Some dining spaces (or even work spaces) require a long thin table. This rustic simple table is easy to build, yet sturdy and stylish.
Special thanks to Deux Maison for sharing their amazing photos. Make sure you stop over to see more photos and read about their building experience.
Preparation
2 – 2×2 Boards, 8′ Long ($2 Each for pine)
4 – 1×8 Boards, 8′ Long ($7 Each for pine)
2 – 1×3 Boards, 8′ Long ($1.50 Each for pine)
1 – 1×4 Board, 10′ Long ($4 Each for pine)
2 – 1×6 Boards, 10′ Long ($6 Each for pine)
1 1/4″ and 2″ Finish Nails
2″ Wood Screws (about 100)
2 1/2″ Wood Screws (about 20 screws)
Wood Glue
Wood Filler
Sandpaper
Finishing Supplies
4 – 1×3 @ 29 1/4″ (Table End Legs)
4 – 1×4 @ 29 1/4″ (Table Side Legs)
2- 1×6 @ 88″ (Side Aprons)
2 – 1×6 @ 23 3/4″ (End Aprons)
2 – 1×3 @ 23 3/4″ (End Stretcher)
8 – 2×2 @ 23 3/4″ (Under Tabletop Supports)
This table is highly customizeable to fit your needs. Note that the tabletop expects your tabletop boards (the 1x8s) to be 7 1/2" wide. If your 1x8s are not 7 1/2" wide, adjust accordingly.
Work on a clean level surface. Check for square after each step. Use straight lumber. Measure and confirm your cuts before cutting. Dryfit your boards before fastening. Always use glue. Predrill and countersink screws. Use saftey precautions and protective eye and hearing gear.
Instructions
Step 1
End Legs. Taper your end leg pieces as shown above. Cut the taper in a straight line, starting 5 1/2″ from the top, and tapering in 1″ at the bottom. This is shown above. Do this on all four legs. The end legs are made of 1×3 boards.
Step 2
Side Legs. Taper the side legs as you did the end legs from step 1. The side legs are made of 1x4s . Use the measurements above to guide you.
Step 3
Leg Assembly. Assembly your legs as shown above. Be aware of the leg postion on the table as you assemble, as the legs will be assembled different depending on the position. Remember, the 1×3 leg sides are on the ends, the 1×4 leg sides are on the sides of the table. This is shown above.
Step 4
Side Aprons. Fasten the side aprons in place as shown above. Make sure you take a square of the legs as you do this. This is shown above.
Step 5
Step 6
Under Tabletop Supports. Attach the tabletop supports as shown here. Use the measurements above to guide you.
Step 7
Tabletop Pieces. Start by finding the center of your table. Mark and place your table top piece, using the center mark for your first boards. Only attach on the ends in this step, using the screw pattern above. DO NOT ATTACH IN THE CENTER. Attach the remaining tabletop pieces on the ends only.
Step 8
Tabletop Pieces. From the underside, fasten through the under tabletop support pieces into the tabletop pieces. Start with the middle boards and work your way out. Minimize any gaps between the boards. Predrill and countersink your screws. To further strengthen the table, you can add simpson strong tie corner brackets to the corners.
Comments
Jess (not verified)
Mon, 02/22/2010 - 03:00
Ana, I love everything about
Ana, I love everything about that post. It is so true. The only thing keeping me from running to the hardware store for lumber right now is the fact that I have the real thing. I was lucky enough to get my grandma's table when she passed. It is over 100 yo and we ate at it every Christmas and Thanksgiving for as long as I can remember. And I look forward to eating at it for many many years to come so that my kids can have the same memory.
Kathy V (not verified)
Mon, 02/22/2010 - 03:22
I've loved this table since I
I've loved this table since I first saw your plans. But this post inspired me. My aunt will be tearing down an old barn on her property that was built by my great-grandfather (it's structurally unsound, or she wouldn't be doing it!). Anyway, I'll be reclaiming some of that wood to build my table. That way, it will REALLY have the meaning invoked by your post. Can't wait, and thanks for the inspiration!
Tracey (not verified)
Mon, 02/22/2010 - 03:35
WOW! What a fabulous
WOW! What a fabulous project...I adore farmhouse tables along with everyone else! I just came across your blog and am so impressed!!! Can't wait to read more of your projects!
:) T
Lorie (not verified)
Mon, 02/22/2010 - 03:36
Another plan I am adding to
Another plan I am adding to my list!
Thank you again for doing the interview for me. And for all of the amazing plans you post on your blog!
Steff (not verified)
Mon, 02/22/2010 - 03:48
I don't know if you've talked
I don't know if you've talked about this, but is there something you can put on the table after you finish it to add kind of a protective layer to it? Especially for those of us with kids--I can see this getting dinged/scratched really easily. It seems like store bought tables and tables at restaurants have something like that on them...
Thanks Ana! Addicted to your blog-- can't wait to start building!
Parties by Hardie (not verified)
Mon, 02/22/2010 - 04:32
I'd love to see a table like
I'd love to see a table like this with a leaf to expand it. We're military so we can't have really big tables since we never know if it will fit in the next house. That's why smaller tables with the ability to expand are great. We've been looking at some at Ikea but I would love to make our own table.
Pine Tree Home (not verified)
Mon, 02/22/2010 - 04:48
I follow your blog and love
I follow your blog and love all your ideas and plans. This is the ONE. The ONE I am going to tackle this spring for my pool house.
Melodie (not verified)
Mon, 02/22/2010 - 05:00
This is exactly the plan I've
This is exactly the plan I've been waiting for! Thanks a million!
3 Sweet P's (not verified)
Mon, 02/22/2010 - 06:18
fabulous! I've been bugging
fabulous! I've been bugging my husband to build me a new table, and I've been saying for over a year now i want a farm table.This makes me think I can get into his tools and do it myself! Thank you for the inspiration. Do you have any plans for bench seating, like the ones on picnic tables? Just not attached?
Anna Jo (not verified)
Mon, 02/22/2010 - 06:48
You made me cry! This is
You made me cry! This is exactly why I have built my table. The hubby doesn't understand it, but eh, he's a boy...haha.
I truly wonder if you have any idea what you are giving women in writing your blog...I am not a feminist by any means, but I do believe that women ought to be capable of caring for themselves. Both of my kids-son and daughter-will learn to build, and they'll both learn to sew and cook as well.
You are an amazing person, and phooey on your sister who said that you are "just a housewife", you are much more than that, and I hope that you've realized that! I know I have, and I've only built one piece so far! LOL