I am going to make this table! Oh I am so excited about your blog! We just bought a house and I can see so many possibilities for furniture now that I found your blog. :-) ah it makes my heart sing. My only request that you do a post just for beginners to give simple instructions on some of your terms or directions, ie how do I predrill holes? or how exactly do I use the wood putty? I have never built anything in my life so a post like that would be way helpful to me. :-) you are awesome and I am excited to start building things! AH!!

photos here of a reader modified (square) modern farm table

http://knockoffwood.blogspot.com/2010/01/bragging-board-more-awesome-ta…

My table legs don't feel as sturdy as they should. I followed directions but maybe I need to add more screws? Any advice. Other than that it looks good but I don't want it to wobble (its level but the legs don't feel strong).

I just discovered your blog this afternoon, and am SOOOOOO inspired!!! I have been driving myself crazy trying to find storage solutions for my sewing room, wanting a nice bed to go with the king size mattress set we just bought, and the need to replace a worn out hand-me-down kitchen table. I am more than just a little intimidated by the whole process, but you make it look doable!

Would it be possible to build this table longer by adding more supports? We have 5 kids and need to be able to seat more than 8 people if we have ANYONE over ;o) I love that it doesn't have a stretcher for the kiddos to climb on lol!

Hi Cristina, I haven't had any complaints about sturdiness from anyone else, so I think the plan is fine. I would try adding more screws, even try screwing from an angle from the bottom corners of the aprons up into the legs so the screws are hidden. Make sure you take a square before doing this.

Also, I encourage you to go wobble your existing table. You are always more critical of what you build than what you buy.

If there is still a wobble, you can corner brace the legs with either metal 90 degree corners or a piece of wood cut at an angle (check out the underside of a table to see how corners are braced).

Ana, I love this table! I want to make it a little wider though, so it fits better in my dining room.... more like 4 feet x 6 feet. I can figure out how to adjust the cuts, but do you think I'll have any problems with support if it's larger? I'm thinking if I do the benches, I'll have them be on the shorter sides of the table and put chairs on the longer sides so I don't have to worry about them being able to support the extra weight. Anyway, let me know if you think I'd run into a problem with this... if not, I'm going to give it a try!

After reading the instructions really thoroughly, I have a couple questions.

In recalculating the cuts for a different sized table, do we assume that a 2x6 actually measures 1.5 x 5.5?

In step 4, when you place the support pieces, do you drill them into place from the side aprons, or do they just stay in place because of the tension of the rest of the table?

In step 5, when you mark and predrill the holes on the tabletop pieces, do you also predrill through the end support pieces?

In step 7, I'm guessing you predrill from the support pieces up through the table top to make sure they're lined up. When you actually put the screws in, do you flip the table back over so the top of the screw is showing on the table top, or do you do it from the underside of the table?

Also, just a general question... do you generally sand all of the wood before you start building, and then stain or paint once it's all assembled?

Sorry to ask so many questions.. I just want to make sure I do this all correctly! :)

Hey Kate I just built this table this weekend. I don't know the answer to all your questions but I can at least tell you what I did on a few of them.

For step four I did drill the 2x2s in place. I didn't want there to be enough tention that they held themselves and risk bowing the table. Not sure if that is correct but that was my thought. Plus to get your 2x6s in top took just a hair of hammering on my part and they all would have fell out.

Not sure I understand your question all the way on step 5.

On step seven I skipped this cause I didn't have anyway of flipping the table over so all my holes are on top and its seems to be fine.

I sanded my table all after it was built then finished it. You can see pictures on my blog http://tinyurl.com/yjex5jb

Just got home from purchasing all the lumber for this table and the benches. :) I am beyond thrilled! Lowe's cut it all for us, and the guy triple checked the measurement of each cut. They were so friendly and wished us luck! I am so ready to get started on the building of this table! :)

I have wanted a patio dining set for years, but I am WAY too frugal to lay down hundreds of dollars for one! I am considering building this table to use for outdoor dining. We have a large covered patio, but I am really unsure what to put over it to really protect it from the elements. Any suggestions?

I love this table (and the blog in general as it has so many great plans and ideas)and really want to make it. While washing my current table today though after my three kids ate breakfast I wondered if using several boards on the top would make for loads of food in between the boards. Has anyone made this and had or not had this issue?

