How to build a farmhouse table

This step by step article is about how to build a farmhouse table. If you want to add a little character to your dining room, you should consider building a simple farmhouse table. This woodworking project is complex, but we can assure you can do the job by yourself, in just a weekend, if you use the right plans and carpentry techniques. Use quality lumber, such as pone, cedar or redwood, in order to build a durable table with a nice appearance.

Adjust the size of the table to your needs, making sure you us the same woodworking techniques presented in this step-by-step guide. Make a list with all the materials needed for this project and buy them from the store that give you the best offer in terms of price and quality. Make sure the wooden beams are perfectly straight and don’t have any kind of visible flaws, such as twists, decay or chips. Drill pilot holes in the components, before inserting the screws, to prevent the wood from splitting.

Apply a good glue to the components before locking them together, and clamp the joints with C-clamps to enhance the bond. Align the components properly, before driving in the screws, using a spirit level. Round the exterior edges of the components to obtain a nice appearance. In order to make the lumber look old and rough, use an appropriate wood stain (such as weathered wood stain). See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

 

Made from this plan

How-to-build-a-farmhouse-table Add-Image

 

 

Diy farmhouse table plans

Building a farmhouse table

Building a farmhouse table

 

Materials

  • 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 29″ long POSTS
  • 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 25″ long, 2 pieces – 71″ long, 7 pieces – 29″ long APRONS
  • 7 pieces of 2×6 boards – 73″ long, 2 pieces – 38 1/2″ long TABLETOP
  • 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 32″ long, 1 piece – 78″ long STRETCHER
  • 2 1/2” wood screws – SCREWS
  • 3” wood screws – SCREWS
  • Wood glue, 2 1/2″ pocket screws

Tools

 

Tips

  • Pre-drill holes in the wooden components, before driving in the screws
  • Smooth the exterior edges of the components, by using a router with a 1/4” bit

 

Time

  • One weekend

 

Related

 

 

How to build a wood farmhouse table

Building the table legs

Building the table legs

 

First of all, you need to build the four legs of the table, as you can notice in the image. In order to make the legs, you could use 4×4 lumber or join together two pieces of 2×4 lumber. Irrespective of the case, make sure you notch the legs, as in the image, ensuring you don’t damage the lumber.

Smart Tip: You could adjust the size of the legs, according to your needs. Clean the recess thoroughly, using a chisel and a sandpaper.

 

Installing the stretcher support

Installing the stretcher support

 

After building the four legs, join them together with 2×4 wooden supports. These braces would lock the legs together and will support the table stretcher. Place the legs on a level surface and align them properly. Make sure the diagonals are equal, before locking the supports into place.

The supports should be oriented towards the inside of the table, if you want to obtain a nice appearance. If you want a rustic look, place the joints towards the exterior of the table.

 

Installing the table stretcher

Installing the table stretcher

 

The next step of the woodworking project is to install the 2×4 stretcher and to lock it into place with 2 1/2” wood screws. Plumb the ends of the table with a spirit level, before installing the stretcher.

Smart tip: As you can see in the image, you need to pre-drill the holes in the component, to protect the wood from splitting. Countersink the head of the screws, to build table with a neat look.

 

Building the side aprons

Building the side aprons

 

Afterwards, you need to fit the side aprons into place. Cut the 2×4 lumber at the right dimension with a miter saw and fit it into place, making sure the components are aligned at both ends and perfectly plumb.

Smart tip: Drill pocket holes using an appropriate jig and drive in the longest screws possible. After you assemble the farmhouse table, you should fill these holes with a good wood putty.

 

Farmhouse table plans

Farmhouse table plans

 

Install the opposite apron, in the same manner described above. Use a spirit level to make sure the components are level and the sides of the table plumb. Drill pilot holes in the components before inserting the screws, in order to prevent the wood from splitting.

Apply a lot of glue to make these joints more rigid. All components has to be aligned properly and the diagonals of the top should be equal.

 

Installing the end aprons

Installing the end aprons

 

Continue the project by installing the end aprons. As you can see in the image, you need to install double aprons at both ends of the table, to obtain a rigid frame. Fit the aprons between the legs and check the corners for squareness.

Smart tip: Afterwards, drill pocket holes at both ends of the components  and drive in 3” wood screws. The inner aprons are necessary support the top of the table, even if the frame of the table will be heavier.

 

Installing the top of the table

Installing the top of the table

 

Before installing the top of the dining table, install the wooden supports every 8 1/2”, as in the plans. Drill pilot holes trough the side aprons and drive in the 3” wood screws.

Smart top: Make sure the supports are equally spaced and parallel one with another. Countersink the head of the screws using the appropriate bit, in order to build a table with a neat look.

 

Installing the top of the farmhouse table

Installing the top of the farmhouse table

 

Install the top slats, as to build the top of the farmhouse table. As you can see in the image, you need to build the end slats first, and then the rest of the components. Drill several pilot holes in the slats, making sure you countersink the head of the screws.

Smart tip: Don’t leave any gaps between the slats and align them perfectly at both ends. Lock the tabletop boards into place, by inserting 3” wood screws to the wooden supports.

 

Diy farmhouse table plans

Diy farmhouse table plans

 

The end 2×6 slats should overhang about 3”, while the side 2×6 slats should overhang about 3 1/4”. Work with good judgement and with great care, as to make sure the farmhouse has a nice appearance.

Smart tip: Lock the wooden boards to the frame of the table. Therefore, insert 3” wood screws trough the supports in the 2×6 slats, after drilling pilot holes at angle.

 

How to build a farmhouse table

How to build a farmhouse table

 

After you have assembled all the wooden components together, you need to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the head of the screws with a good wood filler and let the compound to dry out properly.

Smart tip: Sand the wooden surface with medium-grit sandpaper, making sure the transition to the patches is smooth. Apply several coats of stain, in order to protect the lumber from rot.

 

 

Thank you for reading our article about how to build a farmhouse dining table and we recommend you to check out the rest of our projects. Don’t forget to share our articles with your friends, by using the social media friends.




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