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Farmhouse Table - No Pocket Holes Plan

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Do you want a farmhouse table, but don't want to spend thousands of dollars?  Have you thought about building your own?  Check out this free, step by step plan to build your own with basic tools.  From Ana-White.com

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No Pocket Hole Plans
farmhouse table featured in country living magazine

reader submitted photo

The Farmhouse Table Story

Beloved for hundreds of years, the Farmhouse Table was usually made by the family that used it, from wood that was locally harvested, using basic tools.  Soft woods were easier to use, but the soft wood dents easily, and the tables showed wear, creating that authentic distressed look.

Today, a true farmhouse table is just that - built by hand by the family that uses it, using soft woods, and finished by hand.  The tables are meaningful, with each scratch and scuff having a story, each moment creating memory for the family that uses it.

Start your family's Farmhouse Table Story by building your own table, and gathering around it to share a meal, to fold laundry on and do homework on - to create the foundation of your family's home.

The Farmhouse Table Plans

Our Farmhouse Table plans have been built tens of thousands of times and are in homes all over the world. The extremely sturdy, rustic styling is easy to build and authentic to history.

Built out of all off the shelf lumber - builders spend between $50 and $100 making their farmhouse tables.

You just need a saw and a drill to make this farm table.  

Special thanks to ssshindler for the featured photo.

This table was also featured in Country Living Magazine!  Built by Michael and Emily Knotts, photo by Lucas Allen

The plans for this farmhouse table follow.  Also check out these other plans:

Thank you so much for using our plans.  If you build, please share a photo and let us know how your build went in the comments or a brag post.

Pin For Later! 

Farmhouse Table No Pocket Holes

Dimensions
farmhouse table dimensions
30″ High x 38 1/2″ Wide x 96″ Long

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 8 – 2x4 8 feet long
  • 6 – 2x2s  8 feet long
  • 1 - 2×8  8 feet long
  • 7 – 2x6s 8 feet long
  • 2 3/4″ Self Tapping Wood Screws (About 100) (try spax brand or similar)
  • 4″ Self tapping wood Screws (About 20)
Common Materials
Elmer's Wood Glue
Elmer's Wood Filler
120 grit sandpaper
Cut List

A) 4 - 2×4 @ 28 1/2″ (Outside Legs)

B) 4 – 2×4 @ 28 1/2″ (Inside Legs)

C) 2 -2×4 @ 34 1/2″ (Bottom End Supports for the Stretcher)

D) 1 – 2×4 @ 81″ (Stretcher)

E) 2 – 2×4 @ 81″ (Side Aprons)

F) 2 – 2×4 @ 28 1/2″ (End Aprons)

G) 2 – 2×2 @ 28 1/2″ (Overhang Supports, Ends)

H) 2 – 2×2 @ 78″ (Overhang Supports, Sides)

I) 10 – 2×2 @ 28 1/2″ (Under Tabletop Supports)

J) 2 – 2×8 @ 38 1/2″ (Breadboard Ends)

K) 7 – 2×6 @ 81″ (Tabletop Pieces)

Cutting Instructions

Start by cutting all your boards.  The best way to cut is with a compound miter saw.  You can also use a circular saw with a guide - good square cuts are very important.

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Hammer
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Drill
Circular Saw
Brad Nailer
Power Sander
General Instructions

Always use glue. Use the longest possible screws, and predrill with a countersink bit to hide the screw heads.

Instructions

Step 1

Notch out boards A, the Outside Legs, as shown above. If you do not know how to notch out boards, watch me notch the boards out for my table in my HOW-TO section.

Step 2

Notch out the inside leg as shown above. Make sure you notch both the top and the bottom as shown above. Use the measurements from step 2 to notch the bottom. See the below diagram for a closeup on notching the top.

Step 3

The above diagram show you how to notch out the top of the inside legs.

Step 4

Now screw an inside leg to an outside leg, using glue and 2 3/4″ screws. Be aware of where each leg is placed – it does matter on what sides the inside leg sits. Also, screw through the inside leg into the outside leg to keep your screw holes on the inside.

Step 5

Step 6

Screw the support, C, into the legs, as shown above. Make sure you use 2 screws on the inside leg and 2 screws on the outside legs per side of the end supports. NOTE: If you would like the support to be on the outside, rotate the legs, keeping the inside legs on the inside, and add 4″ to your stretcher, D. This will reduce your leg room for end chairs, but the notch out will be more visible, like my table and the Restoration Hardware table.

Step 7

Put your stretcher in place and screw down.

