Free plans to build a Farmhouse Table. This plan uses pocket holes and is the updated plan.

Farmhouse Table - Updated Pocket Hole Plans

Handmade from this plan >>

Projects built from this plan. Thank you for submitting brag posts, it's appreciated by all!

Handmade by: jleach
Handmade by: bphi1060
Handmade by: lphair

About Project

Author Notes:

At our last book signing in Anchorage - thank you Anchorage, you were wonderful! - a couple came up to me and showed me an absolutely beautiful console table they made. Definitely the best part of the signings is when I get to see pictures and talk to people one on one.

And as we talked, the husband told me he had just returned from deployment, and how building furniture for their home had helped him adjust to returning home. He thanked me for putting plans out there that he could use.

And I thought, thank me? I need to be thanking you, for protecting our freedom.

Thank you, Veterans, for giving us freedom to live and pursue our dreams. And thank you, to those of you serving now, for continuing to make our country great. Happy Veteran's Day.

We certainly have much to be thankful for, don't we?

Are you celebrating Thanksgiving this year? It is definitely my most favorite holiday, with no exception. I love Thanksgiving and look forward to it all year.

If you are hosting Thanksgiving, what could be more true tradition than to serve a home cooked meal of thanks on a handmade harvest table? I'm guessing the folks back at the original Thanksgiving dinner made their own table too.

We of course have the perfect Farmhouse Table for you.

image from Country Living Magazine/photo by Lucas Allen

But with Thanksgiving just a couple weeks away, think you don't have time to build this table? Well, with special thanks to Hillary at The Friendly Home, we've made this table easier than every to build.

Hillary made this table with pocket holes instead of adding the 2x2 supports as done in the original plan, saving a ton of cuts and holes to be drilled, which saves time and money. Also, by using pocket holes, we hide most all of the screw holes, so a beautiful stained finish like Hillary's is very easy to do.

The easy to do pocket hole plan follows if you want to build this table. And as always, Hillary delivers a beautiful finish, and you can get all the details on how Hillary finished her table here. I love the stain color and will have to try it as well!

PS - Don't have a pocket hole jig? Here's the original Farmhouse Table Plans.

PSS - Have trouble finding 4x4s? Check out the book Farmhouse Table plans!

Dimensions

Dimensions:

Dimensions shown above.

Materials and Tools

Shopping List:

4 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
1 - 4x4 @ 10 feet long
4 - 2x8 @ 6 feet long
1 - 2x8 @ 8 feet long (breadboard ends)
1 - 2x10 @ 6 feet long

3 inch screws

2 1/2 inch pocket hole screws

wood glue

Tools:

measuring tape

square

pencil

safety glasses

Kreg Jig™

drill

circular saw

sander

level

countersink drill bit

Cut List

Cut List:

4 - 4x4 posts @ 29" (legs)
2 - 2x4 @ 67" (long aprons)
2 - 2x4 @ 27" (short aprons)
1 - 2x4 @ 74" (stretcher)
2 - 2x4 @ 34" (stretcher supports)
4 - 2x8 @ 70.5" (table top planks)
1 - 2x10@ 70.5" (center table top plank -- I had to use one 2x10 to get the right overall width)
2 - 2x8 ~38" (breadboard ends -- measure your joined tabletop before cutting these)

General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Step 1

First, cut and notch out the 4x4s. If you can get your home improvement store to make square cuts, ask them to cut your 4x4s. Otherwise, you'll need a 12" (maybe a 10" will work too) miter saw or set your circular saw to the deepest possible cut. Cut one side, flip the 4x4 and finish the cut on the bottom side. Sand until cut is smooth. You'll probably add cork or felt pads under the legs later on to level table up and protect your floor.

Then notch out the stretcher joint as shown in diagram. Definitely practice first on a scrap if you can. This is easier to do than it looks - just be sure to get the top and bottom cut right, and it will all work out!

Step 2

Notch out the stretcher support board first, then attach to the 4x4s. Remember the screws will show here, so drill in pattern. Use 3" screws to attach.

Do both ends.

Step 3

Then add your top aprons with 1 1/2" pocket holes and 2 1/2" pocket hole screws.

NOT SHOWN: Drill 1 1/2" pocket holes on the insides of your aprons facing upward for later attaching the the tabletop too. Drill three holes per end apron.

Step 4

Now attach the two ends together to create your table frame.

NOT SHOWN: Drill 1 1/2" pocket holes on the insides of your aprons facing upward for later attaching the the tabletop too. Drill five holes per side apron.

Step 5

Add the stretcher with 3" screws.

Step 6

Now start building your tabletop.

Step 7

Measure and cut your breadboard ends to fit and attach to tabletop.

Step 8

Then attach the base to the tabletop through predrilled 1 1/2" pocket holes with 2 1/2" pocket hole screws.

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.

May I Suggest a Finish?

Staining and Finishing Tabletops

Reclaimed Wood Patchwork Multi Color

Stain Tutorial: Special Walnut Stain on Cedar for...

