Because this D.I.Y. project needs quite a few pieces of timber, the best way to make it easier for you is to have the timber pre-cut to the right size at your local Bunnings. You can cut your timber to any size you like, for this project we cut the following lengths:
Before you drill any holes in the timber, lay the pieces out in the design of your choice. You can be as creative as you want with the layout.
Choose a spot on your design where the wood overlaps. Mark this spot and use a square to draw a straight line down the centre of the overlapping timber pieces where the holes for the rods will be drilled.
Measure and mark the centre of each piece of timber. By drilling holes through the centre of the timber, the rod will slip straight through and the pieces of wood will stay flush.
Clamp the wood to the workbench. Use the 12mm spade bit to drill through the timber. Repeat this process for all the wood except the pieces at the end, where the rod will be inserted and secured. For these pieces, clamp them and use the 22mm spade bit to drill halfway through the pieces of wood, this creates a recess to hide the ends of the rods. Finish off the holes with the 12mm spade bit.
Screw the nuts onto one end of the rods, so that they're flush with the end of the rod. Pull the rods through the holes to tighten up the mat.
Put on your safety glasses and earmuffs. Clamp the mat to the workbench. Use a grinder to cut off the excess rod so it's flush with the mat.