Free plans to build a Farmhouse Table. This table has been built tens of thousands of times and is loved the world over for it's basic material composition, simple clean lines, easy to build steps, and sturdy, functional size. Our step by step plans with diagrams make it easy.
This plan uses pocket holes and is the updated plan. We also have this plan available to build without pocket holes.

Preparation
- 4 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
- 1 - 4x4 @ 10 feet long
- 4 - 2x8 @ 6 feet long
- 1 - 2x8 @ 8 feet long (breadboard ends)
- 1 - 2x10 @ 6 feet long
- 4 - 4x4 posts @ 29" (legs)
- 2 - 2x4 @ 67" (long aprons)
- 2 - 2x4 @ 27" (short aprons)
- 1 - 2x4 @ 74" (stretcher)
- 2 - 2x4 @ 34" (stretcher supports)
- 4 - 2x8 @ 70.5" (table top planks)
- 1 - 2x10@ 70-1/2" (center table top plank -- I had to use one 2x10 to get the right overall width)
- 2 - 2x8 ~38" (breadboard ends -- measure your joined tabletop before cutting these)
Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!
Instructions
Step 1
First, cut and notch out the 4x4s. If you can get your home improvement store to make square cuts, ask them to cut your 4x4s. Otherwise, you'll need a 12" (maybe a 10" will work too) miter saw or set your circular saw to the deepest possible cut. Cut one side, flip the 4x4 and finish the cut on the bottom side. Sand until cut is smooth. You'll probably add cork or felt pads under the legs later on to level table up and protect your floor.
Then notch out the stretcher joint as shown in diagram. Definitely practice first on a scrap if you can. This is easier to do than it looks - just be sure to get the top and bottom cut right, and it will all work out!
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
Comments
Ryo316
Sat, 12/12/2015 - 15:24
Harvest Build
I built this table a few days ago. I found that the ends needed more support so I used shelf angles to support it. I stained the top (maple hue and clear satin poly)and distressed the bottom ( black stain and satin poly). I would love to add a photo however I'm uncertain how to do that. It's a great size. Still deciding on spindle back or ladder back chairs.
dmsweeney
Sun, 02/28/2016 - 14:24
Extentions
wanting to make this table with extentions. Are there plans on the site ?
ryanvincentmuir
Tue, 03/01/2016 - 10:05
Breadboard
Do you use pocket wholes to attach the bread board to the base? or is the breadboard only attached to the table top? In the pictures and building instructions it looks like the table top is only attached with pocket holes on the long apron side. Also I am using 2x10s as my bread boards, has anyone run into problems with this? I want to make sure that 2x10s are not to long!
Billbonner5
Tue, 03/29/2016 - 05:19
How much sanding?
Love your site! How much sanding do you typically do on each table top you build? I find myself using my belt sander and planer a lot, like a lot! Using 50 grit sandpaper at first for all the uneven joints. Am I the only one? Pictures online always look like your table tops are perfect. What's your secret?
Steph1980
Wed, 03/30/2016 - 06:44
Type of wood
May I ask what type of wood you are using?
Steph1980
Wed, 03/30/2016 - 06:43
Type of Wood
Hi - I was wondering what type of wood is being used to make the farmhouse table?
tollys103079
Wed, 05/11/2016 - 07:19
Type of Wood
When you build these farm style tables what type of wood do you typically use. I have access to a jointer and Planer, but when I do that the edges are not the same. I just built a farmhouse table using 2x12's because they came in douglas fir and were kiln dried. I am struggling to find decent Kiln Dried 2x6s in the area that are dry enough so I do not have to worry about them warping after it is built or is that not a concern once it is built.
Thanks
mike.berttucci
Tue, 07/19/2016 - 05:01
Extending Table to 8 ft
I am hoping to make this table 8 ft long (about 1 foot longer than the current plans) and a few inches wider as well. To make it longer, all I am planning on doing is cutting the top boards, stretcher, and lengthwise apron 1 foot longer. I don't think this would add any kind of problem but wanted to see if anyone had any thoughts or pitfalls I may run into.
To make it a few inches wider, I may just use a 2x12 on the center top board instead of a 2x10. I would keep the frame the same (end aprons would stay same). Would that create too much pressure on the outside top boards, since each side would then have an additional inch hanging off the side? Again, I am not sure, though I wouldn't think 1 inch on each side would create too big a problem. Any suggestions?
Deubanks
Tue, 02/16/2021 - 20:22
Did you make it longer? How…
Did you make it longer? How did it turn out?
Valburton82
Thu, 07/21/2016 - 17:20
I need a little guidance
My husband and I will embark in the adventure of building this farmhouse table for our new home but we're debating what type of wood should we get to build it.
Can someone give me a little advice as to what type of wood you used, or you think will be best for this project?
Thanks!