Building a Decorative Wood Riser

Overall Dimensions: 32″ L x 7.5″ W x 8″ H

Instructions:

1. Cut your lumber to the desired size. We used four of the 1×4 pine boards and two of the 1×3 pine boards cut to a 32” length for the top, bottom and sideboards of the riser. We also used the 1×3 boards to cut our two ends at a 6” length.
2. First, we will assemble the bottom half of the riser. Lay out two of the 1×4 planks with a slight gap in between them. Lay one of the 1×3 sideboards along the outer edge of each plank perpendicularly. We used a clamp to keep the boards in place.
3. Predrill your outer two holes first and insert the screws. Now, you can remove the clamp and install the remaining screws (we used 5 screws for each board on this step).
4. We will now use the 6” ends to attach the two halves. Place the end board perpendicular to the 1×3 boards that were just installed. Attach a clamp to keep everything tightly assembled.
5. Flip the assembly over so that you are screwing into the end boards from the bottom of the 1×4 planks. Predrill your holes and insert your 1 ¼” screws. We used two screws at the end of each board for this step.
6. Next, you can install your bun feet. First, you need to mark where you would like the bun feet to be installed. Make a mark where the center of the plank is. Then, measure the radius of the bun foot using the existing marks on the top of the foot. Measure that amount (1 7/16”) from the end of the board. Where it meets the plank center mark is where your drill hole will go. Please note: these measurements are for projects that will have the bun feet flush to the side of the riser with no overhang.
7. Predrill the holes for your bun feet from the bottom of the riser. Then, using the 2 ½” screws, attach the bun foot from the inside of the riser down into the foot.
8. Next, we sanded and finished the assembled components as well as the two top planks.
9. Once everything is finished and dried, lay the two top planks on the assembly and mark where you would like the screws to go.
10. We used a two-step bit for this which allowed us to make a small hole for the screw and a wider space for plugs that will be used to hide the screws. We made three holes on each plank (one on each end and one in the middle).
11. Using some of the scrap wood from earlier, look for similar areas to cut out your plugs (try and grain match so the plugs are as unnoticeable as possible).
12. Use your drill press to cut out each of your plugs.
13. Install the screws into the pre-drilled holes.
14. Add glue on top of each screw and place a plug in each hole. Use a mallet to tap them into place.
15. Sand the plugs so they are flush with the rest of the top. Once they are sanded, apply the same finish to them so they match the rest of the riser.