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Farmhouse Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 05/18/2019 - 15:40

First time major project. My wife wanted a kitchen table. Did tons of research to find the plans I wanted, which is a modified version of the plans on http://image.ana-white.com/2012/05/pottery-barn-benchwright-farmhouse-d… .

Breadbox ends was changed to a tounge and grove ends with wooden dowels as anchors to hold the ends.

Finished with Natural Danish oil, and polyurethane topcoat.
Thanks for Nathan1342 for the advise in getting started.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Natural Danish oil
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Custom Blue Bleached Table

Submitted by Rickster on Fri, 03/10/2023 - 12:54

Here is a table I made for a friend. 27.5’’ wide x 78’’ long x 36’’ high. It was custom made for the dimensions he needed to fit in his condo. I used pine boards and legs from Lowes, and Bleached Blue stain. Then put 3 coats of lacquer on it.

Built from Plan(s)
Turned Leg Farmhouse Table

Comments

Simple Play Kitchen

Submitted by kpcrash on Sun, 11/27/2011 - 15:36

This is based on the simple play kitchen plan from Ana. The burners are 'upcycled' from an old oven and the handles/'pan rack' are simply 3/4" dowel drilled out using a forstner bit and glued. The one thing I did do is use shellac as the finish. This is for my 2-year old who will of course still pick up a snack from wherever he left it and keep going. Shellac is non-toxic when dry (it's used on jelly beans after all), and polishes nicely. Was able to save quite a bit on this project (even though the plywood used was cabinet grade) by getting all of the hinges from the local ReStore - $1 a pound for hinges.

Built from Plan(s)
Simple Play Kitchen Narrow Fridge
Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Polished Shellac
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Margaret Kubiszyn (not verified)

Mon, 11/28/2011 - 13:57

Great job - love that you recycled the old stove elements!

claydowling

Mon, 11/28/2011 - 14:51

Like the kitchen, and glad to see a fellow lover of amber shellac on here. Just a bit of advice, you don't want shellac as your top coat for a child's item. It tends to pick up dirt, and it's damaged by water.

Either an oil based or water borne polyurethane would be an ideal sealer coat. The water borne has the advantage of drying very quickly, especially if you wipe it on. Both finishes are non-toxic once dry (as are nearly all finishes). I recently had excellent luck with Varathane's products, which are available at Home Depot. It's sold as a floor finish (at which it excels), but it's generally useful. The floor finish has Aluminum Oxide added in, which is the grit on sand paper. Tough stuff, and it will stand up to whatever your kids do.

kpcrash

Tue, 11/29/2011 - 14:22

I typically do finishes for guitars and have had great success with waterborne lacquers such as KTM-9 or EM Coatings products, and highly considered using one of those on here.

Fireplace Insert

Submitted by SaraLodise on Mon, 10/28/2013 - 14:41

I almost jumped for joy when I ran across this pin on Ana's Pinterest board. Our fireplace is stained black and smells awful during low pressure weather. This project was actually one of my October Scrap Projects, but I felt it deserved it's own post. I had the left over wood and peg board, so all I had to buy was the foam insulation and bumpers.

We are still deciding if it needs stained or not, so let me know if any of you have an opinion. The darker pieces are 2x4 studs we salvaged when we took down our kitchen wall so they have a nice 40 year age to them.

Here is the link to the instructions: http://www.prettyhandygirl.com/2013/10/build-fireplace-insert-draft-sto…

Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
none
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Val Manchuk

Mon, 10/28/2013 - 22:54

Hi Brittany,

Nice work! I think a rich stain color similar to the darker bricks would really tie everything together so that the insert and the white shelf don't compete with one another.

Val
artsybuildinglady.blogspot.ca

Tryde Coffee Table

Wife showed me a picture and I found instructions from the projects already on here and did it less than a week. I had the wood part done in about 5 hours and with two coats of staining and a couple of the clear coat and me trying to find some time to do it while working a lot you could probably have this done in a weekend if you were free for the whole weekend. 

