Hand Built Farmhouse Tables

Happy Saturday Morning Guys! I hope your day is off to a great start. Mine started with a delicious Americano… we bought a new espresso machine for the studio and have been using it at home until we are ready to move everything over there…I’ve been spoiled! I wanted to pop in to share the details behind these massive hand built farmhouse tables. By details, I mean… details!As you can see, we built these using plain old lumber from HD. Everything but the legs are pine- they had nothing but pressure treated, so that’s what we went with. Not my favorite option, but with a little wood filler and primer, you don’t even know the difference now.

I have been wanting to build a table for a while now, and I will tell you that these turned out so beautifully- I am in love with the whole process! Let me break it all down for you.

We followed these plans from Ana White, but modified them slightly so that the table was longer, had castors, and the stretcher supports were inset. I tip my hat to Anna for all of her incredible free plans- and for helping people like me find the confidence to build and save money! 

Shopping List

• 4- 2×4 @ 8feet long
• 1- 4×4 @10 feet long
• 5- 2×8 @8feet long
• 1-2×10@8feetlong
• 3 inch screws
• 2 1/2inch pocket hole screws
• wood glue
• 4 swivel castors with locks

Cut List

• 4-4×4 posts @29″ (legs)
• 2-2×4 @91″ (long aprons)
• 2-2×4 @27″ (short aprons)
• 1-2×4 @95″ (stretcher)
• 2-2×4 @34″ (stretcher supports)
• 4-2×8 @ 94.5″ (table top planks)
• 1-2×10 @94.5″ (centre table top plank)
• 2-2×8@ (breadboard end for top- measure actual assembled width before cutting, after top is assembled)

These went really fast because we had a 3 man team. Matt’s dad pre-cut and labeled all the pieces for two tables. (always label!) I then started drilling all of the pocket holes. I would love to upgrade my jig one day, but this one does the trick. I am always intimidated when I first pull it out, and test my bit depth on a scrap piece first.

I clamp the jig in place for every hole, as this one does not come with any type of mounting system.

The kit we have comes with a drill bit and that round stop you see above which prevents you from drilling too far into the wood. I hope that helps you understand how the pocket hole jig works. Pocket holes are great because it is a hidden way to fasten all your boards. I also drilled pocket holes on the underside of the table top, which is how it is fastened together. You want to be sure to use wood glue on all of the joints.While I was working on that, Matt and his dad started assembly on the base. The main modification there was insetting the stretcher support. They used a circular saw and chisel to create the notch.

We placed the table top face down on the floor, then put the base on and squared it up. It was secured using glue and pocket holes/screws. You wouldn’t believe how difficult of a time we had tracking down 2 1/2″ pocket screws! It was a wild goose chase I tell ya.
These tables are solid and heavy. But the castors are a great addition, because it makes them really easy to move around. We made sure to get castors that lock so they don’t roll around when you don’t want them too. I did a custom stain mix on the top. I first used an oil based gel stain in “Provincial.”

I then went over that with a liquid oil stain in “Sunbleached.” I applied both with a rag, and really worked the sunbleached into the wood. I didn’t get a shot of the second coat going on- but here it is after a clear coat of poly. I chose satin, but it is still wet in the photo- thus the reason for all the shine.

I sanded between each coat of poly and ended up applying 3 or 4 coats. So far I am very happy with the finish.

The bases are currently just painted out in primer white.. yep. We are on a timeline! I grabbed a few photos on my phone while we were working away… building cabinets, painting furniture, installing lights!

These hand built farmhouse tables are nearly ready for their close up! I can’t wait to pop in there with my camera once everything is nice and clean. For now I’ll enjoy the fern and air plants I plopped in there last night…

Hope you enjoyed this photo heavy post! My goal is to take some of the guess work out of things… you wouldn’t believe how many photos and videos I looked at the first time I opened up my pocket hole jig. It was just baffling how it all worked. But- it got easier- and really adds a professional finish to projects.

I may be dreaming about building a table for our dining room now…

I’ve also been doing some research on installing a living wall- and I’ll be honest that I have had a hard time finding anyone locally who is familiar with how to do them. I didn’t realize they were such a specialty thing… don’t worry though- I’ve been getting schooled via the internet and will share the whole process with you, because I really want to make it happen!!

-Miss Ash