This project was built and designed by Billy from Newton Makes. It’s a creative woodworking piece made entirely from construction lumber, using geometric principles to build a visually striking wall feature.
By turning simple triangles into 3D pyramids and adding color through stain, Billy transforms ordinary materials into a design-forward piece of art. This project is great for woodworkers who want something decorative, challenging, and different from the usual furniture builds.
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Starting with the Right Lumber
The build begins with a careful selection of construction lumber. Even though it’s inexpensive and easy to find, quality still matters—avoiding boards with pith or heavy knots helps prevent cupping, cracking, or warping.
Billy explains that choosing straight, stable boards up front reduces headaches later in the process. A visual inspection at the lumberyard helps avoid surprises once the cuts begin.
Cutting Perfect Triangles
The heart of the project lies in creating equilateral triangles—each with three 60-degree angles and equal sides. These become the repeating units for the final design.
Using a table saw and a reliable jig, Billy cuts dozens of triangles, making extras to account for mistakes. Consistency is key here, as even small variations in angle or length will be noticeable once everything is assembled.
Creating 3D Pyramid Blocks
To give the piece its distinctive look, each triangle is shaped into a small pyramid by beveling the sides. This adds depth and dimension, turning flat geometry into a textured surface.
Billy tilts the saw blade and uses a dedicated jig to make the angled cuts. This step requires precision and patience, especially since any error can throw off the shape or cause chipping along the edge.
Understanding Wood Grain Direction
One major takeaway from this part of the build is the importance of cutting with the grain. Cutting against the grain often leads to tear-out and poor surface quality, especially with softer construction-grade wood.
By paying attention to grain direction before each bevel cut, Billy reduces the chances of damaging the surface. This tip helps preserve more usable pieces and saves time in sanding and cleanup later.
Smoothing and Staining the Triangles
Once all the pyramids are cut, each piece is sanded thoroughly. Since Billy plans to use water-based stains, he lightly wets the wood first, then sands again with fine-grit paper to reduce raised grain.
A mix of complementary stain colors is applied, giving the artwork a rich, layered look. The contrast between light and dark tones, combined with the angled faces of the pyramids, creates depth and movement in the final design.
Laying Out the Pattern
Billy mounts the finished pyramids onto a sheet of quarter-inch MDF. Each row is arranged with care, using glue to secure the pieces in place.
While the layout can be customized to fit different spaces or color schemes, Billy sticks with a clean, structured pattern that highlights the repeating geometric forms. The result is a balanced yet dynamic piece that stands out from across the room.
Color Selection and Assembly Tips
Choosing a harmonious set of stain colors takes a bit of trial and error. Billy recommends testing different combinations before committing to the final pattern.
During assembly, he works in rows to maintain alignment. This method also allows for small corrections along the way, ensuring the rows stay straight as the board fills in.
The Final Look and Display
Once assembled, the entire panel becomes a striking wall accent. The pyramids catch and reflect light differently depending on the angle, adding texture and dimension that flat artwork can’t replicate.
Because it’s mounted on MDF, the piece is lightweight and easy to hang. It can also be built as multiple panels for larger spaces or grouped with other artwork.
Learning Through the Process
Billy shares that this project helped reinforce geometry skills and layout planning—both of which are essential in woodworking. Projects like this push beyond function and highlight the creative possibilities that come with shaping wood.
By experimenting with form, angle, and finish, Billy shows how scrap-friendly builds can result in high-end aesthetics. It’s a strong reminder that woodworking doesn’t have to be limited to tables and shelves.
A Rewarding Decorative Build
This project is perfect for woodworkers looking to stretch their skills with something visually unique. It uses basic tools in clever ways, teaches the value of precision and planning, and delivers an eye-catching finished product.
For anyone wanting to try geometric designs or break up the usual flow of shop work, this wall art project is a rewarding change of pace.
Please support Billy by visiting his website here: https://www.newtonmakes.com/shop.