Frequently Asked Questions
Wood Questions
What kind of wood should I use?
Most of our plans use standard construction lumber like pine or fir. It's affordable, easy to work with, and easy to find. It's also rapidly renewing and biodegradable, so a great eco friendly choice!
Can I use hardwoods instead?
Yes—just keep in mind they're heavier, cost more, and can be tougher on tools and harder to join together and finish. I recommend not tackling a hardwood project until after you have built several softwood projects.
What if my boards are warped?
Choose the straightest boards at the store. You can often work around slight warps by cutting them into shorter pieces.
What wood should I use for outdoor furniture?
Use red-toned or pressure-treated 2x lumber for framing, and cedar or cedar fence pickets for the decking. Outdoor furniture should be built like a deck—your local home center can help recommend the right wood for your climate.
Will my wood move or warp after I build?
Potentially, especially in humid climates. Let your wood acclimate indoors before building. Once acclimated and kept in a stable environment, movement should be minimal. Remember, most houses are built using framing lumber - it's all about keeping moisture down indoors.
Cutting Questions
Do I need a miter saw?
A miter saw is great, creating fast, safe, and precise cuts, even for beginners. But most plans can be built with a circular saw and a straight edge. If using a circular saw to cut, take time to practice, and get good at making cuts, before cutting your project boards.
How do I get clean cuts with a circular saw?
Clamp your board, measure twice, cut slow, and use a sharp blade. This takes practice, so spend some time making cuts. I go through becoming proficient at freehand cutting in my course, it is worth taking if you want to master this skill.
Will the store cut my wood?
Yes—most stores will do rough cuts to help you transport your materials home. But from store to store, the quality of cuts could greatly vary.
Joinery Questions
What screws should I use?
We recommend star-head self tapping screws for framing, most common sizes are 2-1/2", 1-3/4". Pre-drill if close to the edge or you find your wood is splitting.
Do I have to use pocket holes?
Pocket holes are the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to do some joints - like edge to edge or a hidden fastener joint. There are other methods, but these can be time consuming and expensive. We recommend using pocket holes as indicated in plans for best results.
How do I keep things square?
Use a speed square and measure diagonals after each step. Always clamp joints before screwing to keep them tight and flush.
Finishing Questions
Stain or paint before or after building?
A quick sand before and a full finish after gives the best results. Pre-finish if you're doing two-tone or detailed finishes.
What type of finish?
Use oil-based or water-based stain. For paint, cabinet-grade latex or enamel works great. High use surfaces on indoor projects should get a coat of polyurethane, I recommend a Helsman or Spar or other flexible poly that won't crack or peel with wood movement. For exterior projects, use a finish suitable for exterior fences.
How to get a smooth finish?
Start with a well sanded project. Sand between coats (220 grit), wipe clean, and apply light coats with a foam brush or roller.
Plan Questions
Can I change the size?
Many people do, and that's the great thing about building your own furniture! But do keep in mind going bigger might mean more supports are required, and often plans are optimized for minimal material waste.
Are these beginner-friendly?
Yes—plans are written with simple tools and clear steps in mind, with every effort to make plans as simple as possible.
Can I sell what I build?
Absolutely! Just don’t resell or repost the plans themselves.
General Questions
What tools do I really need?
A drill, circular saw, tape measure, square, and a few clamps will get you through most projects.
Do I need a workshop?
Nope! A driveway or small patio is plenty to get started, just make sure you have a level place to work. If you find you are building several projects a year, creating a small workbench is a great way to store tools and have a dedicated workspace.
What if I mess up?
Wood filler, sanding, or flipping boards goes a long way. Mistakes are part of the process!
What can I do to make my projects look more professional?
Start with straight boards, make accurate cuts, clamp all joints, and line up everything neatly. Sand thoroughly, use a neutral finish, and apply it in light coats for a clean look.
I've never built anything before. Where should I start?
Start with a few smaller softwood projects to get hands-on experience. Or if you're tackling a big project, buy a little extra lumber and practice your cuts and joints first. If possible, work with someone who has a bit of experience.
Care & Maintenance
How long will my furniture last?
With good joinery and regular care, your DIY furniture can last for decades. I have pieces in my own home that are over 20 years old and still going strong! One of the best parts about DIY furniture is that it’s easy to repaint, refinish, or repair—so your projects can grow and adapt with you.
