How To Build A Farmhouse Table From Scratch

Achieving a rustic home interior won’t be possible without a farmhouse table. You can buy one from the store, but building your fancy farmhouse table will ensure you achieve the design and length that you prefer. You will also have the freedom to choose the material to use to prevent going beyond your set budget.

Whether you want to build a farmhouse table with a simple or complex design, there are general tips and steps that you need to keep in mind.

Things To Keep in Mind

Among the top mistakes made by most beginning woodworkers when building farmhouse tables are not keeping the following tips in mind:

1. Keep Grain Direction into Account

Figure out the grain’s direction or where the wood rings rotate. Alternate the wood cup’s direction to ensure the tabletop will have difficulty cupping when the season changes.

2. Flatten the Edges and Top

Most first-timers in the field of woodworking will assume that construction-grade wood they purchase at stores is 100 percent ready for building. However, you need to make the stock wood’s edges square and straight.

You can do this by using a planer and table saw or jointer. You can also cut the round edges to reduce the number of gaps found between the wood boards. Also, make sure you sand and smoothen the surface with a hand plane, followed by a belt sander.

3. Use Wood Plugs and Glue

To have a farmhouse table that won’t wobble or shake, don’t forget to use wood glue and wooden plugs. The glue will serve as a secondary material to seal the joints tightly. The seal it creates is stronger than the wood, so the joints can last longer than wood when you apply it correctly.

Likewise, you must also use wooden plugs rather than fillers to fill the holes that will serve as support. Ensure you choose plugs made of the same wood as your farmhouse table. This way, you’d be able to achieve a consistent stain or color.

4. Attach Breadboards Correctly

Attaching breadboards to your farmhouse table’s ends will help you measure the changes in the wood size caused by the elements. You can use pocket screws for this. Basically, what happens is that, as the wood width expands, the breadboard will allow movement while maintaining the table’s end flush.

The General Steps To Follow

Although there are many ways to build a farmhouse table, below is a common technique that is easy to follow and apply:

Step 1: Prepare

Firstly, you need to have your farmhouse table design ready. You can draw it, have someone draw it for you, or download designs from the internet. Plan how long, tall, and wide the table is, and place the specific measurements in your design to serve as a guide.

Next, ensure all the materials and tools, such as your drill and saw, are ready. You also want your workspace to be tidy to prevent accidental tripping while working. Lastly, wear your protective gear to ensure safety.

Step 2: Measure, Mark, and Cut

The next step to building a farmhouse table from scratch is to lay your wood on a flat surface. Using a meter stick or measuring tape, measure all the necessary parts based on your blueprint. Mark them using a pencil to serve as a guide for cutting. Once done, take your saw and cut them as accurately as possible.

Step 3: Build the Frame

Take the four pieces of cut-out wood that will serve as a frame or support. Attach and secure them, creating a square or rectangle with the same dimensions as the tabletop. In the middle of the frame, attach and secure a piece of long wood vertically for added support.

Step 4: Attach the Support and Legs

With the frame lying flat on your floor or working table, take the legs and attach and secure them on the four corners. You may add a piece of wood between the legs to serve as additional support.

Step 5: Attach the Tabletop

Lift the support you built and check if it’s sturdy enough. Add more nails or screws to any wobbling or loose areas. Once everything is good, take your tabletop and lay it flat on the frame. Attach and secure with nails or screws.

Step 6: Apply Finishing

Sand the surfaces and edges of your fully assembled DIY farmhouse table. Apply varnish or clear coating. We really don’t recommend painting it any color to maintain its rustic look. That said, it might be okay to paint it a different shade of brown.