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What's going on up here in Alaska.

I like this a lot!

this table turned out beautiful and the finish is great.

posted by birdsandsoap | on Mon, 2012-11-12 13:49

love this one!

So gorgeous and clean! I just started reading your site a month ago and keep coming back for more. I featured you on my blog today as a huge source of inspiration for me. (rain-on-roses.blogspot.com) Congrats on the book, I'm so happy for you!

posted by Sarah @ ROR (not verified) | on Mon, 2012-11-12 15:31

Great update!!!

I decided to make a farmhouse table using your plans 2 weeks back, but decided to adjust the plans for pocket holes. After I had already started, you posted this update!! Happy to see that I pretty much made the adjustments you did and now my table looks great! Thanks for putting these plans out there!

posted by MattVD (not verified) | on Mon, 2012-11-19 14:09

Wood for the Table

Hi Ana! So I am in NJ, and I am having the hardest time finding any 2 x lumber other than Doug Fir Framing Wood. I read that most folks are using Dried Southern Pine, but they only have 1x of that here.

Can I glue the 1x's together face to face, or should I use the Framing Lumber? Any help would be really appreciated!

Thanks,
Chris

posted by Chris G (not verified) | on Mon, 2012-11-26 11:13

extentions

In a previous design there were extentions for the table to add I believe 15 more inches per end. I cannot find that plan, can you help?
Thanks,
Sandy

posted by Sandy Tull (not verified) | on Wed, 2012-11-28 14:38

End Seats

Has anyone built this and run into a problem with seats at the end, not pushing in enough to actually eat at the table? I'm using this plan to build my own table to seat 10 in a couple of weeks and was curious if someone had any ideas on how to solve that problem? Thanks, love the plan!

posted by Vince (not verified) | on Fri, 2012-11-30 17:18

Vince, I'm just finishing

Vince, I'm just finishing this table and found the plans at another site (artofmanliness.com). Those plans also include removable leaves on both end that would eliminate the chair problem on the ends.

posted by KevinK (not verified) | on Sun, 2012-12-02 11:30

Vince, I'm just finishing this table and actually found identical plans on another website (posted over a year ago by the way...artofmanliness). Anyway, those plans also include removable end leaves that would take care of the concerns with end seats.

posted by KevinK (not verified) | on Sun, 2012-12-02 11:33

finishing

Hi
the stain on the table is not evenly distributed, may be treating wood with a pre stain solution will help. The table looks great any way

posted by nice joy (not verified) | on Thu, 2012-12-06 03:57

I actually did use wood

I actually did use wood conditioner before staining the top, but not on the stretcher and aprons and you can definitely see the difference! I ran out of wood conditioner and was in a hurry. But, with the aprons and stretcher, it's not so noticeable since they're down low. And the top looks great in person.

posted by Hillary (not verified) | on Thu, 2013-01-03 01:14

Pushing the seat under

Hi, I am in nearly finished with my farmhouse table, and was worried the end pieces wouldn't accomadate a chair well. So, I flipped the the cross beam streacher with the notch to the inside, and shortened the cross beam support. I then switched out the 8" bread board pieces for 10". Doing these two things bought me about 3.5 inches. Doesn't sound like much, but it makes a difference. Good luck!

posted by Jonna O (not verified) | on Sat, 2012-12-08 19:55

Good idea! I'll have to try

Good idea! I'll have to try that. Building this weekend, we'll see how it goes. Thanks!!

posted by Vince (not verified) | on Wed, 2012-12-12 14:39

Finish

My question is about the small gaps between the wood planks on the table. When something gets spilled will it fall through the planks, or with the screws being tight enough and the seal on it, it is sealed tight? I'm just worried about milk or something spilling in there and not being able to get cleaned up...

posted by Chrisw (not verified) | on Mon, 2012-12-17 19:40

You have two options. Trim

You have two options. Trim the edges of the boards to eliminate the milled round-over form the sawmill. You will have to adjust the width of the table to accommodate this extra step. Second, and this is what I did, glue and screw the boards together. When you finish with Poly, the finish will seal the grooves. Wife and I built and finished ours in 3 days! Looks great.

posted by Matt F (not verified) | on Tue, 2013-01-01 19:46

bench

does anyone know if there are plans for a matching bench to go with this table?

posted by Nicholas Paul Nelson | on Sun, 2013-01-06 14:12

farmhouse bench

Not sure if the dimensions are right for this table, but here are the bench plans: http://ana-white.com/2011/01/plans/farmhouse-bench

posted by Hillary @ The Friendly Home (not verified) | on Mon, 2013-01-14 12:32

I am working on the table top

I am working on the table top and I have attached all the pieces together but the 2 x 10 has a slight bend. It makes the table have a twist to it in the middle. The bend in the middle makes all the boards uneven. Is there anyway to fix this?

