1. Home
  2. Plan Catalog

Farmhouse Coffee Table [Beginner/Under $40]

farmhouse coffee table plans
Error: View not found.
Difficulty
Beginner Projects
| Print this plan

Build the indoor/outdoor farmhouse coffee table for under $40 with just a drill and a saw!  This is a beginner friendly DIY project that should only take a couple hours to complete.

You'll love the results - an absolutely gorgeous farmhouse coffee table made from solid wood, perfectly proportioned, with a large bottom storage shelf.  

 

Build the Entire Collection!

This plan was SO popular, I went on to design an entire collection of plans to match!  Here's the entire collection:

Outdoor Table + Potting Bench Collection

6 matching premium plans • minimal tools • ad-free

Collections
Essential
farmhouse coffee table
farmhouse coffee table
farmhouse coffee table

Dream of a gorgeous farmhouse coffee table, but don't want to spend hundreds of dollars?

YOU can build THIS coffee table for under $40!

farmhouse coffee table

 

Farmhouse Coffee Table Features

  • Solid wood design accepts stain with dimension and character
  • Perfectly sized, beautifully proportioned
  • Large bottom shelf for baskets and blankets
  • QUICK and EASY to build with our simple plans
  • Just screwed together - no nails, no pocket holes
  • All materials available at Home Depot or Lowes
  • Years later, this coffee table can be refinished and repaired (if needed) since it's solid wood

 

Video Tutorial

HOW this coffee table is built is everything.  Watch me build it in our Farmhouse Coffee Table video tutorial:

 

Farmhouse Coffee Table Plans

The plans for this coffee table follow.  Please share a photo when you are done building, we love seeing your projects!  Can't wait to hear how yours turns out.
 

Pin For Later! 

Beginner Farmhouse Coffee Table

Dimensions
farmhouse coffee table dimensions
Farmhouse Coffee Table Dimensions shown in diagram

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 4 - 2x6 - stud length or 8 feet
  • 1 - 2x4 - stud length or 8 feet
  • 3 - 2x2 furring strips, 8 feet long
  • 100-  2-1/2" long self tapping screws (I used these from Home Depot)
  • Wood glue
  • Optional corner braces (I used these from Home Depot)
Cut List
  • 4 - 2x6 @ 46" - tabletop boards 
  • 4 - 2x4 @ 16-1/2" - legs
  • 10 - 2x6 @ 18" - shelf/ends
  • 4 - 2x2 @ 37" - aprons/shelf sides
  • 4 - 2x2 @ 19-1/2" - both ends cut at 52 degrees off square - ends ARE parallel - long point to short point measurement*

*The 2x2 X pieces can be scribe cut to fit as done in the video.  

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Drill
Miter Saw
Power Sander

Instructions

Step 1

Attach legs to two of the 2x6 @ 18" with two screws per joint.

Use glue at all joints.

Build two.

Step 2

Set the two leg sets on a level surface.

Attach two leg sets together with 2x2s, two screws per joint and ample wood glue.

If your 2x2 is splitting, predrill holes first, then attach with screws.

TIP: Screws attached at a slight angle will help strengthen this joint.

Step 3

Place first long X piece in the coffee table end and attach with glue and screw from top and bottom.

Set second X piece along side first, and mark where the two pieces cross.

Cut the second piece along the marked lines.

Place two cut pieces inside the coffee table and attach from top and bottom and middle.

The second piece should be attached as shown from top.

This is all shown in the video tutorial.

Step 4

Attach one of the 2x6 @ 18" in about the center of the coffee table with two screws per joint and glue.

Step 5

Lay out the 2x6 tabletop boards on a flat, level surface, with best side of tabletop boards face down.

Apply glue to top edges of coffee table frame, and place coffee table frame upside down on the tabletop boards.

Screw the base to the underside of the tabletop boards.  Use ample screws but reserve enough to complete the next step.

Step 6

Position the middle shelf slat centered on the coffee table bottom shelf. 

Attach with 2 screws per joint.

Place remaining slats inside the frame and attach with 2 screws per joint.  The gap is about 1" in between (slightly less).

