Farmhouse Table

Submitted by kaileelev on Mon, 12/01/2014 - 12:08

This was our very first building project and we are thrilled with how it turned out!

I changed up the dimensions a little bit... I wanted the table to be shorter and wider. I ended up using three 2x10s and two 2x8 for the table top to make it wider, and then just changed the cut list to make the table 76" long instead of 85". 

We did our best with picking out the straightest pieces of lumber from Fleet Farm, but even then had trouble getting the boards flush and flat to make the table top. I laid on the boards while my husband screwed them together, but even then had to spend hours sanding the top so that it was as flat as possible. 

I did a couple coats of stain, which turned out really nice on the top of the table, but for some reason the legs turned a funny color. Some of the knots are a strange shade of purple. 

The polyurethane is amazing stuff. I had to control myself from putting on a million coats. Beware- that stuff sticks to everything and does not come off. (Olive oil helps get it out of hair ;)...)

Anyways, I love this table and so do all of our visitors! We can comfortable fit 8 people at the table (squishy with 10 people) even with change in table dimensions. Great for hosting Thanksgiving!

Estimated Cost
This project cost us about $140 including stains, polyurethane, brushes, etc.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used a MinWax prestain, then did four layers of stain alternating between Minwax Weathered Oak and Minwax Provincial. I'm not sure the Weathered Oak did a whole lot- but it did seem to make the color less yellow. I finished with three layers of Minwax Polyurethane on the legs and four layers on the table top.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

lbadger

Fri, 12/05/2014 - 19:18

This is beautiful! Nice work!  I have had a table like this on my list for a long time... I am getting used to using the kreg jig and joining lengths like this however I have been wondering how people get the boards flush as you can clamp them on the ends but not in the middle. I see your trick! But yes, good to know others are resorting to hours of sanding as well...  Enjoy!

earthbybike

Fri, 12/05/2014 - 20:04

The best way to get the boards flush is to plane them on the edges, drill the kreg jig holes, glue and then screw together.  Then use bar clamps on top and underneath to keep the top from bowing in either direction.