How should I care for outdoor furniture?
Lightly pressure wash or hose it down once or twice a year. Tighten screws and reapply finish as needed to protect it—just like a deck or fence. A little upkeep goes a long way in extending the life of your furniture.
How about indoor furniture?
Regularly dust or wipe with a damp cloth. If it starts to look worn, a light sanding and touch-up paint or stain can refresh it in no time. DIY pieces are meant to be durable and fixable—so don’t be afraid to give them some love now and then.
Want to Build with Confidence?
Check out my ebook: 12 Skills to Build Your Own Furniture
It walks you through the core skills every builder needs—measuring, cutting, joinery, and finishing—so you can build beautiful furniture that lasts.
Still Have Questions?
Email us anytime at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!
Comments
ferbit
Mon, 06/04/2012 - 10:35
DROOL!!!!!!!!!
DROOL!!!!!!!! This is absolutely gorgeous! I have got to find an excuse to build this! Whitney, your table turned out beautiful!!! LOVE the finish!
RHgaijin2
Tue, 04/23/2019 - 19:45
Video of Farmhouse Table
These are videos of the table I built part 1&2
https://youtu.be/h3J68cDOvmI
https://youtu.be/oUgMXG2NOJo
Crissy (not verified)
Mon, 06/04/2012 - 10:50
http://thriftychicky28.blogspot.com/
Oh my Gosh!!!! I absolutely LOVE this table, and $65 really??? That is the best part about it I think, or maybe its the look, I love it all!!!
claydowling
Mon, 06/04/2012 - 18:07
Awesome Table
I took a look at the original too. I like this version better.
If you wanted to simplify your build you could use 4x4 anyplace that the doubled 2x4s appear. That assumes, of course, that you can lay hands on good quality 4x4s, and you have the tools to work easily with 4x4s.
Elizabeth Rutkowski (not verified)
Mon, 06/04/2012 - 18:53
So awesome
I am so going to see if my dad would help me make this (he's teaching me how to woodwork)!
Rhea (not verified)
Tue, 06/05/2012 - 05:28
45 degree angle off square, NOT parallel
LOVVVEEEEEE the table and have wanted a farmhouse table! Headed to buy lumber this morning, just need clarification on "45 degree angle off square, NOT parallel". I googled it and can only find it on AnaWhite.
Thanks so much! Can't wait to have my table:)
In reply to 45 degree angle off square, NOT parallel by Rhea (not verified)
Lady Goats
Tue, 06/05/2012 - 08:51
It's just an angled cut
You're just making two 45 degree cuts (on a miter saw), that are not parallel. With parallel cuts, you can just slide the board down and continue cutting, but in this case, you'll either have to adjust your miter saw to go to 45 degrees on the other side, or pick up the board, turn it, and make another cut (it'll look like /________\ instead of
/___________/ ). Hope I didn't confuse you more!
In reply to It's just an angled cut by Lady Goats
whitney_smith
Wed, 06/06/2012 - 04:46
lol
Love your drawing!
Rhea (not verified)
Mon, 06/18/2012 - 21:41
Makes perfect sense! Thank
Makes perfect sense! Thank you soon much! Can't wait til my next build!
Rhea (not verified)
Mon, 06/18/2012 - 21:46
Makes perfect sense! Thank
Makes perfect sense! Thank you soon much! Can't wait til my next build!
Beth Kline (not verified)
Tue, 06/05/2012 - 05:35
I love this table but are
I love this table but are there benches to go with it?
Stefan (not verified)
Thu, 08/30/2012 - 19:45
Benches
It looks like you could just halve all the width dimensions (instead of 4 - 2"x10" boards, use 2), and then the length and height can be done to your specifications. For length, instead of 8 feet long, I would go with 5 1/2 feet long (allowing enough room for the bench to slide under the table - somewhere around the length (65") of the bottom cross beam of the table - 2/3 of the length seems adequate). For the height, leave yourself enough leg room. Considering the table height is 30", I would get the bench height around 20" (use 2/3 - two-thirds - measurements).
I plan on making benches to these dimensions to match the table. I may tweak these numbers as I go, but they are somewhere in the ballpark.