TIP: If heavy loads are expected on the bottom shelf of the coffee table, place a 1x2 scrap about 20" long, underneath the shelf, centered and running lengthwise to the coffee table.  This will act as a center "leg" for the shelf and considerably increase the strength of the bottom shelf.

PDF

PDF Version
Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Stained Finish: For my stained finish, I simply sanded the entire coffee table with 120 grit sandpaper. I did NOT fill any holes (you can see the screw holes in the photos). We all agreed that the holes helped give the coffee table character. If the screw holes bother you, fill with color matched wood filler.

Painted Finish: Fill holes with wood filler and let dry. Sand with 80-120 grit sandpaper. Remove all sanding residue with a vacuum. Prime and paint.
Finish Used
I used one coat of Varathane Golden Oak, applied with a disposable shop towel.
Project Type
Coffee Tables
Room
living room
Style
Farmhouse Furniture

Comments

Ray_B

Thu, 11/14/2019 - 07:48

This is IT! This will be my very first project ever that I'm going to build!

I like that I will not need use a pocket hole job from Kreg Jig (although this will be one of first purchases!). Simply awesome plans!

I will likely build at least two more night stand and/or end table versions of this plan. Will you please put in my vote for an "end table size version" of this "Farmhouse Coffee Table"? I'm very excited about building some for my family!

Thank you very much, Ana!

rbernier09

Tue, 11/26/2019 - 09:08

Ana, what type of wood would you use? Would you ever build this with all spruce? Knotty pine 2" board has a hefty price where I live. Thanks in advance!

SuperGeorge

Mon, 12/30/2019 - 11:59

I attempted this as my first wood work project (aside from the work bench) and it wasn't bad. Learnt one or two things that should will be helpful going forward. I was afraid of the "X" so I went with a simple "--" instead.

mrphyjammusashi

Tue, 12/31/2019 - 08:18

Hey Ana, my wife and I just found your site, and what a great one it is for novice woodworkers like us.  We just built a farmhouse kitchen table, and we are excited about making this farmhouse coffee table.  Thank you for all you are sharing--it is a lot of fun, and gives a great feeling of accomplishment to the beginner.  My wife is a Filipina from Mindanao and was wondering if you had Filipino ancestry?  Thanks again, Cynthia and John

paytonhenry

Sun, 02/23/2020 - 12:35

Hi Ana, I am wanting to make this table but would like it to have another 2x6 on top so it is 28" wide, to do this would I just add on 6 inches to all the pieces of the frame that go width wise? Thank you!

beadmorrison1

Tue, 02/25/2020 - 08:02

Hi, would you know why my wood may be splitting at certain joints? Is there a way to upload pictures because I'd like to show what's happening but if not basically the wood is splitting. Could I be screwing in too tight? I'm not using the exact recommended screws, I using ones that are the same length. They are 8x2 1/2.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

cheerkat39

Mon, 05/25/2020 - 04:43

Mine did this at first too. I ended up having to pre-drill all my holes. And the first bit I used as too small and was still doing it, I used a #10 bit and then it worked and I didn’t have any other problems.

cheryllynn87

Thu, 05/07/2020 - 12:36

This was my first project ever! I just built it today and it came out amazing! I’m so happy I found your page! I’m going to try some chairs next.

cheerkat39

Mon, 05/25/2020 - 04:41

I made this coffee table and 1 small end table so far. Working on a second small end table today. I love this table and the instructions were easy to follow. The only issue I had was the angle for the Xs. The angle given (52°) was not correct. Thankfully I had extra wood and could trace the angles I needed.

I sanded all of my boards before putting together which made it so nice. I actually used 2x4s for the Xs on my coffee table. I was splitting 2x4s in order to get 2x2s and my saw blade was dull and it was too hard so I just used 2x4s. It didn’t mess up the pattern at all and gives it a nice chunky look. I did however use 2x2s for the end table. I borrowed a saw from my MIL. I definitely like the look of the 2x2s better but the 2x4s work and aren’t bad if you need to go that route. I’m not sure how to attach a pic to this comment or I would.

nancy.speirs

Mon, 06/22/2020 - 19:15

Hi Ana,
Absolutely love this table! Thank you for sharing the plans:)
We needed something larger for our room, so my hubby tweaked the dimensions to enlarge it. He also wanted to attempt the creation of a solid piece for the top. Love the results:)
We would love to share a pic with you, if you could let me know how best to do that:)
Thanks again!!

