This is my variation of the Rustic X Coffee Table. I was going for a more classic to modern look and I prefer dark stain. This was my first furniture building project and I'm very happy with the results.
I changed the top to be three 2x8's (1.5" x 7.25") and the bottom shelf is five 2x4's (1.5" x 3.5") and adjusted lengths accordingly. I also shortened the legs to 14" so it's a good height for use as a foot rest from the couch.
I was originally going to change the X's on the ends to 3 vertical 2x2's, but we have our first baby on the way and the way the spacing worked out was asking for a head to get stuck. So I decided to leave it open.
The table top and the bottom shelf were biscuit joined instead of doing tons of pocket holes. I recommend that if you have access to a biscuit/plate joiner (I borrowed a friend's) . The rest of the frame was done using pocket holes from the Kreg jig.
I recommend buying Kreg Jig R3 instead of the Mini. You get way more for your money. I also recommend using the Kreg pocket hole screws, some of which come with the R3 kit. They make driving much easier and you don't have to worry about stripping the square heads.