Kimsims (not verified)
Tue, 06/05/2012 - 10:46
If someone makes this, can
If someone makes this, can you please make a video of some of the more difficult steps? For instance, some of the diagrams don't specify where to put screws and it is confusing.
Heather Davis (not verified)
Tue, 06/05/2012 - 11:07
Benches
I LOVE this table, and I've been dreaming of an table like this for my patio. Do you have plans for benches that look similar to this? I found others on your website, but they don't "match". Which would be fine with me, just thought it would be cool to have similar benches too. Thanks!!!!
Milca (not verified)
Tue, 06/05/2012 - 15:37
Love the X ends on this table
Thinking of making it a little narrower and putting the brace to the back more so I can use this in my crafts room against a wall. Thank you Ana for the plans! We are renovating our whole house and a lot of my finishing touches ideas in the woodwork come from this site, and everyone loves the house :)
1916home.net (not verified)
Tue, 06/05/2012 - 23:33
How to Age Pine Wood
You can also use bleach (household or pool) to accelerate the decomposition of the softer wood fibers. Apply the bleach, wrap the wood in Saran Wrap, and let the bleach do the work. After a day or so of soaking, unwrap and rinse the board; use a wire brush to remove the softened wood.
Soak a bat of 0000 (extra fine) steel wool in a 500-750ml jar full of vinegar (regular works fine, but "pickling vinegar" works better due to the higher acid content) overnight (8-12 hours). Pour through a coffee filter and then brush on your wood. Leave for 15 minutes and you'll see the wood grey. If it's not dark enough just repeat, but one application is generally plenty) Note: The liquid will still appear clear in the jar, that's OK....this process works through oxidization rather than pigments).
whitney_smith
Wed, 06/06/2012 - 04:48
You've got me thinking!!!!!
I've got mods going on in my head! Should be pretty simple to use this as the basics for my dream table. :)
Jen Cunningham (not verified)
Thu, 06/07/2012 - 17:06
LOVE this table and couldn't wait to show my husband!!!
I have ALWAYS wanted a farmhouse table since there are 5 of us in the house and we do love to entertain at holidays too. I was excited to find this posted on Pinterest and even MORE excited when I showed my husband and he's game for building one. Someone had posted and asked about there being possible instructions for benches. Do any instructions like that exist (yet)?? Thanks so much!!
Micole (not verified)
Fri, 06/15/2012 - 08:27
Could you tell me what you
Could you tell me what you would suggest changing to make this a 6ft table? I was planning to take the difference out of the 2x4s that join the ends, but then the cross braces wouldn't fit. Sorry if this is Something obvious, I am new to this kind of thing!
Thanks :)
Melissa R. (not verified)
Mon, 06/18/2012 - 14:02
I was thinking the same thing
I was thinking the same thing to put this in my dining room, but figured I could adjust the angle of the cross braces so that there is 12" between them on the bottom brace and it should work. The original table shows the cross braces with a lot more room between them so I think it would work fine.
I Rub (not verified)
Thu, 06/28/2012 - 00:02
Hey great build! How did
Hey great build!
How did attach the table top ? Countersink screws from above ?
ewhite7380
Thu, 05/22/2014 - 12:41
Table Top
Did you ever figure out how to attach the table top?
bef0016
Tue, 04/21/2015 - 19:41
Table top
My current dining table was a vintage door that I attached brackets to it so that it is not physically screwed to it but sits on the frame and the weight and brackets holds it in place and keeps the top from moving. I am building this table for a friend and plan to do the same since the joined 2x10s will be very heavy once connected. I was going to use kreg jig to join the boards together with 2 1/2 screws
McBrayer (not verified)
Fri, 06/29/2012 - 08:28
Seating
LOVE this table! My husband and I are building one for our dining room this weekend.
We are going to put a bench on one side and chairs on the other.
I was wondering how many people you could fit on each side comfortably. I may need to adjust the measurements a little to accommodate everyone.
Thanks!!
I Rub (not verified)
Mon, 07/02/2012 - 03:33
Help with screw locations
Can anyone please specify screw locations for the build? For example, from where do you screw the curved pieces ?
I Rub
Tue, 07/03/2012 - 01:44
HELP WITH SCREW LOCATIONS
Can anyone please specify screw locations for the build? For example, from where do you screw the curved pieces ? What about the Tabletop ?