Built from Plan(s)
Tryde Coffee Table
Estimated Cost
$75. This includes brushes and stain. Hardware. Wood. If you need to buy saws or tools, etc. this doesn't include that.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Mission Oak and Clear Satin Finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Square Dining Table with Storage

Submitted by mckittt09 on Mon, 05/27/2019 - 10:30

Square dining room table with storage. My wife wanted a square table and could not find one in stores that she liked. We ended up with this table. Briarsmoke is the stain on the table. Used various wood for the table. 2x4s, 4x4s, 4x8 sheet of 3/4" birch, 1x6 & 1x8 premium pine on the top. Chairs were bought at Living Spaces and match really well.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Briarsmoke
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Adirondack chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/17/2023 - 23:53

This was such a fun project. Your plans were spot-on and easy to follow. I am not a total beginner woodworker but not experienced either and I am so proud that I created these beauties with your help. They are adding so much to our curb appeal. I learned a lot and I got an education on pocket screws and the Kreg jig; I ended up buying the 520PRO. I am so grateful!! Thank you so much!

Built from Plan(s)
Essential Bed Frame in All Sizes

Comments

$10 Book Tower

When looking for floating shelf book storage, I couldn't quite find what I was looking for. So, I built a simple box out of 2x6's, and drilled them straight into studs. I used a 10" width to take advantage of the perfect little unused space in my laundry room. Each cube holds roughly 10 hardback books, and with 3 4" screws into studs I don't think they're going anywhere!

Blog Link
$10 Book Tower
Built from Plan(s)
Easy to Build Floating Shelves
Estimated Cost
$10 for 4 shelves
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
One coat of gloss black paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Junior Loft Bed

Submitted by donerlinev on Fri, 11/01/2013 - 09:50

Built for our 10 year old son...Hard to get him to come down from his bed!

Estimated Cost
$125
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rust-o-leum Ultra coat in Semi-gloss Jet Black
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 01/17/2016 - 20:29

Square instead of rectangular.  Top is oak and poplar stained Jacobean.  Drawer front is poplar.  Interior of drawer is cedar.  Pine for everything else.

Built from Plan(s)
Narrow Cottage End Tables
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Perfect end table

Submitted by jarsofclay on Thu, 06/06/2019 - 12:21

I've been looking for a simple end table when I stumbled upon this gem.

To get the wood grain to pop I torched the top before staining, then I high buffed a glass look into the clear coat. It really turned out perfect.

Blog Link
/community-projects/perfect-end-table-1
Built from Plan(s)
Rectangle End Table with Shelf
Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Torch and then Dark Walnut stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Table

Submitted by jont on Fri, 12/09/2011 - 18:34

Ive been wanting to make this table for at least a year, but our dining room was just too small for the full size table. I love customizing things and am overly confident sometimes so I decided to try and customize this. It turned out great, but required a bit more work. I really liked the Restoration Hardware table and the one posted by tsibiga (Farmhouse Table : Restoration Hardware Replica link below) so I followed those plans somewhat.

Built from Plan(s)
Farmhouse Table : Restoration Hardware Replica
Estimated Cost
$150 (including a new cheap skill saw)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
English Chestnut Minwax Stain and Minwax Semi-gloss polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Guest (not verified)

Mon, 12/12/2011 - 17:36

After seeing your pics and the plans that you used I really want to build this table. Just wondering about the setup of the frame to support the table top. Why have you put 2 lots of 2x4 and why are the pieces on the inside shorter?

jont

Thu, 12/15/2011 - 17:26

If I understand your question correctly the 2x4s (2 on each end) are notched out so that you can slide 2 2x2s in each end (not shown in pictures). These 2x2s are attached to leafs that are used to extend the tabletop. It is how the original restoration hardware table is extended. I have not made the leafs that slide into each end that is why it is not pictured. If you look here http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productI…
you will see what I am talking about.
The pieces on the inside (the 2x2s attached to the 2x4s) are shorter so that they do not block the 2x2s on the leaf from sliding in. I added these 2x2s so that I could attach the 2x12s (main table boards) from underneath. I did not have drill bits or screws long enough to go through the 2x4s and into the 2x12s.
I hope that made sense.
Here is another builder and his pictures, he has the same design: http://web.me.com/tomsibiga/Site/Home/Entries/2011/8/4_Farmhouse_Table_…
Please let me know if you have any other questions. Good luck with the project!
Jon

