This is a doormat that I made from cedar 2" X 2"s and manilla rope. I sanded the wood smooth, used deck stain and roped it together. The wood and rope are cheap but the sanding is dusty. This is a Very easy project.

Step 1: Sand Your Cedar 2"X2"'s

As you can see by the photo I do not use very expensive woodworking equipment. I converted my $30 Harbor Freight belt sander into a stationary sandery by clamping it to one of my cheap sawhorses with a piece of wood screwed to it. This has worked for over five years with this sander alone.
*When sanding always wear eye, ear and dust protection. The piece in the middle is unsanded the way I purchased it from Lowes. The sanding belt was 80 grit. If I do another I'll use 40 grit to get the job done quicker.
This is not a piece of furniture for inside your house so it does not have to be glass smooth.

Step 2: Cut the Ends the Same Length.

The width I picked was as wide as my threshold. Even up one end then use a square and draw a line to cut the pieces the same length.

Step 3: Drill the Holes for the Rope

Mark the holes in the same spot in each piece.
Drill a pilot hole to ensure the hole is straight.
Drill the final diameter.

Step 4: Stain the Wood With Deck Stain.

I used the Behr stain shown in the photo since it comes in quart cans at the nearby Home Depot.

The Behr stain is very user friendly with water clean up.
Because it is water based it requires multiple coats of the stain.
If you apply multiple coats you'll be very happy with the results.
Other brands and types of deck stains may give different results.

Step 5: Rope and Knot It Together

Use 1/4" Manilla rope to tie it all together.

Tie a knot in the end of each of two pieces of rope cut about 6' long.
Pull the rope through, tie a knot as close to the wood as possible for both pieces of rope.
Repeat for each piece of wood.

Step 6: The Final Result

Since I used four coats of deck stain I have noticed that water beads up very well. Almost like a waxed car. This should help the finish last a long time.