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Happier Homemaker Farmhouse Table

easy to build farm table
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Free plans to make a farmhouse table with just a drill, saw and countersink bit! No pocket holes required! Step by step plans from ana-white.com

Why This Table Was Built

I collaborated with The Happier Homemaker, Melissa and her family use the table for their outdoor space.  

Melissa and her husband were kind enough to let us share plans with you - the plans follow.  But please take a second to stop over and read through their building post here for lots more pictures and more details on the hardware.

 

More Photos and Details

I love how they simplified the table by placing the aprons to the outside, which also removes the need for a pocket hole jig, but made up for the simplicity with the hardware.

 

Leg Room Concerns

One thing to consider, is with the 2x top and the 2x4 aprons (supports under the tabletop) leg room may be tight for taller guests.  Do consider a 1x top or 2x3 aprons if building for taller users.

Dimensions
farmhouse table dimensions
Dimensions shown above. NOTE Plan base is 6" wider than shown in pictures.

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 6 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long (cut longest boards first to conserve lumber)
  • 3 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long
  • 5 - 2x8 @ 6 feet long
  • 2 1/2" exterior star bit screws (Can use interior screws for interior projects)
  • Exterior Wood Glue (again, can use interior wood glue for interior use)
  • 2 1/2" pocket hole screws are optional if you have a pocket hole jig
  • 2" brad nails (galvanized for exterior) 
Cut List
  • 4 - 2x4 @ 24 1/4" (End Stretchers)
  • 8 - 2x4 @ 28 1/2" (Legs)
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 30 1/4" (End Aprons)
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 69" (Side Aprons)
  • 7 - 2x2 @ 30 1/4" (Tabletop Supports)
  • 5 - 2x8 @ 72" (Tabletop Boards)
Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Drill
Circular Saw
Drill Bit Set
General Instructions

 

For long term durability and more professional results, I recommend using a pocket hole joinery system for wood joints.  Here is a video with tips for using a pocket hole jig:

Instructions

Step 1

Start by attaching the shortest 2x4s together. This is where the nailer would come in handy because nails are so tiny and difficult to see/easy to hide. But you can use screws to - just hide on the insides.

Step 2

Now attach with screws and glue to the first set of legs.

Step 3

Then attach the second set of legs to the outsides.

Step 4

Attach short aprons on top on the outsides of the legs sets.

NOTE: Pocket hole users will want to drill 1 1/2" pocket holes facing upward on insides of aprons to attach tabletop in later steps.

Step 5

Step 6

Next, Add the 2x2 under tabletop supports. These will help you place the tabletop boards really close together.

NOTE: If you have a pocket hole jig, you can just build your tabletop as one piece, and then attach to aprons.

Step 7

Lay the boards down, and the tabletop on top. Start at the middle and work your way outward, minimizing gaps between the boards as you screw down from underside.

For exterior use, consider a 1/4" gap between boards for water drainage.

You may also wish to attach from top into end aprons in pattern.

Step 8

Add hardware to base - check out the Happier Homemaker for more details on how they did that.

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.
Project Type
Table Plans
Dining Table Plans
Room
dining room
Style
Farmhouse Furniture

Comments

Chellebebuilding

Tue, 04/23/2013 - 17:36

Simply gorgeous. The robust look is great for the outdoors. I may have to make one for the summer. Congrats Melissa & Hubby.

jojabis

Thu, 04/25/2013 - 17:53

would you have to use a stretcher?? I'm just wondering since the legs seem so beefy.

RobH2020

Fri, 08/21/2020 - 03:11

Depends what you mean by too heavy. It would be pretty heavy, but two average men should be able to move it short distances.

Also depends on the wood you use. If you get mahogany it's going to be different to pine.

RobH2020

Fri, 08/21/2020 - 03:10

Thanks for these plans!! They were so incredibly helpful.

I've just finished making my own version, changing the dimensions slightly. Was 1200mm long in the end (too short in the end, should've been 1.5m but I messed up with the lumber delivery and didn't want to change it) and 820mm wide (4 x 200m boards, with 5mm gap between).

Would post a photo but not sure how!