Gabbys

Wed, 07/29/2020 - 18:07

I’m a first time DIY-er and loved how easy to follow this plan was ! I ended up getting my wood at Home Depot and actually had them cut it there for me to make it a little easier! I highly recommend utilizing their cutting section if you don’t have a saw. I was able to build it all by myself with no issues at all. Ana you did such an amazing job with the instructions and the video was so helpful too! I’ll definitely be exploring your other project plans ! Love it! Thank you!

Ironjen

Tue, 10/13/2020 - 07:40

Just finished building this! The plan was easy to follow, and it came out so much better than any of the $600 coffee tables we looked at in furniture stores!

The one thing we noticed about the decorative corner braces is that the included screws will hit each other when you’re attaching the two inner ones. We were able to angle them enough to use the included screws and keep the look, but I’d have bought shorter screws if I’d known I’d run into this issue!

Ours is finished in Varathane Dark Walnut.

alice

Fri, 10/16/2020 - 03:51

Hi Ana, I made this as my first ever project and it looks gorgeous, so I wanted to thank you for putting out the plans and super detailed instructions with the video. I would never have done it otherwise!

lacroix19

Sun, 12/27/2020 - 05:16

Would it be possible to complete this project with a circular saw instead of the miter saw? I have not bought a miter saw but have a circular saw.
Thank you.

Linda7

Fri, 01/01/2021 - 12:25

Yes, she does mention early in the video that the cuts can also be made with a circular saw. Another person mentioned in his comments that he had the cuts made at Home Depot where he purchased his wood.

Hypke6

Tue, 01/12/2021 - 17:16

What miter angles does the saw need to have? When it says cut 52 degrees off square, does that mean you set the miter saw to 38 degrees or 52 degrees? What I am needing to know is will a saw with miter angles of 45 degrees left and right work for this table?

Willpowerx3

Tue, 01/19/2021 - 11:39

Hi there, I would love to try this project. What type of Miter saw do you recommend and will a 10 inch do the job or does it have to be a 12 inch Miter saw? Thank you for your help!

Lori

Fri, 03/05/2021 - 09:47

Ana,

Would you consider making square table plans? I want to make four chairs for outdoors and place them around this same type x table. I think in addition to being square, it would also need to be a little wider. I'm new to building and don't trust my conversion skills! Thanks so much. I love all the plans you prepare and share so freely.

briankelly1986

Sun, 08/01/2021 - 06:21

Hi Ana

This is great!

Could you tell me what type of wood you used for your this project please?

Many thanks

Brian

dvv

Sat, 10/16/2021 - 21:45

A few thoughts from an actual beginner - maybe they'll help others too.
- The lumber from Home Depot was pretty rough. I spent more time sanding then planned.
- I struggled to get nice straight angles and tight fits when putting together the sides especially. This caused some gaps in the other areas as well (nothing too bad, but not as nice as I'd hoped).
- The screws were kind of a pain without pilot holes, especially when I needed my other hand to steady the wood... hard to keep straight when trying to get them to bite.
- The screw heads are narrow, so they sink in easily but it also prevents them from tightening the wood pieces together when there's a gap (I was really counting on the screws closing some of my messy gaps, see earlier).
- I had no idea how to cut a 52 degree angle (my miter saw only goes to 45/50). Had to look up a video on a workaround.

ChantelleBradley

Sat, 10/30/2021 - 04:48

I am busy building this now. Cheapest wood I could get that is close enough to the same measurements in South Africa was pine. Used my table saw to cut them into 2x4 etc. We don't have the same sizes wood here. Just treated the wood pieces individually with outdoor wood preservative. Going to stain it tomorrow then put it together.

lainie

Fri, 12/17/2021 - 10:53

I just love this coffee table! I think it would make a very cute entry way bench. Would you possibly have plans for a bench 3ish feet long?

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!