Step 8

Build your apron on a level surface as shown above, using side apron boards E and end apron boards F.

Step 9

Fit the apron frame into the base of the table as shown above. Use the long screws to screw at an angle through the apron into the legs. Use 3 screws per leg on all legs. Lots of glue here. Now is a good time to check your table for square. Visit the HOW-TO section if you do not know how to check for square.

Step 10

Mark the side apron every 5 3/4″ and place the 2×2 supports, I, as shown above. Remember that a 2×2 is 1 1/2″ wide. This does not have to be exact and the last support will not be exactly 5 3/4″ from the end. Use the 2 3/4″ screws here.

Step 11

Add the overhang supports, G and H, as shown above. Keep the top edges flush, use the 2 3/4″ screws. Make sure you screw these in good.

Step 12

Now the breadboard ends, J. See the below diagram for measurements:

Step 13

Use the long screws to screw the breadboard end into the legs. Then screw from the underside of the overhang support, board G, into the underside of the breadboard end.

Step 14

First mark all the ends of the tabletop boards, K, for the screw pattern. The screw pattern I used was 1″ from the end, and 1″ from each side and one in the middle. Predrill the ends on the marked pattern, as shown above.

Step 15

Then begin adding the tabletop pieces K, starting with the center piece. Screw the center board in place on the ends through the top, pre,drilled and marked in step 15. Then from the underside of the table, screw through the tabletop supports, I, into the underside of the tabletop boards, K.

Step 16

Add the next tabletop boards, K, as shown below. As you screw each board down, take special care to line up the edges with the existing boards. You do not want a gap between the boards on the tabletop. Remember to screw through the top on the ends and then screw through the bottom of the under supports to the underside of the tabletop boards.

After all the boards are screwed in place, then use the long screws to screw through the tabletop boards into the breadboard ends, as shown above.

Finishing Instructions
Finish Used
Fill any wood screw holes with wood filler. Use stain matched wood filler for best stain hiding. For a painted finish, any wood filler works. Overfill the screw holes. Let dry.
Sand the entire table with 120 grit sandpaper, working in the direction of the wood grain.
Refill holes with wood filler if needed.
Sand table with 180 grit sandpaper.
Stain or paint. If the table feels rough between coats, lightly sand with 180 grit sandpaper.
A final coat of poly on the top can help keep the top easy to finish and wipe cleanable.
Project Type
Table Plans
Dining Table Plans
Room
dining room
kitchen
Style
Farmhouse Furniture

Comments

SarahLynne (not verified)

Wed, 04/07/2010 - 17:02

We are hoping to do this table soon. I was wondering if it would look strange to do the top in Oak and the rest in pine? Would that be totally noticeable and not cool?

Priscilla (not verified)

Tue, 04/20/2010 - 04:31

I've been reading all your entries and can't get enough of them! Its making me feel so ambitious - I can't wait for the weekend to start! We just finished building a deck by ourselves, and if I can do that, I'm sure I can make my own patio set! =P Thanks for all your plans and inspiration!

Avi (not verified)

Wed, 04/21/2010 - 08:27

Hi Ana,

I am very interested in make this table. I would love to make it a bit wider from 38.5" as in the plans to 47.5". I would do that by adding another 2x6 and an additional 2x4 down the middle. I am having a little trouble figuring out the rest of the dimensions for the table bottom ie the end support for the stretcher and end apron.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Avi

Christy (not verified)

Tue, 04/27/2010 - 07:22

I too would love to make this table a little wider and possibly shorter. Ana, could you tell us how to modify the plans??? This is on my "to-do" list with many other projects to finish up our remodel but first I plan on making some nightstands and a bench from some of your plans! Thanks Ana for showing me that I don't have to spend tons of money for great furniture!

Avi (not verified)

Wed, 04/28/2010 - 09:09

Ok,

I am not professing to be that great at math but I think I figured out how to make the table 47.5” up from the 38.5” posted. Please feel free to double check my math…I plan on starting this project over the weekend.