Barbara burns (not verified)
Mon, 07/23/2012 - 15:27
Help with specs on options for screw locations
I also am new to wood working, but am in LOVE with this table. The only other projects I have tackled where very specific about each step. I have cut all the end pieces,and will also be adjusting the length by a foot, so will cut those later, but would love a little more info on screw placement, size, how best to hide them. I will be counter sinking and purchased a Kreg jig. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanx and keep creating, you inspire us all!
AmyTamy (not verified)
Mon, 07/30/2012 - 07:49
Hey, love it and plan on
Hey, love it and plan on making it this weekend but im new at this and need some help understanding the cuts. when you say:
4 – 1x4 @ 28 3/8” **
8 – 2x4 @ 32 5/8” CUT TO FIT **
.....
** For straight cut legs replace these cuts with:
4 - 2x4 @ 31" (both ends cut at 45 degrees off square NOT parallel LP)
4 - 2x4 @ 34" (both ends cut at 45 degrees off square NOT parallel LP)
what does that mean? do i replace those cuts or they are not related at all? sorry, it just really confused me and if anyone could help, that would be great!
Amber Todd (not verified)
Mon, 09/10/2012 - 08:08
Beautiful Table!
Thanks so much for the free plan! My hubby built this table one afternoon. It looks wonderful on our back covered porch! We made ours 6ft long so it wouldn't be so crunchy for walking area. I paired it with wicker/metal patio chairs from Sears. I can't wait to stain and distress it! :)
CarrieJ (not verified)
Tue, 09/11/2012 - 13:47
Cost
Are people really building this at $65???
ckp (not verified)
Sun, 09/23/2012 - 13:51
Cost
My husband built this table and the two smaller benches (we want to put captains chairs at the ends) this weekend. He bought all of the lumber, a $100 Kreg Jig, stain, and screws for $300. The ENTIRE project $300!
Pearidge Concrete (not verified)
Sat, 10/06/2012 - 21:20
Yes you can build this table on the cheap
I recently built this table and I managed the build this table for around $45.
According to the cut list you need 7 -2x4 but I needed 8 somehow.
At my local lumber yard this is what it cost me.
4-2x10@8foot =$19.36
8-2x4@8foot = $19.04
1-1x4@12foot =$3.12
1- box of 3" screws =$2.37
Kregg Jig= borrowed. (I will be buying one)
Wood Glue= Had on hand
Stain=had on hand
Total =$43.89 before tax
Even if you didnt use the Kregg Jig and had to buy wood glue and stain you can still get by at around $60.
Totally doable.
peoniespinkandpearls
Tue, 10/15/2019 - 19:15
Just did it for $72 with…
Just did it for $72 with good wood and it's 7yrs later than your comment.
Chris from Mordy (not verified)
Sat, 09/29/2012 - 04:31
Dimension Shopping List v Cuts List
Hi there Whitney, this is my first time on the Ana White site but I am so impressed with these super designs, you are very clever. I am converting it to metrics and please excuse me if this is a silly question, but in the cut list when I add up the 2x4 (5 cuts), I get 52 feet. But the shopping list says buy 56 feet, luckily for me my timber merchant is cutting it all for so I wanted to double check that that I am not missing something with the missing 4 feet? I have read the designs and can't find it. Could you confirm? Many thanks, Chris
Dina M. (not verified)
Fri, 10/12/2012 - 05:56
Farmhouse table
I was wondering if you used a better quality wood, like cedar or redwood, if you could go with 1 x 4's instead of the 2 x 4's. I'm concerned about the strength but know that the better quality wood is stronger than the cheap stuff...any thoughts? Thanks!
Ashley Rush (not verified)
Fri, 10/12/2012 - 10:51
PH Screws
Forgive my ignorance, but what are PH screws? And how many do you need for the table?
Sunny Espanet (not verified)
Thu, 10/18/2012 - 17:20
PH means pocket hole
Ashley, PH means Pocket Hole screws. Used with the Kreg Jig which produces pocket holes. Go to Whitney's site to see a pic with an example of pocket holes (in the stretcher going between the two "legs" of the table)
David Milligan (not verified)
Fri, 10/26/2012 - 00:23
20" uprights??
