4x4 X Base Pedestal Dining Table with Planked Wood Top

farmhouse style pedestal table with 4x4 base
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Build your own farmhouse style pedestal table with our free step by step plans for under $100 in materials.

This table features a farmhouse style 4x4 base, with a planked wood top.  You can easily cut the top into a circle, or keep it square.  We love this table in a breakfast nook, or as a family dining table. 

Reader submitted photo by NICKFMC 

 

 

This table plan was originally created in collaboration with Brooke from Killer B. Designs .

Brooke wanted to build a table for her sister that was square and fit a smaller dining space, with an X base.  We were inspired by a table from Restoration Hardware - but who can afford $2500 for it?

Try $60!  And this table is solid wood!

Here's from Brooke:

First off, SPECTACULAR plan! Oh, how I love this table. It was a little sad for me to give it away. But my sister is absolutely enthralled with it, and I'm so happy to be able to give her the first "real" table she's had. And for only $60 in lumber and screws, it's an amazing bargain. I had to take extra care piecing together the top, but luckily wood filler is a life saver and filled in any errors in execution. Once it was sanded and stained you could hardly tell. The table looks very pretty and polished. I actually ended up not needing any of the lag bolts, simple 2.5" screws worked perfectly with the angles on the 4x4's. So I didn't need any special tools or materials other than my chop saw, kreg jig, and drill! I'm really proud that I was able to put together such a complicated-looking table in only three hours, and my sister is thrilled that she has such a fancy table to show off! So thank you again for yet another fantastic, easy to follow plan. 

You can build this table too - but before we get to the plans, please hop over and check out more photos and building details from Brooke!

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4x4 X Base Pedestal Dining Table with Planked Wood Top

Dimensions
dimensions for farmhouse pedestal table
dimensions shown above

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 5 - 1x4 @ 8 feet long
  • 2 - 4x4 @ 8 feet long
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
  • 2 - 2x6 @ 8 feet long (for framing out top)
  • 1 1/4” and 2 1/2” pocket hole screws
  • 4” or longer lag screws
  • 2” or longer wood screws
Cut List
  • 2 - 1x4 @ 11 5/8”
  • 1 - 1x4 @ 26 7/8”
  • 2 - 1x4 @ 13 1/4”
  • 1 - 1x4 @ 30”
  • 1 - 4x4 @ 21 1/4”
  • 8 - 4x4 @ 13” (longest point measurement, both ends cut at 45 degrees off square not parallel)
  • 1 - 4x4 @ 36” (longest point measurement, both ends cut at 30 degrees off square not parallel)
  • 2 - 4x4 @ 16 1/4” (longest point measurement, one end cut at 30 degrees off)
  • 4 - 1x4 @ 5 1/4” (one end cut at 30 degrees off square, longest point measurement)
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 14 1/4” (one end cut at 30 degrees off square, longest point measurement)
  • 1 - 2x4 @ 32” (both ends cut at 30 degrees off square, longest point measurement, ends NOT parallel)
  • TOP is cut to fit
Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Kreg Jig
Drill
Miter Saw
Power Sander
Drill Bit Set
General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

Start by building two Xs with your Kreg Jig

Step 2

Then attach the Xs to the middle post - don't worry if things feel a little wobbly here, the X bracing will take care of that.

Step 3

Add the X bracing.

Step 4

To the base, add the 4x4s.

If you feel the base of this X isn't stable enough, you can throw a few countersunk screws in on the underside, or even a metal mending plate and screws - it'll be hidden.

Step 5

The feet on the bottom of the table help the table rest on points (so it doesn't rock).  Attach with brad nails and glue.

We also recommend felt pads to prevent floors from scratching.

Step 6

Now back to the top, add the 2x4 X and that's the base done!

Step 7

For the top you could simply place a premade tabletop on or just a square one, but we decided to try something a little different. Definitely cut these pieces as you go!

Step 8

Then attach two portions to center 2x4s - measure and cut to fit

Step 9

then measure and cut to fit the last 2x4 and add to center

Step 10

Outside boards are 2x6 - frame with mitered corners.

Step 11

Attach tabletop to base with screws

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Comments

stefanietolbert

Fri, 07/12/2013 - 21:24

Love this design!! Do you think it would be possible for it to be turned into a hexagon shape? We have been looking for a smaller table that would be good for 4 people on a regular basis but occasionally fit 6. I know round tables would be hard to manage on a DIY project, but a hexagon seems doable, although I'm definitely not skilled enough to know if I'm wrong. :D

kosborn

Thu, 09/26/2013 - 16:14

I am in need of a table that is 4 X 6 but Love this style, would it be possible to twerk it a little bit to make it work? If so could you help me on details...My nook seating is 4 X 6, or would I be able to make this 5 X 5 and have it work out?

Jamaunzie

Sat, 10/19/2013 - 15:57

Not sure I was going to down size this for a night stand and I think the Measurements on the cross pices for the top are off now its been awhile since I have had to work with fractions but I come up with 26 3/4 for length not 26 7/8

ewagner

Fri, 01/24/2014 - 07:43

Do you have a sketchup file available for this? I'd like to modify the top to seat two around each edge.

pluto032004

Mon, 01/27/2014 - 20:53

I made my top 60x60. Just added 17" to hers. With material I added 2' to all boards.

