This video has become an unexpected social experiment lol. 12 years ago I made this exact same project and posted a video: Not a single comment concerned about the perceived lack of purpose to this project. So to make it clear for many of today's viewers: 1) In 12 years of using this, I have NEVER walked in mud or needed to scrape the gunk off my shoes. (Why are you walking around in mud???) Nobody visiting my home has ever arrived with mud on their feet either. 2) Nobody has ever tripped over the 1.5” rise. The threshold to the doorway itself is raised. People look where they are walking. It ain’t that difficult. 3) You can use whatever jointery you like in your projects. Nobody but you is impressed by the woodworking techniques you use. 4) Not everything has to have some deeper meaning or purpose. Sometimes woodworking can simply be fun and fulfill a decorative purpose. Visitors to my home always comment on the doormat and love it.

I love that you leave in the little things like test fitting the boards to the rod, adjusting the push block, putting in the dado stack. It's small things like that that don't get mentioned in tutorials that I often find myself wondering about when I go to actually try it. Small things that aren't pointed out directly, but are still an important part of the craft.

I remember you making this the first time. Man, I've been following you for a looooong time.

Thank you Steve! As a metal guy, 45 degree breaks have always been in fashion😎

Steve, This is the first video I've watched of yours. You seem to be addressing the "newbies". I like that. I had to stop the video at about 22 when you were talking about rounded edges "maybe" being dated. I got my start in woodworking in the '60s & '70s, helping my grandfather in his shop. Then I went on to college studying Industrial Design. I then became an orthotist, designing and fabricating orthoses for handicapped people. All of this time, I continued to do woodworking - mostly by taking "courses" in high schools, community colleges, technology schools, etc. Designs being "dated" is a real thing. We as a society can look back at periods in time where people favored certain styles in their clothing, furniture, cars, houses, etc. Some styles may be dictated by people or companies making things to a certain look. Other styles may be dictated by manufacturing processes available or convenient at the time. I suspect that many of today's styles for hand made items may be dictated by availability of 3-D printing, CAD-CAM, etc. Home styles are very distinctly changed due to building codes, cost of materials, etc. I believe that a good amount of style change is due to these kinds of issues and less about preferences. Within the handcrafts industries, a big part of style comes from craftspeople copying one another. But, I would hope that we, as craftspeople would not feel as though we need to design for a certain style. Hopefully, we will design (or change a design) to make the product work better. How does it feel. Is it safe? I, personally am okay with chamfered edges but my preferences for furniture is to use rounded edges so that the furniture is less likely to wound a child who falls into it. But, please make it your style, not what you think is the current style. And please remember that everything we make is for someone to use not to match a style.

I love how you don't talk over music. Thank you, Steve.

Glad to see an updated video for this. I just found out about you a few months ago and I’ve been doing a deep dive into the years of content. Just watched the original one for this the other day. I notice in a lot of those old comments that people are curious about what the projects look like today. I think you could do a whole series just on that. Doing maintenance, like when you refinished the outside table, or making updates to the design. A lot of KZfaqr woodworkers make flashy designs, but seeing how they weather and age is just as interesting, at least to me. Also loving the podcast. I think the name change was a good decision. Holding out hope for you getting Norm Abram on there. I never knew about him until KZfaq served up the new Yankee Workshop channel they started a few months ago. Great stuff. Sorry for the rambling comment, just wanted to say I’ve been appreciating your stuff, Steve.

I guy I know had his entire framing of his house made from cherry! Also, I think you're one of the only woodworkers on KZfaq that I could watch a 22 minute video about making a doormat and enjoy every bit of it.

Thank you for remaking this video! I attempted to make this doormat alongside the old video, and got stuck on the miters. Now I can try again while following the tips from this one. You’re the best, Steve!

I purchased a craftsman drill press for $50.00 at a local pawn shop. For an additional $5.00 "insurance" plan, I have 6 months to return it for store credit for any or no reason at all. 🙂 Totally worth 5 bucks since it's a used piece of equipment.

Glad to see that someone finally knows what the clutch is on a cordless drill.

Another great video Steve! I purchased the plans and will be making four of these for Christmas gifts. It is wonderful how you have kept true to your original philosophy of using entry level joinery and tools to complete your projects. At your level of viewership on KZfaq you could probably have a shop full of the finest, most expensive tools just for the asking, but you have resisted the temptation and remain true to your viewership. This makes your videos very approachable for the beginning woodworker, which, I'm sure is your intent. Congratulations on a great channel.

Hey Steve. Been watching you for a long time now. I’ve been a pro for quite awhile so I’m very fortunate to have a rather advanced shop but guys like you who still show folks how much can be done with the basics are vital to the craft. Keep doing what you’re doing. You’re like the Norm Abrams of KZfaq. I’m sure you’ll be long remembered by many.

This might be one of my favorite projects 😊 I’ve been following you since before the pandemic and as a beginner woodworker, I find your material super insightful, encouraging, and doable! Thank you for you!