Karl (not verified)

Wed, 12/21/2011 - 07:14

Wow! Your table is amazing! We are about to start this and I really like the 4x4's for the legs. Where did you find yours? I found 4x4 Fir at Lowe's, but it says "green" which I think means fairly freshly cut so still has a higher moisture content. I'm worried this will be a problem (splitting, warping, etc) Any suggestions there? Thanks!

jont

Wed, 12/21/2011 - 22:12

Yes I noticed that the 4x4s were not as dry as the rest of the wood, but it would be very difficult and very expensive to find dried 4x4s. I got mine at lowes also. I am actually more worried about the shrinking and swelling of the table top its self and what cracks and voids will occur there. I have not heard anyone's experience here with this and am curious in the coming months and years what will occur. Come what may, I only paid $100 or so for the table and am pleased with it for now.
Good luck on your build, you will be very happy with the results.

Karl (not verified)

Thu, 12/22/2011 - 09:14

Yay! Thank you! I think we will go ahead with them. I talked to a few guys at Lumber Yards and they said although there is no guarantee there will be no warping, it most likely will be fine. And you are right - for only $100 it's worth a shot!

claydowling

Thu, 12/22/2011 - 11:04

If you get Douglas Fir (sometimes called Doug Fir), your 4x4s should not have any significant problems. It's an amazingly stable wood. With pine, especially if the center of the tree is included, you should expect warping.

jont

Thu, 12/22/2011 - 15:27

I agree that there will probably not be any significant problems. Especially with what we are all doing here. The majority of us are all novice wood workers (if you could even call us that) that arent expecting perfection with these "reclaimed" and "farmhouse" style tables/furniture. Many people will even go so far to add extra dents and scratches to try and make it look 100 years old. The best part about it is the description from restoration hardware for this $2000 table; "unsealed salvaged wood planks may be somewhat uneven, and may cup or bow slightly over time, further enhancing their rustic one-of-a-kind character; cracks may be present."
So yes, go with the 4x4s Karl and enjoy the imperfection!
Also, good luck notching out the top of those 4x4s!

Guest (not verified)

Mon, 01/09/2012 - 08:04

This is an odd question but where did you get the chairs to go with the table... My husband is going to me this table for us (can't wait) but the thought of paying $100 a chair at a furniture store makes the project (making it to save money) seem like a waste.

jont

Mon, 01/09/2012 - 09:30

Yes the chair problem does plague a few people. Fortunately for me I was able to use the existing chairs from our old table that matched pretty well. Here is a link to our old table we got I think from target: http://www.target.com/p/Dolce-5-pc-Dining-Set/-/A-522699#?lnk=sc_qi_det…
Like you said though this would obviously defeat the purpose of saving money by building your own table. There are a couple of chairs on Ana's site, but I am not particularly fond of them. You could try what claydowling suggests below and either buy a lathe or build your own to make some very nice custom chairs, but the store bought lathes will run you $500 on up. The build-your-own lathes (while pretty cool) will require more work/time/space than I think you or your husband is looking for. You will find that the majority of people here that are building these tables do one of two things: use their existing chairs, or build benches to use. Some people like me will do a combination of these and build a bench and use their old chairs. Here is a link to the bench I built: http://ana-white.com/2011/12/rustic-x-bench These are actually very simple and look quite good with the tables because you can stain and finish them together.
There are a few different styles of these benches to choose from on the site, but after building a table you may have the ability to design your own and make it look how you want - dont be afraid to modify plans!
Good luck with the build and let me know if you have any other questions.
Jon

Guest (not verified)

Mon, 01/09/2012 - 12:29

Thanks for the ideas. Yeah, my husband is already grumbling about the table so lathing chairs is NOT something i think i could get him to do (*grin*). I wish i could find a local "Bare Wood" store. When we were stationed in Hawaii they had one and i bought a dresser from them for $65 -- just had to stain and finish it myself... as it saved me $300 from ones i would have purchased from furniture stores it was a steal.

Thanks again for the ideas!

claydowling

Mon, 01/09/2012 - 12:32

The first time you or your husband tried turning on a lathe, the grumbling would end and you'd be trying to cram another chair in there. Turning is easily the most addictive of woodworking activities.

