I made these from pine fence slats. Some were older than others, but I think the rough finish if the material gives it a nice old look when finished.
I began by cutting 18 24" sections. I then attached each side to the base with glue/clamps/nails. I then cut the end pieces to fit inside the box vs covering it up. Its easier to "cap" the end with a board but I like the look of single side piece. Some of these slats were hard to work with because of the curve of the wood, clamping is key. Once assembled I used an orbital sander with 80 grit paper to smooth the surfaces. Hindsight I would do that before assembly next time.
I finished with a dark stain on 5 and on the 6th, dry brushed a grey stain over the dark and rubbed it in with a rag to finish the distressed look. Finally I put a coat of spray poly just to further seal it, in matte finish to keep the old wood look.
I made these from pine fence slats. Some were older than others, but I think the rough finish if the material gives it a nice old look when finished. I began by cutting 18 24" sections. I then attached each side to the base with glue/clamps/nails. I then cut the end pieces to fit inside the box vs covering it up. Its easier to "cap" the end with a board but I like the look of single side piece. Some of these slats were hard to work with because of the curve of the wood, clamping is key. Once assembled I used an orbital sander with 80 grit paper to smooth the surfaces. Hindsight I would do that before assembly next time. I finished with a dark stain on 5 and on the 6th, dry brushed a grey stain over the dark and rubbed it in with a rag to finish the distressed look. Finally I put a coat of spray poly just to further seal it, in matte finish to keep the old wood look.