Hammer & Nail

The English edition of Almqvist’s acclaimed Swedish original, Hammer & Nail proves that you do not need a workshop full of power tools to build real furniture. All you need is a hammer, nails, and standard-cut boards from any hardware store.

Why Start Here

The book is built on Italian designer Enzo Mari’s Autoprogettazione philosophy: furniture should be democratic, something anyone can make. Almqvist, who studied furniture making at Københavns Tekniske Skole, takes this idea seriously and delivers 18 complete furniture projects with clear plans and instructions.

You will learn the practical essentials along the way: how to prevent boards from splitting when you nail, how to make clean saw cuts, where to find good lumber, which wood species work best for what, and how to treat surfaces. The projects range from stools and shelves to chairs, tables, a sofa, a bed, and even a giraffe lamp.

What makes this book special is its honesty. The furniture you build will look handmade, because it is. That is not a flaw. It is the whole point.

What to Expect

A beautifully produced hardcover with clear diagrams and photographs. The projects are straightforward enough for a complete beginner but satisfying enough that you will want to keep building. No prior woodworking experience needed, no expensive tools required.