Guest (not verified)

Sat, 03/31/2012 - 06:40

can someone explain how to get to the "how to section" so i can see how to notch out the 2x4's?

Jmorelock (not verified)

Thu, 05/10/2012 - 19:46

In the first of the build pictures I see the base of your table and it looks like you are using 4x4s rather than 2 2/4 screwed together. How did you create the hole to rest the 2x4 side boards? Did you use a router or a chisel or something else?

DIY Farmhouse Table with Extensions

Submitted by katie0910 on Tue, 11/05/2013 - 06:03

We built this farmhouse table a few months ago and absolutely love it. We modified the plans a bit based on another brag post and went with a replica of the Restoration Hardware table. I also built the chairs for the table based on the Parsons chair plans

Blog Link
DIY Farmhouse Table with Extensions
Built from Plan(s)
Farmhouse Table - No Pocket Holes Plan
Estimated Cost
$300+
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Provincial
Minwax Polycrylic in Satin
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Joni

Tue, 11/05/2013 - 17:59

Really nice job! This was quite an accomplishment, especially given that you guys did additional chairs (that look fantastic). Also, great job documenting on your blog.

Shirley Console Table - Modified

Absolutely loved this table when I saw the plans and knew it was exactly what we were looking for near our front entrance.  I got the wonderful idea from another builder on here (Kiely54, thanks!) who modified the drawer faces and used the amazing drawer pulls. My wife loved the drawer pulls so much we hunted them down at our local Menards.  This is the first time I have ever built a piece with drawers.  I was absolutely terrified about making and fitting the drawers, but it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought.  I have now learned how to do it and now I don't feel so limited about the pieces I build.  We modified the size to fit our area and we absolutely love the finished product!

Built from Plan(s)
Shirley Console Table
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Dark Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Cedar Shed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/31/2023 - 05:50

I needed a place for all my gardening pots and planter boxes and this was a perfect solution. So with my dads help we built this shed.

Built from Plan(s)
Small Cedar Shed

Comments

Clara Table and chair

So these were the first things I built from the site. Will say the table took me around 2-2.5 hours and it felt like the chair took alot longer. I think the pocket hole way for the table was much faster IMO then all the screws for the chair. Anyways, just wanted to say thank you Ana for the plans and the wonderfull site! I feel like I could knock these tables out without blinking an eye now, great step by step process.

Built from Plan(s)
Simplest Kids Play Table
Estimated Cost
30 including lumber and screws. Jig set was one I found at Home Depot for 40 bucks, well worth the price.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Used some left over gloss white trim paint,did not take the time to fill in screw holes on chair, and on the table the pocket screws are all inside so not visable.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Jason_of_Austin

Wed, 12/14/2011 - 13:35

I am a big guy, 5'10, 225 and the chair held me lol It is VERY sturdy, the table as well, I can sit on top of it.

beingbrook

Thu, 12/15/2011 - 08:49

Looks so awesome! Can't beat $30 for a kid table and chair especially since it's made out of great wood and handmade!

Reclaimed headboard

Submitted by TarheelTim on Wed, 11/06/2013 - 18:44

Made from leftover antique heart pine flooring. I used a biscuit jointer for tight joints. Glue up takes some time, but I think the results justify it.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Self mixed
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Fancy X Farm table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 01/21/2016 - 14:02

First attempt at building a large piece of furniture. I had success with other smaller projects from Ana White so convinced myself I could do this too! I used 2x6 red oak boards for the top and pine 2x4's for the frame. Love the way it turned out.

Built from Plan(s)
Fancy X Farmhouse Table
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Provincial for top, General Finishes Milk Paint in black for the frame.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Potting bench

I made this with leftover lumber after my mom helped me make a swingset for my kids. It's the very first project I've ever done by myself and it turned out GREAT! 

Built from Plan(s)
Simple 2x4 Potting Bench with Slatted Back
Estimated Cost
About $60 worth of wood, a other 10-15 in screws and other supplies.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I'm not going to finish it probably.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Adirondack chair

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 04/08/2023 - 13:49

Love these chairs!

Built from Plan(s)
Modern Easy Build Adirondack Chair

Comments