Build a Painted Block Table Top, From Cheap 2x4's

First, buy the nicest framing studs (2x4) you can find, with the least amount on knots.

Then cut them to the length you need on a Miter Saw (photo from my video). I think it's easier to make straighter resaw cuts on the table saw with shorter pieces of wood, that's why I cut them to length first.

Then resaw the blocks. Start by cutting off the rounded edge, then cut 2 - 3/4" blocks and 1 - 1" block from each length. You'll want to do all of the edges in one go, then reset table saw to 3/4", do all of the 3/4" cuts. Then reset the table saw and do all the 1" cuts.

You can see the resaw in the video. Be sure to always use every safety percaution with power tools. Definitely use a push stick for resawing to keep your hands far away from the blade.

Sand all sides and ends of your block smooth, without rounding the corners or shortening the length.

Arrange your blocks in a size pattern, then paint them in whatever colors and order you like. I used a special mix of acrylic paint to keep the grain showing through the paint. You can see the full of the build instructions and how I mixed the paint on the tutorial on my site.

After drying, I carefully glued and clamped the blocks together. Make sure that the edges and top are as straight and flat as possible before clamping. Wipe away any glue that squeezes out, right away, with a damp cloth.

I had to clamp each of my tops in 2 sections because my clamps weren't long enough.

When the 2 sections dried, I glued and clamped those together with my strap clamp. All of this is in the video too.

Once the glue dried, I touched up any paint needed, then sealed the new table top with 3 coats of a good water-based poly.

I attached my new tops with corner braces.

And, here's my new guest room bedside tables. What do you think?You can find the full instructions and even build details for the table frame on my site.