I LOVE all your plans Ana. I can't wait until it warms up a little outside so I can start making this table. I have been looking in stores for one we love and afford but I was definitely coming up short. This looks perfect...and the benches too. You must have been reading my mind. Thanks for having such a fantastic site and for being so generous with sharing your plans. I can't wait to send you photos of our table when it is done!

I was wondering if I could change the legs to a turn style. I want to make the table look a little more decorative. By changing the legs would I need to make any adjustment to attaching them to the table? I found the legs at Lowe's for $10 each. Thanks and love your blog.

Hi Ana

I'm building this modern farmhouse table but I'm a little bit concerned that drilling and gluing the table-top will not allow the tabletop to float. Any thoughts on this issue? Do you ever use tabletop clips or fasteners to alleviate this issue? I'm giving this table to a friend and I don't want it to crack after a while.

Let me know what your thoughts are when you get the chance.

Thanks so much btw. Your blog has given me the confidence to work on things I otherwise wouldn't.

Thanks so much

Hilary

Oh gosh, I love this table and though I just ran across it yesterday, I love your blog! Our house was built in 1900, so it's been tough finding a table to fit in our dining area that matches the "look" of the house, but doesn't overpower the dining/living room combo. It also needs to utilize the built in window seat for one of the benches...I didn't even think about having another bench, but it will work perfectly!

P.S. You don't happen to have any plans for a corner TV stand that I'm just not running across, do you? It will be in the same room as this table...I hope you do and I just didn't find them.

Liz,

Thanks for responding to all of my questions! We have built our table and I'm super proud of it! We did flip our table to screw those support pieces from underneath... we had to get a neighbor to come help us flip it without putting too much tension on the legs... that thing is heavy! We also adjusted the size so that it measures 52.5" by 72". We had to make our legs two 2x6s thick to help support the weight, but it worked out well. We also used 2x4s underneath for the support instead of 2x2s. We just used less of them (I think they're every foot instead of every 6 inches), but it saved us a bit of money on the project. I did sand the wood before assembling, and I'm glad I did just because a lot of places would have been hard to reach once it was assembled. Once it was assembled I distressed it and then finished it. Ours definitely isn't perfect, but we are so proud of it and we learned a TON in the process. I'd definitely recommend this project to anyone who's considering it! It's very do-able, even if you've never built anything before! We actually started with a bench as practice, since it's assembled pretty much the same way, and once that went well we moved on to the table. :)

Is there any reason that I would need to use a screwgun instead of a drill with a phillips-head bit?

I understand the screwgun might be a little more convenient, but the drill will do the job, right?

My husband and I have been dreaming of a new table - this is it! Hopefully I can convince him to build this weekend. We are hoping to make it a bit longer. More like the 93" farmhouse table you have as well. We currently have a family of 7 so we need more room. Any pointers? Thanks so much!

EEEEK! Ok for real Thank you. Seriously. We needed a new table, it took us forever to finish it, and now it is there PERFECT for us.

You rock.

http://soodz.com/blog/

Coffee Table version of this would be spectacular too ;)

We just built this table and benches but made our table 8 ft long.
A few suggestions:
1) Can't stress enough how much easier this is to build if you buy STRAIGHT boards
2) Sand and stain/paint BEFORE you assemble. Hard to get between tabletop cracks afterward and you can see the unfinished wood
3)as another person suggested...build a bench from start to finish (sand/paint or stain and all). You will learn a lot and have a better looking table in the end.

Happy building! And thanks Ana for the amazing plans. We did a dark chestnut stain on top boards and semi-gloss white for sides and legs. Looks beautiful (pics to come).

I am planning on making a square version of this this weekend. But can I double the 2x6's for the legs for stability? My dh is worried that our kids (almost 5 now!) will climb on it and it won't be stable enough.

Kelblue,
I'm so glad you posted because I want to build this table, but need it to be 8 ft long and wasn't confident about changing the measurements. Thanks for the pointers! Where can I see pictures of your two-tone table!? Now I'm debating how to finish mine!

We are very excited to try this. Thanks Ana!
Quick question - will this comfortably seat 6 adults?
Also, if we pair this table with black resin wicker chairs, what stain or paint color should we use to keep a contemporary modern look?

i just came across this plan and i am super excited to build it. hoping to have it done before new baby comes in october. my question: we need it to seat at least 8 people preferable 10. i am comfortable doing the modifications but will the 2x6 legs be enough support or should i make it 2 2x6 like someone else suggested?

