This might work if you want an unfinished table. The surface did not accept a stain evenly, even after several coats. At first it looked passable, but after 24 hours there were large almost white spots where apparently glue or some other clear substance had been left. Also, the shelf is held in by angle brackets, but there are no predrilled holes and not even any information about how high the shelf should be. All in all, this was a waste of time and money.