Here is my shopping list and cut list:

Shopping List

8 (2x4)
9 (2x2)
1 (2x8)
7 (2x6)

Cut List

A) 4 - 2x4 @28.5" (Outside Legs)

B) 4 - 2x4 @28.5" (Inside Legs)

C) 2 - 2x4 @ 43.5" (Bottom End Support) =(-4" off width of the table which is 47.5")

D) 1 - 2x4 @81" (Stretcher)

E) 2 - 2x4 @81" (Side Aprons)

F) 2 - 2x2 @37.5" (End Aprons) =(-6" off bottom end support from leg to leg which is 43.5")

G) 2 - 2x2 @37.5" (Overhang Support Ends) =(End Apron dimension which is 37.5")

H) 2 - 2x2 @78" (Overhang Support Sides)

I) 10 - 2x2 @47.5" (Under-table Top Supports)

J) 2 - 2x8 @47.5" (Breadboard Ends)

K) 8 - 2x6 @81"
1 - 2x4 @81" (Table Top Pieces) (the 2x4 goes down the middle)

Thanks,

Avi

Kelli99 (not verified)

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 11:54

Would love to hear how your project worked out. Were your dimensions correct?

Angie Kay (not verified)

Wed, 04/28/2010 - 15:32

Ok so I am going to attempt this table this week. I will post a picture of it once I am done. Wish me luck! Thank you for the inspiration!

M.V. (not verified)

Wed, 05/05/2010 - 13:24

Does anyone know where to buy reclaimed wood in Los Angeles? I don't have any lying around and the lumber yards I usually buy from only sell new wood. Googling "reclaimed wood" only brings up custom makers charging exorbitant amounts for their creations.

Ana, you are amazing. Thank you for working so hard and sharing your plans with us.

a.sze (not verified)

Mon, 05/10/2010 - 21:35

I am overjoyed that I finally found your site. The only thing keeping me from building this right now right here is that I don't know where to buy lumber in middle of the night. Well, and that I've never done anything like this before. But I'm gonna do it. And that's that. One question though. Restoration, (Oh how I love them but can't afford them), their farmhouse table is an extension table. Is that doable? If ever we are up in Alaska, we will bring some lights and take pics for you!!

Bec (not verified)

Sun, 06/06/2010 - 11:25

We made this great table this weekend! (About 8.5-9 hours total work time!) We had to make a lot of changes and extra cuts because we're in the UK and 2x4s aren't 2x4s here... but we learned from the experience and will modify *before* cutting in our next projects! Tomorrow, we varnish...and after that, I'll send photos in! Such a fun project! Thanks SO much for this plan and all of your fab plans and inspiration!!

Kandace (not verified)

Thu, 06/10/2010 - 18:45

How would I use 4x4 for the legs on this table? I can't figure out how I would attach them...and yes...I feel silly LOL!!

michelle (not verified)

Wed, 06/16/2010 - 01:55

Does anybody know where the chairs in Tina's farmhouse table came from?

Also, can anyone tell what color stain that is?

DandeLion Soup (not verified)

Mon, 06/28/2010 - 14:37

Love the table. Hubby and I are currently trying to build it. We've modified the dimensions a bit, but we did leave the table legs the same height but now we wish we hadn't. We're finding that 30" for the height of the table is too short. Now we have to figure out how to make it taller...wish us luck :)

Ana White (not verified)

Mon, 06/28/2010 - 14:43

Dandelion Soup, when I built my table I felt it was too short (before I put the top on). I even measured it a few times to make sure my dimensions were correct, because 30" is standard tabletop height for all dining tables. It just felt short next to the giant table size. But after the tabletop when on, the height is standard and perfect, just like a table you would buy at the store (or order from a magazine). Hope this helps! Ana

makai13 (not verified)

Wed, 07/14/2010 - 10:31

Thank you for the farm table plans. This is going to be my very first woodworking project on my own. I recently bought my first house and a workshop came with it. Buying a new table was in my plan, but then I thought why not use the workshop and build one myself. I love the plans and am excited about getting to work on it. I'll let you know how it goes! Thanks!

christie_mxy (not verified)

Fri, 07/30/2010 - 07:18

I have never built anything or used a tool in my life. This table will be my first project. I went under your tools section and you suggested a miter saw, a circular saw and a jigsaw. Which one of these is the most important to have and start with? You just list saw under tools needed for this one? I am not sure what to buy, thank you.

Christie

BRANDON (not verified)

Wed, 08/18/2010 - 07:28

I built this table out of recycled wood from free pallets. I sanded and refinished all surfaces, and modified the plans to suit the wood sizes available. I turned out great! Thanks for the plans!

(I tried to post some pictures but I cant for some reason...)

Michale Crumly (not verified)

Mon, 08/30/2010 - 14:11

Love this table, I cannot wait to build it this weekend. I am trying to figure out how to do it in a square so I can seat 8, but not even sure where to start to figure that out? If someone else has done something similar and can share, or Ana if you care to chime in, I would really appreciate it!
Thanks,
Michale

ana (not verified)

Mon, 08/30/2010 - 14:30

Michale, I know this has been done many times before. If you want a table that is square, about 4 feet x 4 feet on top, do 9 2x6s @ 38 1/2" long for the centers and 2 2x6s @ 49 1/2" for the breadboard ends. You will need to adjust the supports to match the table top. Also make sure that your 2x6s are exactly 5 1/2" wide. Good luck with your table!