Step 1 places the 20" upright. I'm struggling with the math here... the table is meant to be 29 3/4" tall in total, but if the thickness of all the horizontals and the top total 13" (1" for the feet, 2" + 2" + 1" for both the bottom and top of the end pieces, plus another 2" for the table top), this leaves only 16 3/4" for the uprights. I can't get my head around how they're supposed to be 20" and still produce a table 29 3/4" tall. And where does the fraction of an inch come from?? Help please...
johannajanelle
Sat, 02/02/2013 - 07:02
height
david did you figure out this height measurement? we are struggling with the same thing right now.
Rtm316
Sun, 10/18/2015 - 12:21
2x4s are actually 1.5x3.5 and
2x4s are actually 1.5x3.5 and 1x4s are .75x3.5.
Guest Brian (not verified)
Tue, 10/30/2012 - 06:19
No one I ask is familiar with PH screws
Im trying to do this project at home, no one at the hardware store is familiar with the term PH screws. I was wondering if theres an alternate name to ask for them by?
In reply to No one I ask is familiar with PH screws by Guest Brian (not verified)
Lissa311
Sun, 01/04/2015 - 21:03
PH= Pocket hole screws
PH= Pocket hole screws
JoanneS
Tue, 10/30/2012 - 07:22
Pocket Hole Screws
Hi Guest Brian, these might be called pocket hole screws, Kreg screws, washer head pocket screws. In our local Lowes there are 2 brands available, the Kreg brand screws (here's a link)
http://www.lowes.com/pd_71600-39450-SML-C250+-+50_0__?productId=3043293…
and the Hillman brand (works exactly like kreg brand), here's a link
http://www.lowes.com/pd_12513-37672-42171_4294710855__?productId=330582…
I've only seen the Kreg brand of pocket hole jigs and drill bits at our local Lowes. These links both have a picture you can show the salesperson.
Hope this helps?
Joanne
Mandy Thompson (not verified)
Sun, 11/04/2012 - 17:32
LOVE IT!!!
This table is so simple to build! Love the farm look. Looking for matching benches to build to go with it! Thanks for sharing all these amazing plans! I have. Family of 8 and we needed a bigger dining room table, this is perfect and definitely way more durable than any of that "cheap stuff" you find in a furniture store! Looking forward to many many years of meal time memories at my new table!
Amber Heller (not verified)
Thu, 11/15/2012 - 09:50
X farmhouse table
I just found this site the other from Pinterest and I must say I have fallen in love. I love the video section and the great instruction on how to build your own furniture. I must say you have inspired me.
I was wanting to know if you had a kid version of the x farmhouse table. I would love to attempt to build one for my three little boys. :)
grant (not verified)
Thu, 11/15/2012 - 22:19
how to stack two 2x4's for mitered boards on ends?
I want to stack two 2x4s (join them together with glue, nails and wood filler) to make the mitered boards for the table ends look thicker like 4x4s. Perhaps even turn the board so the seam is facing floor/ceiling. Any suggestions on how to get the dimensions/angles right for that?
Anonymous Coward (not verified)
Fri, 11/16/2012 - 00:44
Glue, clam and cut
Grant - Stack the 8-foot boards, glue them and clamp them every foot or so. After they have dried, make the cuts through the stack ... you will need a 10" miter saw to cut a doubled 2x4
The cut at the longest dimension will be the same: 11 3/8" with the finished board looking like this: /___ \
Guest Leala (not verified)
Mon, 11/19/2012 - 16:08
Benches and Square Plan?
Hi,
Love this table and am wanting to make this for a Christmas party this year. I am wondering how the plans could be modified to suit a square table to seat 12 people?
Also are their bench seat plans to go with this plan?
I have seen the other comments above bu thought perhaps you may be emailing them to people.
Thanks
Can't wait to make this table it is gorgeous
Peyton Sherwood (not verified)
Sun, 12/09/2012 - 16:32
benches
i need to know how to make benches if i could get demention that would be great. im am building this for a chirtmas present for my wife.
WandaR (not verified)
Sat, 12/22/2012 - 11:35
Attaching the table top?
I think i have it figured on how to screw everything together except for the table top. How do you attach the 4 2x10s together and then to the tables base?