Steve i would be interest in seeing you tackle a project like a gradient from the softest to hardest woods commonly used so you can use it as a reference for what wood is for what project

So excited to see this! I literally just watched your original video of this two days ago because I want to build one. Amazing work as always! Thank you for amazing content

Another awesome video! I actually used redwood on a hand rail for my front door 2 years ago and it's holding up great. My house faces south and that metal gets insanely hot in the summer so a quick cap of wood makes it comfortable and adds a unique look to it

My goodness, Steve. I have been watching and inspired by your project for years. Absolute pleasure watching you work. Cheers!

This is my favorite workshop I've seen. It's so pragmatic

Lovely project! Thanks for sharing. And, yes, pocket holes are fine for many projects. I made a couple of 8 foot tall bookcases out of scaffold boards some four years ago- no glue - they are fully laden and aren’t in any danger of falling apart any time soon. If I built them again, I’d probably use dowels, but that’s just because I can.

Thank you for the idea!

The first doormat video you did was actually my introduction to your videos! Not even when it was fresh I don't think, I just happened upon it in a recommendation or something. Here I am however many years later since I subscribed, still watching!

i'm totally going to make one of these as a gift for my aunt, THANKS Steve!

This is the kind of project I love for you to do and me to learn! I like it and I'm gonna make one or maybe two or three! Thanks Steve!

Time to refinish the original! Great video. Thanks!

Thanks Steve for another great project. I’m looking forward to using up some redwood I have leftover from a garden project

So glad I saw this video! I looked yesterday at possibilities for a new doormat. Didn’t see any I liked. This would be perfect.

I love watching you work…very satisfying 🙏🙏

Parang napakaganda naman para gawing doormat lang. Pwede pang decor.

This looks like a great project for a primitive woodworker like me! 😂 Your videos have actually inspired me to install some homemade cabinets in my kitchen, and while they may be crude, I'm so proud of them and it's wonderful to have this new storage space!

Almost done with my first try. Not bad. Tip on drilling the holes: no matter how carefully you jig it, the drill bit does tend to wander over a 1.5" path. It's pretty easy to set up the press table for an entry hole that's 99% repeatable at the center. Soooo, don't drill it all from one end: set the drill stroke for about 7/8", drill it, flip it, and do the second half of the hole from the other end. It cuts "drift" in half.

Very nice project. In my opinion the best thing about screws is that the option for repairs is convenient if needed. There are basically two types of woodworkers/carpenters. Those that appreciate and admire the work. And those that just look for mistakes, and criticism.

Amazing Video. Every one of your videos gives me the confidence to attempt a project.

Very cool kind of has a Japanese architectural feel to it, I dig it!

I love the project. I have a similar design for a cedar bathmat. I've made several for bathrooms in our house and for friends and family members.

This is such a cool idea. You could also carve a design into it with a CNC, I think that might look cool!

Awesome Steve, thanks, I can see one of those in my porch in a month or so. Looks very smart.

Thanks Steve!

Absolutely love this Definitely going to make one or two for my deck up north Excellent channel Realistic woodworking Thanks again

Love this

Started making one of these tonight. Great tutorial!

Every new video from you turn me into a kid on sugae overload... Thank you!

First, revisiting old stuff with a new spin is always nice. The flashback to a decade ago shows so much improvement. Now, you have a better video, better joints, better workshop (with less actual stuff), and even look younger. Second, round-overs vs chamfers is always going to be subjective. I use roundovers for anything with hand-contact. Shelves and such always get it, and I've never once thought it looked dated. Chamfers go on things where fitment is important. For a doormat, they'll look different, but neither will look more dated than the other. The wood itself is probably the most dominating 'aging' factor.

I like the table saw sound effect -- schwoop, schwoop 😂😂

Wow! I remember the build of the 1st door mat. I really gotta get out more.... Kidding.. great project then... great project now. I really enjoy seeing you back in the shop Steve.

Steve great that you showed the not so exact mitre joints we have all been there well done.

I have too many things to say in praise of this video, so I'll just say thanks. Your essay about the experience of woodworking regardless of one's choice in tools was also very appreciated.

Looks great. Oh yeah and thanks for addressing the redwood thing.

I made one of these years ago when the original video calls out and it still works great.

I love it, nice work I'm enjoying the project videos. Your woodworking style is perfect for us beginning woodworkers.

awesome video as always!!!

This looks great. Almost too nice to use for a doormat. Great job!

Cool shop.

Looks real good Steve, thanks for posting.

Aside from my preference of wood treatment ( I prefer a clear coat/ natural wood) I love this project!

I’m originally from San Mateo, CA but I currently live in Gatineau, Quebec and I really miss building with redwood. Outside of Northern California, redwood is very hard to find and even you do find it, it tends to be prohibitively expensive to build with. Nobody really utilizes it out here, and I wish it was more accessible.

Great Job. Thanks.

