Do you love the look of a rustic farmhouse dining room table? You can save money by making one yourself in a single weekend. This easy build uses standard lumber and a simple distressing technique to give your table a unique antique finish. Here’s what you’ll need to take on this project:
TOOLS & MATERIALS
- Tape Measure
- Miter Saw
- Cordless Drill/Driver
- Impact Driver
- Kreg Jig
- Combination Square
- Circular Saw
- Orbital Sander
- 7/16” Socket
- 1/4” Drill Bit
- 1/4” Washer
- Paint Roller
- Paint Brush
- Large Foam Brush
- Rags
- Nitrile Gloves
- 2 x 10 x 8 Ft. Pine (4)
- 2 x 6 x 8 Ft. Pine (2)
- 2 x 4 x 8 Ft. Pine
- 2 1/2” Pocket Hole Screws
- 1/4” x 4” Hex Lag Bolts (4)
- 1/4” Washers (4)
- 80-Grit Sandpaper
- 150-Grit Sandpaper
- 400-Grit Sandpaper
- Wood Glue
- Wood Paint
- Wood Stain
- Tack Cloth
- Wood Filler
When taking on this farmhouse dining room table DIY task, be sure to equip yourself with the proper safety gear.
SAFETY GEAR
- Eye Protection
- Ear Protection
- Gloves
- Mask
STEP ONE
Make straight cuts. You’ll be making four aprons for this project. Using your Miter saw start by cutting two aprons 24 inches long and two, 70 inches long.
STEP TWO
Cut angles. For your table’s leg braces start by marking one of your 2 x 4s at 1-1/2 inches, 8 inches, and 9-1/2 inches. Connect the marks with a combination square and cut 45 degree angles with your Miter saw. Prepare the other braces in the same manner using the first piece as a stencil.
STEP THREE
Clamp top. To prepare your pieces for gluing you need to cut a straight edge on each top piece with your circular saw. Clamp each piece to supports leaving a space between the supports so the weighted side of the saw is properly supported when you make your cut. Then measure the offset of your saw guide and align your guide board accordingly so you’re cutting off only the rounded edge. Rip the first edge then rip the rest of the edges to ensure a parallel glue surface. Apply glue evenly and arrange on a flat surface. Clamp the table top together starting at one end, working towards the middle to ensure all boards are evenly aligned. Then wipe off excess glue with a rag and let dry for 24 hours.
STEP FOUR
Trim table top. Once your glue is dry remove clamps and draw a straight line about six inches from the end of your table top. Cut with your circular saw and measure 84 inches. Mark the opposite end with a straight line then cut the top to 84 inches as well.
STEP FIVE
Drill pocket holes. Dial the pocket hole jig and bit to accommodate 1-1/2 inch wood. Then drill pocket holes on all apron end pieces. Adjust your drill bit depth for one inch holes. This will prevent screws from going through the wood. And drill holes about 12 inches apart on both your apron and apron support pieces. Then switch to a 1/4 inch drill bit and pre-drill one hole in the middle of each leg brace.
STEP SIX
Sand and stain. Fill any knots or imperfections with wood filler and let dry. Next sand the entire table with 80 grit sandpaper, rounding the edges as you see fit. Switch to 150 grit sandpaper and finish sanding all your pieces. Remove excess dust with a tac cloth or a rag and stain, wiping off any excess as you go.
STEP SEVEN
Assemble table base. Place a 2-1/2 inch pocket screw in each end pocket hole and fasten a stretcher to each table leg. If you’re having trouble aligning your pieces, measure and mark 1-3/4 inch from the middle of each leg. When your apron is assembled attach an angled brace piece to support the inside of each leg. Once the brace is installed, tighten the lag bolt and washer with a 7/16 inch socket and secure in place.
STEP EIGHT
Paint. Prop the table base up with painter’s tripods or small scrap pieces of wood. Give it a final wipe and paint white. Once completely dry, lightly sand through the paint with an orbital sander and 150 grit sandpaper to give table legs a farmhouse look.
STEP NINE
Attach top. Place your table base face down on your table top, aligning it so it’s evenly spaced on all edges. Place a screw into each of the pocket holes and fasten the top to the base. Once attached, have a friend help flip your table right side up.
STEP TEN
Apply finish. Finish the farmhouse dining room table with two to three coats of satin or matte polyurethane. Hand sand with 400 grit sandpaper between coats to minimize imperfections and give the polyurethane something to hold on to.
Your project is complete. Now step back and admire your new farmhouse table.
Looking for great tools to help get your project done? Shop Stanley, Black & Decker and DeWALT for everything you need!