Kayla (not verified)

Thu, 09/02/2010 - 12:27

Hi! We are currently in the process of building this table. I'm very very excited! I really would like a matching bench with breadboard ends...does anyone have the dimensions for a matching bench?? Any help would be greatly appreciated! I'll send in pics as soon as I have the table stained!

Farmhouse End Table (not verified)

Thu, 09/09/2010 - 14:52

[...] Farmhouse Table with Stretcher — Ana White I like yours hands down better then R.H.'s! (I never liked the little island thing on theirs…or the dried up old wood look.). Your instructions are great—after this Christmas rush, I'll be making a mini version as a coffee table… [...]

laurat (not verified)

Thu, 09/23/2010 - 12:20

I too, would love a bench plan for this table!! I am going to start the table this weekend!! :)

Tina (not verified)

Sun, 10/10/2010 - 16:24

The table, built at the sizes listed in the plans, comfortably seats 8. We've had guests over and it works great!

Melissa Heninger (not verified)

Tue, 10/12/2010 - 15:50

my husband did the table and it looks fabulous!!! And now we need to do benches, I see you mentioned writting some up, but I couldn't seem to find any! Am I missing them? Thanks for the great plans!!

Katie Poe (not verified)

Sun, 10/24/2010 - 17:01

Anna,
Thank you so much for your site. I was just in Restoration Hardware today and loved every table that I saw, but didn't love any of the prices for them. Now with your help I can still acquire the look I want in my home without the crazy price tag. You are God sent! This is now on my favs list...hopefully soon I can get started on these projects. Thanks again!

Audrey (not verified)

Tue, 10/26/2010 - 13:31

Ok I am absolutely in love with this table! I do have a question and I'm sorry if it sounds just bizarre. Is there a way to modify this table to add extensions? I don't really care if they're in the middle or on the end, but I want this table to extend to seat 10-12 people....please tell me this is possible!

Paul LaClaire (not verified)

Thu, 11/04/2010 - 10:37

I was unsure of my skills so i first made this table as a coffee table. I just modified the dimensions. My wife LOVED IT!!!!! So I built this table this week. My dimensions were 72"x38.5" love it. I stained it an early american color, and put a satin finish varathane on it. This table has the feel of rustic country, but the stain and varathane makes it a little modern. My friends are asking me to make then one! I'll post pictures very soon

Suse Fogt (not verified)

Sat, 09/15/2012 - 08:44

Hi Paul! My husband and I are excited to make this table, and are interested in the dimensions that you used. Could you share your plans with us? We total novices so any tips would be great.

Thank you!!

Courtney (not verified)

Thu, 11/11/2010 - 04:43

Ok.. so let me just make sure I totally understand. You put screws down through the TOP of the table.. just like you would build decking, etc? I want to knock off the PB Hyde Coffee table, and this is just the look I'm going for, more or less.

Link (not verified)

Sun, 11/14/2010 - 05:34

What are people using to finish tables like these so they have that dark, vintage look to them?

jandesign (not verified)

Sun, 12/12/2010 - 04:14

Hi Ana!

Thanks so much for creating these plans. My husband and I made this table over Thanksgiving weekend and I LOVE it! I'm afraid to stain it -- I sort of like it just the way it is. Now I just have to move my chandelier and have some friends over to celebrate.

One friend asked, "So, are you actually sitting at the table to eat, or do you sit in the living room so you can look at your table?"
http://picasaweb.google.com/PupperDo/Homemade#5549798052864429170

Shannon (not verified)

Sun, 12/26/2010 - 10:49

Oh me too! I was scrolling through the comments to see if I could find any comments about an extension! I'm nearly 8mos pregnant with #5, and we've out grown our current table. After suffering from sticker shock at the local furniture store day, my handy hubby and I are going to attempt to build this, and the farm house bed ;o) Which one first.....
Thanks for all of this!! Simply Amazing!
~Shannon
OrganicMamasShop.com

Shawna (not verified)

Mon, 12/27/2010 - 12:28

I am also waiting on the bench plans before we jump into making the table. We are going from a counter height table to this farmhouse table, so we would have nothing to sit on until getting a bench made! Can't wait to see the bench plans as well.