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DIY Farmhouse Table
Materials Needed:
- 12' 1 X 4 pine boards (2)
- 10' 1 X 10 pine boards (4)
- 12' 2 X 4 pine board
- 8' 2 X 2 pine boards (4)
- 2" wood screws (200)
- pilot hole bit to match wood screws and lag screws
- small tube wood filler
- 1 quart stain or 2 quarts flat paint
- spray can exterior clear coat
- sandpaper in medium and fine grits
- measuring tape
- carpenter's square
- drill
- saw Tip: Many hardware stores will make cuts complimentary with the purchase of lumber.
Cut List
1 X 4 boards cut at 36" (end aprons, 2 boards)
1 X 4 boards cut at 90 1/2" (side aprons, 2 boards)
2 X 2 boards cut at 34 1/2" (joists, 7 boards)
1 X 10 boards cut at 96" (tabletop boards, 4 boards)
2 X 4 boards cut at 29 1/4" (legs, 4 boards)
Getting Started
Select boards that are straight. Tip: Pretend the board is an arrow on a bow and look down the length of the board to see if it is straight. Tip: For added character, select boards that are rustic in nature with imperfections, cracks and knots. To save time, have the hardware store cut boards as directed in the cut list. Work on a clean level surface large enough for the project, and always wear safety glasses and ensure proper ventilation when painting.
Build Frame
Measure and mark all joints using a carpenter's square. Predrill pilot holes for all joints. Fasten the apron ends to the apron sides with two-inch wood screws and glue. Fasten joist to apron sides with two-inch wood screws and glue. Check corners for square using carpenter's square.
Center Tabletop Boards
Flip tabletop frame over so joists are flush with top of table. Mark center of apron ends and joists, 18 inches from outside of side aprons. Apply glue to table frame. Lay two tabletop boards on top of table and line up with center of table frame. Screw down ends to apron ends with two-inch wood screws. Tip: Measure out screw holes to create a uniform pattern.
Attach Tabletop Board Ends
Apply glue to exposed tabletop frame and lay remaining tabletop boards on frame. Line up ends with center tabletop boards. Screw only ends to end aprons.
Attach Joists
Flip table over. Screw joists to tabletop boards with two-inch screws. Use two screws per joist per tabletop board.
Attach Table Legs
Attach legs to inside of table frame with two-inch screws. Attach from the outside of the side apron with two-inch screws. Tip: Omit glue to keep table legs removable for easy storage and moving.
Finishing
Fill exposed screw holes with wood filler and let dry. Sand the entire table with medium-grit sandpaper. Refill holes as needed with wood filler and let dry. Sand with medium-grit sandpaper, followed with fine sandpaper. Vacuum table with soft-bristled brush to remove sanding residue. Wipe clean with damp cloth. Apply wood conditioner, stain and clear coat for a beautiful wood finish. Apply primer, three coats of flat paint followed with clear coat for a durable painted finish. Tip: Sand edges before applying clear coat to create a time-worn distressed finish.