Ive swapped out a couple of other 2 x 10's and they still have a slight bend in them

posted by bingo (not verified) | on Mon, 2013-01-07 11:26

posted by bingo (not verified) | on Mon, 2013-01-07 11:36

If you have a friend with a

If you have a friend with a planer, you might be able to fix the twisted board by planing down the high part. It's really hard to find good 2x8s and 2x10s -- sometimes I have to dig through the whole pile of them at Lowe's, but getting the straightest possible wood to start with is your best bed.

posted by Hillary @ The Friendly Home (not verified) | on Mon, 2013-01-14 12:35

Types of Wood

Hi, I'm new to this site and to the world of DIY. This table is going to be my first project as my current one is falling apart.

What is going to be the best type of wood to use to make this table? something that will good for a table and will take a stain pretty well?

Thanks! Love this site!

posted by camilton | on Sat, 2013-01-12 10:14

The plans for this table are

The plans for this table are for framing lumber, which doesn't really come in a variety of species. Usually you get fir or pine, both of which work equally well for this. You're best bet is to find the driest wood you can, no matter the species. If it feels cool/moist when you lay your hand on it, skip it. If it is really heavy, skip it. Go to a different store and see if you can find something drier. You can get other species in 2x lumber at a "real" woodworking store (not Lowe's or HD) but you'll pay probably $7/board foot for the wood (or more), versus under a dollar a foot for framing lumber. Framing lumber takes stain fine, just sand it well and be generous with the wood conditioner. And test on scraps first to get the color you want -- you can always return cans of stain you decide aren't right.

posted by Hillary @ The Friendly Home (not verified) | on Mon, 2013-01-14 12:40

modified Farmhouse table -- scaled to 6'

I've posted a modified cut list and shopping list for scaling this down to 6' and giving more overhang on the breadboard ends. Hopefully this will be helpful to someone! http://thefriendlyhome.blogspot.com/2013/01/6-farmhouse-table.html

posted by Hillary @ The Friendly Home (not verified) | on Mon, 2013-01-14 12:30

Okay...I may have screwed my tabletop up...

So I'm relatively new to woodworking. I've done lots of small projects with my dad growing up and with my husband in the last few years- but nothing big like a table. I thought I could handle it though, if everyone else could. WRONG. At least I THINK wrong. SO I have my tabletop all assembled using pocket-holes- except for the breadboard ends. I didn't want to attach them till I had the rest right. I used the plan with the 10 inch board in the center and 2 8 inch boards on each side. I placed a pocket hole every 10 inches and the boards have no gaps between them- but they wiggle. I was expecting to be able to pick up the whole table top- and I can, but I can move the boards with just a little bit of pressure. I'm not sure if its because the boards weren't perfectly straight but they looked pretty darn perfect...other than the fact that they are rounded anyway- is that what's causing it to have a little give? When I attach it to the apron with that give go away? Or maybe when I attach the breadboard ends? Does anyone even know what I am talking about? I just feel like it should't be wiggly. Can you tell me what I might have done wrong? I have screwed all the pocket holes in as tightly as I can. I thought about adding more screws, or just adding a support across the middle or something- but what I really want to know is what did I do wrong?

posted by Aleesha (not verified) | on Wed, 2013-01-23 01:25

Great !

Many thanks for the plans i tried to make this one but with wood from shipment pallets. You can see the result here :)
http://palettesunivers.canalblog.com/archives/2013/01/25/26243650.html

Many thanks again, i will soon do another model you created, still with wooden pallets.

Take care. Dak1ne

posted by dak1ne | on Thu, 2013-01-31 15:59

How can I make this with leaves?

I need to extend this to be longer for the holidays... For the holidays we have at least 12 adults so I need to make leaves to accommodate.... Already thinking of making the table longer for everyday. Please help as I am going to start this project next weekend since it is a 3 day weekend for me :) Thank you!

posted by KeriDorgan | on Thu, 2013-02-07 11:34

Thanks so much for the

Thanks so much for the tips!!! Cant wait to find time and get it started!! Thanks again! superiorpapers.net

posted by passionlab | on Sun, 2013-04-14 17:35

Putting the table outdoors?

Hi! Has anyone put a table like this outdoors? How has it held up?

I noticed on other plans people mentioned using cedar (which we didn't see). We are able to put the top of the table together and wish we had researched more!

We plan to use an outdoor plan and water-based seal. Anything else we can do to help it wear less?

Thanks!
Kate

posted by thehaileys | on Sun, 2013-05-12 17:47

Breadboard Ends Loose?

The tabletop went together smooth, but when I went to attach the breadboard ends, they don't seem to fit as snug as the boards side by side. Did anyone else have issues with loose breadboard ends? I purchased metal plate fasteners that I'm going to attach on the underside of the table where the breadboard ends connect to the table top.

posted by sofamily02 | on Wed, 2013-05-15 12:16

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Getting Started

Plan Catalog

Other Stuff >>

Farmhouse Table - Updated Pocket Hole Plans

Handmade from this plan >>

About Project

Dimensions

Materials and Tools

Cut List

General Instructions

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

Step 8

Finishing Instructions

May I Suggest a Finish?

Dining Tables, dining room, Intermediate, farmhouse

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