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Carpentry Pro Framer

Build a Farmhouse Table

—

by

Taylor Balthazar
in

Gather Materials and Tools

For your farmhouse table, collect pine or spruce lumber. Use 2x4s for the frame and 2x12s for the tabletop. Choose sturdy table legs that can handle family dinners.

Essential tools include:

  • Drill
  • Saw
  • Kreg Jig
  • Clamps
  • Measuring tape

Ensure your saw is sharp and drill is charged.

You'll need wood glue and about a hundred 1.25-inch pocket hole screws. Select a stain or oil that's visually appealing and protects against spills.

With materials and tools ready, you can start building your farmhouse-style table.

Assemble the Table Top

Align your 2x12s on a flat surface. Use the Kreg Jig to drill pocket holes at even intervals along the board edges.

Apply wood glue along the edges, then join the boards with 1.25-inch pocket hole screws. Tighten firmly without overdoing it to prevent splitting.

Sand the surface, starting with coarse-grit sandpaper and gradually switching to finer grits. Remove all dust with a vacuum and wipe down the surface. Your tabletop is now ready for finishing.

A carpenter aligning and joining wooden boards to create a farmhouse table top

Construct Table Base

Cut your table apron pieces and legs to size. Ensure all legs are the same length and apron pieces match for a snug fit.

Drill pocket holes into the apron piece ends. Add wood glue to each end before assembly. Align the apron pieces between the table legs, checking that everything is square before tightening the screws.

For extra stability, consider adding diagonal braces or a stretcher between the legs. Install these with more pocket holes and wood glue to prevent rocking or wobbling.

Your base is now ready to be attached to the tabletop.

A partially assembled farmhouse table base with legs and apron pieces

Finish and Protect the Table

Choose a stain that complements your dining space. Apply it evenly, working in the grain's direction. Allow it to dry thoroughly.

Protect your table with a polyurethane finish. Apply it in long, even strokes with a high-quality brush, avoiding pooling. Several coats are typically needed for optimal protection. Between coats, lightly sand the surface and wipe away dust with a tack cloth.

Once the final coat is completely dry, your farmhouse table is ready for use. It will enhance your dining space and become the center of family gatherings for years to come.

A person applying wood stain to a farmhouse table

Building a farmhouse table combines practicality with rustic charm. This piece becomes the setting for family meals and cherished memories. Each step, from wood selection to the final finish, creates a centerpiece for your home.

  1. Gaines J, Gaines C. The Magnolia Story. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson; 2016.
  2. Joanna Gaines' Guide to a Farmhouse-Style Kitchen. Architectural Digest. 2021.
  3. Ana White. DIY Farmhouse Table. Ana White. 2010.