I used the Rustic Bench plans, but adjusted the length to make it smaller, since my plywood top was a bit wider and shorter than the top on the plan. It was the last remnant from our incredibly versatile plywood sheet. I also had to cut out the two cross supports, because 1) they’re too difficult for me to figure out (they’re not right in either of my benches) and 2) I didn’t feel like buying a board just for those. I had just the right amount of spare lumber lying around, and I was going to maximize it!
At first, I wanted to just build a bench for my sister for Christmas, and paint it like our island. But after visiting my parents over Thanksgiving and taking home some reclaimed tile from their old outdoor bar, I knew this bench had a better destiny than mere paint. When I laid down the tile scraps and they fit perfectly, I knew serendipity had spoken.
This was the first time I’d ever worked with tile. I did a little research (aka grilling my husband’s best friend, who is a tile guru), and discovered I didn’t really need any fancy materials to lay the tile down on. As it’s just a bench, and in no need for mold-prevention or cement board like bathroom walls, all I needed to do was rough up the plywood top with my grinder and a steel-wool like disk. With the bench already sanded and painted, I started the tiling process. I bought a bucket of tile adhesive and grout all-in-one, and went to town. I didn’t have a trowel, so I made do with my putty spatula. I just had to make the grooves in the adhesive one-by-one as opposed to one quick stroke. I spread the adhesive, laid the tiles, carefully washed off any overspread on the sides, and let it sit for 24 hours. Then I spread in the grout (it’s all the same stuff, just different application), washed the overspread off again, and let it sit for another 24 hours. Then I had a gorgeous top!
Comments
debandtom25
Mon, 08/22/2011 - 04:33
LOVE IT
Wish I had the space for something so gorgeous. Jealous. :)
Guest (not verified)
Tue, 08/23/2011 - 05:21
Beautiful table!
Brings me back to my Grandparents house where our family filled the entire table! Great Job!
fontzmark
Fri, 09/02/2011 - 21:40
Thank you
Thanks so much for the nice compliments, it really wasn't that hard, it's the wood that makes it special, thanks again.
David (not verified)
Wed, 09/07/2011 - 14:27
Farm Table
The table length is 11'. How wide is the table?
fontzmark
Wed, 09/07/2011 - 21:34
farm table
It is 43 inches wide, 7 boards across. Thanks for looking.
Eren Daugherty (not verified)
Mon, 10/31/2011 - 17:11
Absolutley stunning I am
Absolutley stunning I am looking to make a farm house table to stay out side was going to use pressure treated lumber and pour a concrete top do u think this design will hold a 500 lb top?
Stephanie (not verified)
Mon, 04/02/2012 - 06:26
treatment?
we are in process of building our table and we want to keep the natural wood distressed look and we don't want the shiny lacquer look... how did you seal this table to protect from spills?
Sara (not verified)
Wed, 06/13/2012 - 09:56
Nails
What did you use to secure the table-top boards to the base? I have some masonry nails that I have considered using but I'm worried that nails will not work as well in the long run since I plan on using my table outdoors. Do you remember what you used? How are they holding up?
Sara (not verified)
Wed, 06/13/2012 - 09:56
Nails
What did you use to secure the table-top boards to the base? I have some masonry nails that I have considered using but I'm worried that nails will not work as well in the long run since I plan on using my table outdoors. Do you remember what you used? How are they holding up?
Kelley O'K (not verified)
Sat, 07/14/2012 - 06:05
Rustic Farm Table
I LOVE how you used the 2" rough cut pine! We need a 9 foot table for our huge banquet and this is perfect...the use of steel wool and vinegar is a great idea. You've inspired me, thanks!
grannyx4
Sun, 04/05/2015 - 19:45
Love this table!! Would love
Love this table!! Would love to have this big table for when all our family gets together.