ClaireNecessary

Mon, 08/04/2014 - 09:01

Love this table so much! I am a newbie, so forgive me if this is a no-brainer....I cannot seem to find 4X4's that are pine or whitewood anywhere. The only ones are for fence posts and not the prettiest- they are also cedar and cost $26. Am I missing something? I have checked every lumber yard and big box store that I know (Atlanta).

Thanks!

jgbreeden

Mon, 08/04/2014 - 10:57

I haven't seen 4x4's in pine, but they should be common in the construction grade lumber, which is all Douglas Fir on the west coast. They are sanded better than fence posts, and should be around $10.

smalls

Mon, 12/29/2014 - 10:25

I absolutely LOVE this table base. We made a 60 inch x 60 inch square table top and I'd really love to use this base design. Do we need to increase the size to accommodate our size top? If so, can you provide some guidance here? Thank you!

stepdiva

Mon, 01/26/2015 - 13:19

i would love to know if i need to increase the size of base for a 60" table top as well. i am wanting to make a round table top though. anyone have any answers for me!!??

Momma Gladden

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 23:08

So I read all comments and the link you attached Ana to the other round table about bringing the legs out toward the edge and not keeping them in the center for a larger table. I want to use this X base for a 72" round concrete top. How would I adjust the size of the base to accommodate a larger and heavier top? Thank you

CountryDrei

Sun, 06/28/2015 - 05:39

Hello!
I am creating this table. I'm on step 7 now, and I am quite confused on cut to fit. Is there any advice? Or for those of you who have made the table, could you please write out what dimensions you had for your table top?
Thank you!

ScottyOR

Mon, 10/31/2016 - 06:02

HELP! I see no mention as to how to attach the short 4X4s to the continuous 4X4 at the base.  I'm using pocket holes for this type of joint with the 1-by and 2-by lumber.   How is this done best for strength and minimal gaps? Thanks!

Bvarner83

Mon, 12/05/2016 - 09:32

I would say that I am a quick learner and I'm not afraid of tools or trying new things, this table was just the project for me. I built one for my parents who are opening a restaurant in our small town and it's a late 1800's style building so they have remodeled it to bring out all the old architecture and wanted new tables but nothing modern. These tables were perfect! After building one, they decided to have me build 14 more! Yes, it was an undertaking but so worth it. The tables are gorgeous and we have gotten tons of compliments on them. Thank you so much for sharing these plans. 

Pmeverden

Sat, 03/04/2017 - 14:03

I would like to make a 36" round table but counter height. Would I be able to make it the same but add inches on the height to make it counter height?

julietup

Fri, 04/23/2021 - 19:50

Did you ever make the counter height table? Would love to see the finished piece, and any adjustments you made to the base to accommodate the height change.

jmp1518

Sat, 03/04/2017 - 20:35

IMG_2207IMG_2209

So I began making a table a month or so ago. I tailored it a bit to use a farmhouse table top. However, now that I am almost done with the table, I am having a “wiggling” issue. This table only has one main point of weight bearing. A 4×4 in the center of the table with angled beams branching off of it. I am wondering if there is a way to stop this wiggling from happening without deconstructing the entire table or ruining the design of it. I attached pictures of the underneath in order to show you how it is attached to the table and a video to show how it moves. Right now I have it attached on all four corners with a hex bolt and on the underside of the table, there are insert nuts. Any help would be greatly appreciated as I am very desperate at this point.

Video - Copy whole link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/80258781@N03/shares/7f5zyM

swisher43

Thu, 09/07/2017 - 06:47

the 4x4s at the angles are your supports to prevent that wobble. Hard to tell for sure from the video, but it looks like you haven't attached those with strong enough hardware.

 

If you haven't fixed it yet, I suggest getting 5" lag bolts and attaching 2 per 4x4(2 at the top of each support and counter sink 2 from the bottom onto the base). That should strengthen your supports and stop the wobble.

Kurt

Sat, 03/03/2018 - 10:09

We love this table design and bought everything to make it. While cutting the wood I realized that there is not enough 4x4 wood in the shopping list. The 2 4x4x8 only give 192" of wood but the cut list is 193 3/4". I recommend getting 1 4x4x10 instead. Other than having to buy more wood, we loved building this table and how it looks in our kitchen!

Emily Taylor

Tue, 01/21/2020 - 09:38

Hi Ana!(and all others!)

I am getting ready to embark on a DIY dining table journey, it's a small area so I'm wondering if I could use this pedestal base and turn it 45 degrees so that the X supports point to the corners and use a 36" x 54" top. Since it's a smaller table I would love to use a single pedestal base like this but I'm worried about the structural integrity. Would it be prone to tipping, or would a base this sturdy suffice?

Please let me know if anyone has any suggestions, ideas or experience with this, thanks so much!