
The base is painted a contrasting color to the top, adding visual interest and a touch of modern-rustic balance. After the paint dries, Brady lightly distresses the edges to tie it back in with the top’s weathered look.
This small detail helps unify the design and gives the piece a cohesive feel. It’s a great example of how a little extra effort in the finishing stages can elevate a basic build.
For the final finish, a clear topcoat is applied to seal and protect the tabletop. This helps preserve the distressed look without muting the natural tones or texture of the wood.
Final Assembly and Reveal
With both parts finished, the base is attached to the tabletop using screws through the underside. Brady checks for alignment and secures the pieces together to complete the build.
The end result is a sturdy, attractive side table that could easily be used indoors or out. Built with only one board, it proves that simple materials and smart design can result in a beautiful piece of furniture.
This project also highlights the joy of woodworking in a natural setting. The desert backdrop and relaxed, family-friendly approach add to the charm of the entire process.
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