How to Build a Farmhouse Table — Create Your Dining or Kitchen Wood Table (2023)
It's no secret that farmhouse tables from a furniture store can cost thousands of dollars, but there's no need to break the bank to get one for your home.
Complete the rustic vibe of your kitchen or dining room by learning how to build a farmhouse table here!
How to Build a Farmhouse Table
Tools and Supplies You'll Need
To make a 72" long, 37" wide, and 30" high table, you'll need a bunch of tools and cut lumber to get started.
In addition to the lumber, you should have wood screws, bolts, a cordless drill and impact driver, an electric compound saw, wood glue, measuring tape, a pencil, safety goggles, a sanding block.
For a smoother process, cut your lumber into the pieces stated below:
Cut List
(2) 1x4, 70" long
(5) 1x4, 33.5" long
(2) 1x10, 37" long
(4) 1x10, 53.5" long
(2) 2x3, 33.5" long
(2) 2x3, 26.5" long
(4) 4x4, 29.25" long
(1) 2x3, 63.5" long
(2) 2x8, 54" long
(4) 4x4, 19" long
Create the Benches
Begin by making the top of the bench.
Use Kreg Jig screws and wood glue to join two 2x8 pieces of wood together, ensuring that they're level and even with each other. Place the bench top flat on the floor and screw on the 4x4 planks for its legs.
When that's done, attach 2x4 pieces between the legs using screws—you'll need these to strengthen the foundation of the bench.
Repeat the process for the second bench.
Make a Table Top
Now, for the table, start with four pieces of 53.5" lengthwise boards.
Use wood glue for extra adhesion, then screw them together, making sure that the pocket holes are on the underside of the tabletop.
Set aside the breadboards and proceed with the underlying frame.
Grab two pieces of 70" wood and five pieces of 33.5" wood. Using glue and screws again, construct the perimeter of the frame with two pieces of each size.
Place one of the remaining planks in the center of the frame, and attach the two other boards on either side of the centerpiece.
Afterward, use two pieces of 2x3 lumber that's 33.5" long for additional support. Attach them on both sides of the frame (around 6" from each end).
Now it's time to screw on the breadboard. Take out your two 1x10 pieces, each 37" long. Don't forget to run glue along with the frame first, then attach them on both ends, leaving a 1" overhang.
Cut Wood for the Base Support
For the base, you'll need to cut out four 4x4 pieces that are 29.25" long. Screw each leg tightly into place on each corner of the frame.
To avoid splitting or cracking, you can use a drill bit to make pilot holes.
Add the Centerpiece
Now, to create the centerpiece, get two 2x3 boards that are 26.5" in length and one 2x3 board that's 63.5" in length.
All you have to do is create an "I' shape with the wood: The long one should run perpendicular through the center of the two other pieces.
For best adhesion, use both glue and screws to secure them into place.
Sand and Stain
For the ideal rustic look and detail, you have to sand, stain, and finish your table parts. This part is fun because you get to customize the design just the way you like it!
First, use wood filler to patch up any holes in the lumber. While some opt to skip this step, we recommend doing it for a nicer end-product.
Next, sand the lumber down with 150 grit sandpaper or an electric sander to smooth everything out.
Then, apply a pre-stain wood conditioner and leave it to dry for at least two hours. This way, the stain will absorb evenly, giving the table a more refined and elegant look.
Now, using a clean cloth, spread the stain of your choice all over the surface. Let it sit for at least ten minutes before cleaning up the excess so that the color pops through.
For edges and harder-to-reach areas, use a thin paintbrush to help with the application.
And DON'T FORGET! Leave it to dry overnight.
Connect Table Brackets
Now that you've followed all of the instructions, it's time for the last step!
To make this table extremely sturdy, you should use bolts and brackets to connect the base to the centerpiece. Place brackets on the centerpiece and screw holes on each side.
Stand this up next to the table, marking where the bracket holes fall before drilling into the base. Once that's finished, bolt everything into place.
And that's how to build a farmhouse table!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to build a farmhouse table?
Depending on the quality of materials you buy, the current prices at your local stores, and any additional tools you need to purchase, the project should cost around $200 to $500.
By building instead of buying, you'd be saving more than $1000!
What kind of wood should I use to build a farmhouse table?
A softwood [1] like pine is a popular choice because it's affordable, common, and easy to work with.
More expensive types such as white oak, cypress, walnut, maple, and hickory are beautiful and durable options too.
How do you make a wooden farmhouse table?
Cut and prepare your lumber into planks for the table top, frame, braces/support, legs, and truss/centerpiece.
Build the top and centerpiece separately, putting their subparts together with glue, nails, and screws.
Then, you can assemble these pieces along with the table legs. Once you're done, you can proceed with sanding, staining, and finishing to achieve the look you want.
How wide should a farmhouse table be?
Usually, rectangular tables are between 36" and 40" wide. With that said, you can customize the exact width depending on how much space you have.
How do you seal a farmhouse table?
To make sure your DIY farmhouse table is sturdy and secure, use a combination of wood glue, nails, and screws to seal everything together.
What tools do you need to build a farmhouse table?
Typically, you'll need wood screws, nuts/bolts/washers, a cordless drill and impact driver, an electric miter saw, wood glue, measuring tape, safety goggles, and a sanding block. To make the process a lot easier, get a Kreg Jig and pocket hole screws too!
Conclusion
Thanks to DIY farmhouse table plans, you can build and customize the perfect table for you!
Though this sounds like a daunting task to some, as long as you follow the plan, you'll definitely succeed. Good luck!
