This project was built and designed by Keaton Beyer. It’s a woodworking breakdown of three unique end tables—each built with 2x4s and tailored to a specific experience level: DIYer, Hobbyist, and Professional.
By comparing the same furniture type across these three skill levels, Keaton illustrates how tools, techniques, and confidence evolve throughout a woodworking journey. The result is an insightful and practical showcase of growth, no matter where you are in your own shop experience.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Keaton’s channel:
Understanding the Three Skill Levels
The series begins by defining what separates a DIYer from a Hobbyist and a Professional. A DIYer usually works with limited tools, focuses on budget builds, and sticks to functional designs. A Hobbyist is more invested in tools and technique, looking to improve both quality and craftsmanship. A Professional combines years of experience with efficiency, often producing polished and complex pieces.
By applying these profiles to the same type of build—a simple end table—Keaton provides a clear, side-by-side comparison of each level’s approach.
The DIYer Build: Simple and Fast
The DIY version is straightforward, using basic tools like a miter saw and pocket hole jig. The design consists of a basic frame and a slatted top, perfect for outdoor or utility use.
Limited tools can introduce challenges with accuracy, so Keaton emphasizes careful measuring and consistent cuts. Pocket hole joinery is used for fast and reliable assembly, with glue added to improve overall strength.
Clamping during screw installation prevents shifting and keeps the joints aligned. While this build is simple, it’s also practical—and it comes together quickly, proving that even beginner setups can produce solid furniture.
Stepping Up to the Hobbyist Build
With the Hobbyist-level table, the design becomes a bit more refined. A lower shelf adds visual interest and storage, and the build includes cleaner joinery and a more finished look.
Tools like a table saw and planer allow for more precise cuts and smoother edges. The materials are still 2x4s, but they’re milled down to eliminate rough faces and reduce inconsistencies.
Keaton uses dowel joinery here, which takes more time but adds strength and sophistication. A dowel jig ensures accurate holes, and dowel centers help align both boards. Lightly compressing dowels before insertion prevents them from binding inside the joint during glue-up.
This version showcases the value of investing time into layout and technique. The added shelf and cleaner joinery elevate the table beyond its DIY counterpart while remaining accessible to intermediate builders.
The Professional Build: Precision and Complexity
The final table in the series pushes into professional territory, featuring design upgrades like splayed legs, tapered profiles, pinned bridal joints, and half-lap joinery.
Keaton uses a jointer and planer to prepare the stock to exact dimensions. Flat, square lumber speeds up the process and reduces the need for sanding or adjustments later on.
Assembly involves advanced clamping strategies and tight-tolerance joinery. Parallel clamps provide even pressure across the entire surface, ensuring joints remain flush and strong. Each detail is deliberate, and the result is a refined piece that demonstrates true craftsmanship.
Technique Evolves with Confidence
One of the clearest differences between the tables isn’t just in design—it’s in how they’re built. The DIY table is careful and deliberate. The Hobbyist version adds precision and thoughtful technique. The Professional version flows with speed and confidence.
That confidence is earned through repetition and investment. Keaton shows that it’s not just the tools that improve—it’s the mindset and efficiency that come from experience.
Where a Hobbyist might pause and double-check a setup, the Professional makes smooth progress through familiar steps. That comfort in the craft leads to better results in less time.
Lessons from Each Level
Each version of the table offers takeaways:
- The DIY build proves that good results are possible with minimal tools and effort.
- The Hobbyist build encourages investing in accuracy and cleaner joinery.
- The Professional build demonstrates how design details and confidence combine to produce polished furniture.
Keaton’s video illustrates that there’s no wrong level to be at—each one builds on the last. What matters is continuing to improve and take pride in the work, whether you’re drilling pocket holes or hand-cutting joinery.
A Great Exercise in Progression
This trio of tables highlights the evolution of a woodworker’s path. The same material—humble 2x4s—becomes more refined and impressive as the builder’s skill increases.
The project also shows how much can be achieved with intention and practice. Whether you’re just getting started or refining your craft, this breakdown offers something to learn at every stage.
Please support Keaton, but visiting his website: https://www.keatonbeyerwoodworking.com/.