Let me start off by saying that I am a man with specific taste. I nit-pick over the smallest of details when it comes to purchases.
I already know that, Jordan! Why mention it?
I mention it to set the stage for one of the most first-world struggles anyone encounters: furniture shopping. If you are as particular as I am, shopping for furniture starts off blissful, anticipatory, and joyous. “Soon,” you say to yourself, “Soon I’ll have a nice set of furniture to showcase my successful climb up the adulting ladder! I’ll have fancy items that reflect my taste! Guests will be in awe of my decorating acumen!” Many people can maintain this state of mind from concept to shipment… but, well, that’s not how it happens for me…
When I shop for furniture, I see some things I like. Then I see more things I like. Then, I double back to the first things I liked and start to imagine those first things having features or styles of the second things. In my mind, I create a fictitious item that has of all the things on my list that I liked, mashing styles, features, lengths, and handles until (in my mind’s eye) it doesn’t resemble furniture but more a Picasso-esque work of art.
That’s when I got a CRAZY idea: I CAN BUILD THIS S*!% MYSELF!!! How hard could a floating dresser be? A desk? SOMEONE put it together, why can’t I?
Depending on what is being built, and how ambitious you are, it isn’t hard. Everything you need to know is out there on the internet. At my last home, I built a wall console for the TV. It was made of reclaimed barn wood and covered the entire wall. I also built a platform bed.
The beauty of building your own furniture is on par with building your own home; it is customized to whatever nuances, finishes, and measurements you like. It has become something that I enjoy so much, it serves as a sort of therapy when I don’t feel like going for another run. I’ve become so good at it, I have built custom pieces for friends, too.
Want in on the fun? It doesn’t take much (or much money!) In my workroom, I have basic tools (screwdrivers of all sizes) a drill with numerous drill bits, enough screws and nails to build an A-frame home, and my favorite: a Ryobi circular saw. Beyond that, I have a collection of wood that would made a beaver swoon laying around. Youtube is a great resource for learning how to build, and for getting tips and tricks that will save you time and trips to Home Depot (because you didn’t know that lacquer has depth pours and now you need a new tabletop). My advice? Watch some videos, drool, and then get your hands dirty. Measure twice, and then twice more, and ALWAYS cut away from your fingers.
My work – Desk in Progress:
Bed:
