This versatile table is made from European ash, an open-textured timber with a straight grain and a colour ranging from pale cream to pale brown. However, I managed to find some with a darker stain running through parts of the grain and also with some areas of wild grain, both of which I think add visual interest. When you're working with solid timber, it's important to consider the natural qualities in the material and how they'll relate to the overall design. In this case, an uncomplicated design is offset by the inherent qualities of the timber.

Once this initial dimensioning has been done, lay out the three planks to work out the best arrangement, ensuring that the good faces are on the outside. It looks good if you cut the top and sides from continuous lengths so that the same grain pattern runs across the top and down each side. When you've decided the positioning of each board (ensuring that each plank has the growth rings on the end grain placed alternately up and down to avoid warping), cut each one into four pieces (i.e. top, 2 sides, shelf) slightly longer than required. Clearly identify which pieces are to be joined together, then mark on the jointing edges of each the position of the centre point of the biscuits, about 4in (100mm) apart.

Mark the profile of the quadrant on the ends of the edges of each piece, then use a plane to take off the corners as close to the line as possible. Finally, use abrasive paper on a shaped block to complete the rounding process.

Alternatively, make a template for the shape from a piece of thick card hold it against the shape as work proceeds along the length of the board until the profile is reached.