Hello Ana,

I discovered your website from my sister. I want to build this table but i was wondering if you can modify to fit 8 people. I have a big family and I really like this table, i saw somewhat similar table at Pier 1 its to expensive. If you have time.....
Thank you....

[...] a step-by-step (sorta) through my furniture build adventure. Props go out to Ana White for her blueprint on this. And I gotta say, there’s nothing more fulfilling as a dude than to wield a power [...]

We're almost done this (I say "we" but I've been sick in bed most of the week-end and my husband has done most of everything, including running after our baby and toddler!). We've only hit two snaggles thus far: 1. When we measured the tabletop after we got home from Lowe's and everything was already cut, the table supports and the short aprons were a little too long. (We wish we'd done a rough assembly at Lowe's so we wouldn't have had to cut those parts again at a friend's). 2. When drilling for the tabletop supports, the instructions said to mark out every 6 inches, which would require 9 supports instead of the 7 in the cut list. Basically, we just dropped the marks on the end and started 15 inches in from the edge. Maybe we didn't read it correctly, but this all worked out fine in the end. Thanks!

[...] Elm/Crate & Barrel, in addition to her own designs. I fell in love with the look of a farmhouse table and bench set (especially when stained like this), and emailed the links to the bf with just [...]

ana, i was wondering if you have the steps to build the benches that go with this table? i have ALWAYS wanted a table with benches.

Hello! I really liked the finished picture (the 4th one down). This is exactly the type of table I've been looking for but they all are so expensive in the stores. Also, do you happen to know what's the name of the teal wall paint in that picture? Thanks!

[...] in Brag Blog Put on my TO-DO List Save as PDF Print this PostShare/Bookmark Builder: Taryn Experience Level: Some Experience Estimated Cost: 100 Estimated Time Investment: 15-20 hours From Plan: http://ana-white.com/2009/11/plan-modern-farmhouse-table-knock-off.html [...]

I'm jusr echo'ing Jenn, any bench plans laying around? ;)

Thanks Ana, I can't wait to get building some of your beautiful designs!

Thank you for posting, this is what I have had in my head for our family. We are a family of 5 and we have grown out of our 4 top table. This is what I have been explaining to my husband what I want. Maybe seeing your plans will help me give my husband a clear picture of what I want.

Can I make this table longer? I am wanting it to sit 10-12. Also. is there a way to seal the top so food and stuff does not get into the spaces between the boards? ( I have 8 littleones right now ;0)

I just finished making this table with a few of my personal alterations and LOVE it!!!!  I can't wait to post pictures but I still need to stain and seal it.  I am curious what color stain you used, I really like it.

Where are the bench plans? I feel like I've been going in circles trying to find them and they're probably right in front of my face somewhere. I don't want to build the table until I'm sure I can make the benches as well. Thanks.

http://ana-white.com/2009/11/modern-farm-benches

I think is the link you want - I want to buile one of these too! :)
cheers
J

Hi Ana
I had found your site 6 months ago and after not finding my benches anywhere or for too much of an asking price decided to go for it myself. You inspired me too!
Would it be possible for me to get your plans for the benches you have next to the farmhouse table? I will be making them longer - but have never made anything myself from wood so would love your directions.
Thank in advance for any help,
Nicole

hi Ana! I love your work, you are an inspiration for me:-) I am planning on making this with my husband and was wondering what kind/color of paint did you use to finish this. I love the color, it is very natural!

Hi Ana,

First, thank you for all your time and effort into your building plans. My husband and I have built the Fillman Platform Bed for our son recently and it turned out fabulously. Will post a picture soon. We are new to building and you have given us the confidence to do more.

We are looking at building your Modern Farmhouse Table but have a question... We want the table top to be one solid piece of wood instead of slats, is it possible to build the frame as you have done and secure the table top to the frame using glue and screws? I'd like the top NOT to overhang the sides of the frame (hubby does) or if so, very minimally.

Thank you for your time!

-Andrea

Can I change the dimensions and make this table square?

Ana, can you share what finished you used on this set? It's so gorgeous and I think it's what I want to do, too! Thank you!!