Project Duration: 5 weeks
Fall 2025
Project 2: Recto Side Table
Design Overview
For this project we focused on craftsmanship and applying traditional woodworking methods to create a functional piece of furniture. Throughout the process, I explored different types of joinery and gained a deeper understanding of the precision required to build a well crafted piece.
Inspiration
I explored red oak furniture pieces, and got interested in visible joinery. I also looked at open frame furniture and found structural elements that helped inform my direction.
Practice Table
We were instructed to build a hybrid table, and through that process learned domino joinery, planning techniques, and how to make precise cuts, skills I later applied to my final piece.
Sketches
Exploratory furniture sketches exploring form and variation.
CAD Models
Final iteration of the side table before moving into the full scale build in red oak. Front and side views shown of the overview direction.
Technical Drawing
The mapping guide used to build the side table at the correct scale, showcasing the orthographic views and key measurements.
Process Photos
Planning and jointing the pieces to the correct size before gluing and assembling everything together. Once the structure was set, I moved into sanding the final piece.
Final piece sanded down to reveal the wood grain. The legs are attached with wing bolts, allowing them to be tightened over time if they ever begin to loosen.