Build the super popular Rustic X Console Table. This woodworking project has been built thousands of times and loved the world over. Its made of construction lumber (yes, 2x4s!) and the plans are easy to follow. Free step by step plans from Ana-White.com.
Also in this Collection: Rustic X Coffee Table Plans, Rustic X End Table Plans and Rustic X Bench Plans

Preparation
- 6 – 2x2 @ 8 feet long
- 3 – 2x4 @ 8 feet long
- 1 – 1x12 @ 12 feet long
- 3 – 2x6 @ stud length or 8 feet
- Corner hardware/decorative bolts
- 1 1/4" and 2 1/2" pocket hole screws
- 2 1/2" screws
- 12 – 2x2 @ 30”
- 6 – 2x4 @ 28 1/2"
- 2 – 1x12 @ 63 1/2"
- 5 – 2x4 @ 11 1/4"
- 2 – 2x2 @ 11 1/4"
- 2 – 2x2 @ 22 1/2" (long point to short point, ends parallel, cut at 60 degrees off square)
- 4 – 2x2 @ 11 1/4" (longest point to shortest point, long end cut at 60 degrees off square, short point cut at 30 degrees off square, angles are in same direction)
- 3 – 2x6 @ 74 1/2"
NOTE: If your saw does not cut 60 degrees off square, you will need to mark cuts with an angle square or compass/protractor and cut angles with circular saw or jigsaw. Practice this cut first on scraps!
Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!
Instructions
Step 2
Then attach frames to shelves. NOTE: I recommend drilling 3/4" pocket holess with Kreg Jig around all sides of each shelf for attaching all shelf trim with 1 1/4" Pocket Hole screws later on.
Step 3
Step 5
The X can be cut by just placing the uncut board alongside it's permanent position, and marking the overlap with a pencil, and then cutting the pencil lines with a circular saw or jigsaw.
First do the longer piece, then place inside the project, but don't attach yet.
The figure the smaller piece cuts and make those cuts.
Fit the smaller pieces in the project, and trace where they need to be joined to the larger piece.
Remove all pieces and attach the smaller pieces to the longer piece.
Then place the entire X inside the opening and attach.
Step 6
And then add the top. You can build top first with 1 1/2" pocket holes and 2 1/2" pocket hole screws and then attach to top through 2x4/2x2 aprons or just plank the top for a rustic look - it's up to you.
TIP: Just use your 2 1/2" pocket hole screws to attach the top so you don't have to go out and buy more 2 1/2" screws.
It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
Comments
brookifer86
Mon, 05/21/2012 - 12:24
Oh my stars
This is on the build list. It's just THAT fantastic! Cannot wait to have this in my house!
birdsandsoap
Mon, 05/21/2012 - 14:20
Wow! What a neat design, it's
Wow! What a neat design, it's the perfect display table for all of those heirloom quilts. Well done!
RBear
Mon, 05/21/2012 - 16:12
I LOVE this table!! But I want the drawers.
I LOVE this table!! But I want to upsize it like the from Pottery Barn and add the drawers.
Any ideas how to add the drawers? The unit has open sides. Would a drawer slide underneath the drawer work here? I have only used the side mounted drawer slides.
Hillary (not verified)
Tue, 05/22/2012 - 22:26
drawers
Hi, RBear. Yes, I looked at the inspiration piece assuming someone would want to make it with the drawers and so I've thought about it a bit. To build it like the inspiration piece you'd need to use undermount slides and attach them to the middle shelf so they wouldn't be visible from the sides. I did it on a big storage bench I made last year and it took a bit to figure out the drawers, but it wasn't rocket science. I actually used two center-mount slides per drawer and just lined them up so they were perfectly parallel, because the drawers were heavy. These drawers might be light enough for just one center-mount slide each. (http://thefriendlyhome.blogspot.com/2011/01/game-storagecheck.html) If I were doing drawers, I'd use 1x10s for the drawer body and face and place the middle shelf so that the clearance for the 1x10 drawer would be right. I think right now the space is 10 1/2" and the 1x10s would be 9 1/2" or 9 1/4" depending on what kind you use, so you'd need to move the bottom shelf up a hair to accommodate the drawers exactly.
Good luck!
RBear
Fri, 05/25/2012 - 15:17
Thanks, Hillary!
I remember your game storage post. I love it!!!
Ante
Wed, 07/10/2013 - 13:00
hi hillary
Quick question.. did you use spruce on all the X projects? thanks ahead of time and everything you did looks great.
tracysmith
Mon, 05/21/2012 - 16:41
Crazy
So, my mom comes over today and says she needs a new tv console and I pull up Ana's site to give her some ideas and voila, the answer is the very first thing she sees - this table! We're going to modify it a bit to fit her needs but as soon as I have this baby built, I'll post some pictures in a brag post! Thanks for posting the plans, she's gonna love this!!!!
jenn923
Mon, 05/21/2012 - 18:10
Love this!! Any way to make a coffee table?
I love this console table and I'm thinking it would be a great media console...I'll have to make some modifications to fit my living room though. But I also need a coffee table...any way you could do a coffe table plan? Pretty please! :)
In reply to Love this!! Any way to make a coffee table? by jenn923
tracysmith
Tue, 05/22/2012 - 01:04
What size of coffee table are
What size of coffee table are you looking for? Overall size idea would be great in order to draw up some sketch up plans. That is as long as Ana isn't already planning on doing them ;-)
Hillary (not verified)
Tue, 05/22/2012 - 22:14
coffee table
Ana and I are working on a coffee table. It's coming! :)