Before I built out my workshop I struggled with ideas on what to build with the limited tools I had. While organizing all of the leftover lumber from a kitchen remodel, I thought about doing something simple. I had all of this wood and a futon a friend left before she moved, easy build… nightstands.

I started with the futon, which was a wood frame in pretty good condition. No idea what kind of wood it was made from, but it was a hardwood which was helpful. A little sanding and we’re off. Now what to do about the top? There was a lot of leftover oak flooring from the kitchen. It’s 3/4″, stable and of course stains really well. For my first project in the shop, I think they turned out pretty well. Of course some mistakes were made, but learning moments. 

The build