Steve is and has always been the best woodworker to watch for us DIYers. There are no hidden steps, even the steps that would be kind of 'embarrassing' to show for other woodworkers out there, like that tedious going-back-and-forth-to-get-that-perfect-fit steps, are being shown. And he's always thorough in his explanations. Keep being you, man. God bless

Another great long form video! Thank you. Thumbs up!

The drill press. I'm a DIYer, who builds something once (one weekend) every 6 to 8 weeks, so I cannot justify the cost of a drill press. But everytime I build, there will be a moment where I wish I had one.

Outstanding Great spending time with you

Hey Steve, the secret to repetitive alignment for hand drilling is called a "jig," make sure you give them a look. One could be cobbled together (probably with the redwood scraps from this very project) in 5 minutes for this job.

Very elegant piece. Because I'm a clumsy-footed klutz I'd probably put a very heavy bevel on at least the front long rail, perhaps on all four, just to stop myself bashing my toes into it.

I've used a couple of the presses that use an electric drill motor. Latching trigger is more convenient. I've mounted my cordless units as well as corded. Works well for small work, and especially if you have storage issues.

Great project! Looks like your skills improved quite a bit since the first one that you built.

Love that color. While I have a pocket-hole jig I usually prefer to use dowels but, as you said, it's only for my satisfaction not for any great increase in durability.

Seeing that old video made me realise that I have been watching your stuff for ages. When did we get so old?!?

You blew my mind when you rolled out the router table 😮 because it looks exactly like mine ❤😂 The mat came out beautifully 🎉

On your drill press comment, this is one of those spots where when you're starting out a Wen or Harbor Freight drill press is probably fine. My Harbor Freight drill press has held up quite well even for all the pens I've made and so it's one of those tools that are so simple that "cheap" will likely still get you something that'll take you pretty far!

very nice, thank you... good to see you back on here

Love the music from the early days.

Looks great. Now I kinda want to make one...I'll be back in another 12 years to see how it's held up.

Nice build. Makes an awesome gift!

I wood have flipped that last board over to cut out the pith. Its all about the grain. Looks good. Thanks for sharing

I actually made two of these along with you 12 years ago. The first one I made to your specs, and I found it a little small. So, that one is now in front of my doggie door to make it a little easier for my chihuahuas to get outside. The second one I made a bit larger, and I gave it as a gift to a coworker. I always intended to make more for my own house, but I drifted away from my hobbies, and had some major health issues. I'm working to get better now, and hopefully I will be able to make another one soon.

Very nice…. Thanks for sharing!

It's definitely not my kind of woodworking, but good work. I sneak up on everything. Your the first person that I've heard admit it. Awesome

100% agree with his round over statement. Much prefer a slight chamfer.

Hey Steve, I love the idea of this type of project! There's something nice about there being a design out there for a fuctional and lifelong dialy object. Its like the wood form for "doormat.' You have created a utilitarian design for something every person might need and I wonder what other projects are best suited toward this ideaology!

Awesome result Steve! ❤

Signed up to your Newsletter. Found very interesting reads. Thank you for sharing. I believe, "Our World is a Shared Experience"...

Using the rubber washers is a great idea because it gives you consistent spacing on the entire mat.

Nice project, Steve. You're videography is *really* good.

I think I'm going to make this one, Steve. Thank you.

I know nothing about woodworking. I don't own tools for this. I barely know how to use a drill or a saw. But I really enjoy watching you work in this. It's so soothing.

This is a great idea... I finally have enough tools to try this build!!

Gaps can always make a nice feature 👍

Cool project looks easy to build.

Pocket holes actually make a lot of sense here. If a slat were too break, easy quick repair.

Excellence workmanship!

Been over a year since I caugt one of your videos. Health issues keeping me out of the shop have made watching less fun, but I'm glad you're still going strong. Looking good all around there, Steve! That shop is so clean.

Love your shop Steve. I'm almost through a house renovation of ours, including a 6.5m x 9m garage space with a 3m x 9m mezzanine, all available for my woodworking (plus the boring things - 2 cars, motorbike, kid's bikes etc.). Hope you don't mind if I steal some of your ideas... Cheers and thanks from Sydney - Dave

The pocket screws are fine, but if you use glue as well you won't develop open seams. Love this project.

It's been 12 years? 😳😂 I made several of these back then, including a couple that I use for an outdoor shower. So far the pocket hole joints still hold 👍 Thanks for all these years sharing.

Yes for sure i like to just chamfer then round overs

Wish we could get redwood cheap out east here. I love working with it.

As always impressive!!

I watched this video and immediately saw dollar signs, and smiles. These would make amazing gifts, and likely would sell like hotcakes!

I enjoyed watching you build the first mat way back when and I loved watching you build this new one. I was especially glad to see the 45 degree sled. I built one after you showed us how in your video, but that was two table saws ago. I need to revisit the old video and build one for my latest table saw. Thanks for the video. I can't get enough of your project videos. BTW: I'm having some trouble signing up for the monthly news letter. I have tried twice and I never get the confirmation e-mail. Thanks again.

Feels like forever since we last heard that WWMM theme song at the end. It's nice to hear it again :)