Farmhouse Side Table (Beginner- Indoor/Outdoor)

indoor outdoor side tables free plans farmhouse
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DIY Farmhouse Side Tables – Two Sizes

Build your own beautiful and functional side tables with ease! These versatile tables work great as nightstands, end tables, or side tables—and are sturdy enough for indoor or outdoor use.

Designed with beginner-friendly techniques, you’ll use simple cuts, no pocket holes, and off-the-shelf lumber. With two size options (small and large), you can build the perfect fit for your space.

  • Use indoors or outdoors
  • Works as a nightstand, side table, or end table
  • Two sizes available: small and large
  • Beginner-friendly design—no pocket holes needed
  • Made with standard, affordable lumber
  • Strong, durable, and easy to customize with stain or paint

 

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

Reader submitted photo by OMNIA 

 

Video Tutorial (Same Build Techniques as Coffee Table)

This end table or side table is built using the same techniques as the coffee table.  Please take a moment to watch this video for insights on how this is built.

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Farmhouse Side Table (Beginner- Indoor/Outdoor)

Dimensions
farmhouse side table dimensions
Two different sizes are available in this plan. Dimensions are shown in diagram.

Preparation

Shopping List

Shopping List for Large Farmhouse Coffee Table

  • 1 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
  • 3 - 2x6 @ 8 feet long
  • 3 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long
  • About 70 2-1/2" long self tapping wood screws

Shopping List for Small Farmhouse Coffee Table

  • 1 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
  • 2 - 2x6 @ 8 feet long
  • 2 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long
  • About 60 2-1/2" long self tapping wood screws
Cut List

Cut List for Large Farmhouse Coffee Table

  • 4 - 2x4 @ 22-1/2" - legs
  • 6 - 2x6 @ 23-1/2" - bottom shelf and top aprons
  • 4 - 2x2 @ 32" - X detailing, still needs to be cut at an angle
  • 4 - 2x2 @ 18-1/2" - side aprons
  • 5 - 2x6 @ 27-1/2" - tabletop boards

Cut List for Small Farmhouse Coffee Table

  • 4 - 2x4 @ 20-1/2" - legs
  • 5 - 2x6 @ 18" - bottom shelf and top aprons
  • 4 - 2x2 @ 22" - X detailing, still needs to be cut at an angle
  • 4 - 2x2 @ 12-1/2" - side aprons
  • 4 - 2x6 @ 21-1/2" - tabletop
Cutting Instructions

Cut all boards with a compound miter saw (preferred) or use a circular saw and clamps.

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 shelf boards with 2-1/2" screws, edges flush on top and outside.  Leave a 1-1/2" space underneath the bottom shelf (you can use a 2x board as a spacer underneath to get the height right).

Step 2

Add the X detailing to the legs.  Please see this post for more information on how to do this step.

Step 3

Attach 2x2 side aprons to the leg sets with glue and 2-1/2" self tapping wood screws.  Screws at an angle are best.

Step 4

Use 2-1/2" screws to attach the shelf boards to the 2x2 side trim boards.

Step 5

Lay out the tabletop boards, face down, on a flat surface.

Attach with 2-1/2" screws and glue from underside to the bases.

Comments

natmoon

Wed, 03/11/2020 - 14:36

Are the cuts 52 degrees for the large version just like the coffee table? We had trouble with the 52 degrees on the coffee table because our saw only cuts up to 45 degrees 

cmurphy5

Mon, 05/11/2020 - 11:23

Hi Ana! What are the angles of the X's for the small and large end tables? I completed the farmhouse coffee table project where the angles were 52 degrees in the instructions, but I can't seem to find them for the end tables. Thanks!

jessica1

Sat, 07/04/2020 - 15:49

Ana; I made the Farmhouse Rustic table, now making the small end table. For the table, the x's were placed in the ends of the table after it was assembled. For the end table, directions say install the x's first, then put the frame tougher. Why the change? tks dan

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!