Today, I show you each of my top DIY farmhouse dining table projects I built over the years. Also, I provide free plans for each to help you build your own farmhouse table.
Even if you don’t need to build a dining or kitchen table, the tips covered in this tutorial can be used for other DIY projects.
Here are some jump links to the main sections of this blog post to help you find the information you need quickly.
Farmhouse Dining Table Build Plans
Popular Farmhouse Table Designs
Tools and Material Needed
Choosing Wood
Farmhouse Table Finish Options
DIY Farmhouse Table Plans
I built many farmhouse tables over the years for clients, friends, and myself.
Each table I built features a different design and style.
In order to help you create a beautiful table for your home, I created free woodworking plans.
My original plans include a cut list, video tutorial, and much more.
In addition to my DIY plans, I also included 2 of my favorite farmhouse tables from woodworkers I follow and respect a great deal.
DIY Epoxy Table with Bench Seat
If you like wood slabs and epoxy, this rustic dining room table is for you.
This table features two live edge walnut slabs with an epoxy river connecting them.
The farmhouse trestle table bottom disassembles easily with threaded inserts.
Obviously, this makes it easy to relocate the table.
Download the Free Plans!
Farmhouse Dining Table with Pecky Cypress Wood Plans
I built this unique farmhouse table for my awesome Mother-In-Law.
It features pecky cypress wood for the top of the table with a trestle-style bottom.
Pecky cypress wood is highly sought for many reasons, which may increase the total cost of the project.
It contains distinctive pockets or voids in the center of the boards caused by a fungal infestation.
As a result, it creates bold looks with various color and grain patterns.
Download the Free Plans!
Classic Farmhouse Dining Table
I built this dining table and matching double sliding barn doors for a family member.
It has 4 black walnut wood planks joined together with mortise and tenon joinery.
The table rests on a black aluminum bottom to enhance the modern industrial farmhouse style.
Download the Free Plans!
Rustic Farmhouse Table Build Plans
I built this rustic industrial farmhouse table top with reclaimed heart pine wood.
The base of the table features industrial pipe legs for extra support – perfect for a large family.
I used many creative techniques to repair wood defects such as glowing epoxy resin inlays.
In addition, I applied a matte epoxy top coat finish on this modern industrial farmhouse table.
Download the Free Plans!
Farmhouse Table (Updated Pocket Hole Plans)
This awesome tutorial by Ana White is a great beginner’s guide to build a new dining room table.
Most of Ana’s plans feature pocket holes and pocket screws, which provide an easy solution for joining farmhouse table tops.
Ana White does a great job with her DIY plans. In fact, most of her projects can be completed in just a couple hours.
Whether you want to build a coffee table or picnic table, Ana’s website provides a wide range of free DIY plans.
Download the Free Plans Here!
DIY Farmhouse Table with Free Plans
This table features straight boards with a clean design and a white base.
In addition, the look of breadboard ends at each end of the table add to the rustic look of the table.
This DIY farmhouse dining table plans truly make this an easy project.
Download the Free Plans Here!
Farmhouse Dining Table Designs
Farmhouse tables are a popular choice if you want to add a rustic, farmhouse style centerpiece to your home.
Here are some of the most popular DIY farmhouse table designs to help you choose your own table.
Classic Farmhouse Table Design
A classic farmhouse table features a traditional rectangular table with clean lines and a rustic look.
This simple table often has turned legs or simple tapered legs and can be made from various types of wood.
The entire table can be left natural or stained for a more finished appearance.
Trestle Farmhouse Table Design
The trestle design uses a support beam or two in the shape of an “H” or “X” underneath the tabletop.
Moreover, this design adds farmhouse charm to kitchen, dining room, or living room.
It provides stability and allows for more legroom.
Often times, trestle farmhouse tables often have a distressed finish for a rustic charm.
Rustic Plank Farmhouse Table Design
This style features wide planks of wood for the tabletop.
The wood planks are joined together with pocket holes, wood dowels, or dominos. are typically joined Essentially, the wood’s natural grain and imperfections enhance the rustic style.
Depending on the style of the room, the legs can be traditional, contemporary, or modern industrial.
Pedestal Farmhouse Table Design
Instead of multiple legs, a pedestal table has a single central support.
It’s a great choice for smaller spaces.
Keep in mind, the pedestal can be made from wood, metal, or even repurposed materials like old balusters.
Two-Tone DIY Farmhouse Dining Table Design
This design combines different wood finishes for a visually striking appearance.
For example, you can have a stained tabletop with a painted or distressed base to create contrast.
Farmhouse Extension Table Design
Extension tables accommodate extra people when needed.
They typically feature a removable leaf to change the table’s size.
Keep in mind, the design varies but often incorporates classic farmhouse traits.
Farmhouse Harvest Table Design
Harvest tables are longer and narrower than typical farmhouse tables.
For reference, the table used by ancient Vikings during feasts remind me of a harvest table.
They often have turned legs and a simple design with a rustic finish.
DIY Farmhouse Benches
Many families with children choose to pair their farmhouse tables with matching benches.
These benches match the table’s style and are often more space-efficient.
Tools and Materials Needed
Building a DIY farmhouse table can be a rewarding project, but it does require several common tools and materials.
Here’s a list of the items you’ll need to get started:
Kreg Jig – A pocket hole jig makes it easy to drill pocket holes.
Measuring Tape
Circular Saw or Table Saw: Used to cut the wood for the tabletop and other parts.
Miter Saw or Jig Saw (optional): Great for making precise angle cuts, especially for the legs and apron.
Power Drill
Woodworking Clamps
Wood Glue
Orbital Sander
80, 120, 220 Grit Sandpaper
Paintbrushes or Staining Pads: To apply finish or paint.
Safety glasses
Ear protection
Dust Mask
Pocket Hole Screws or Wood Screws: Various sizes for securing parts together.
Wood Stain
Chalk Paint
Hardwax Wood Finish
Wood Filler
Table Hardware: Leveling Feet and Threaded Inserts
Farmhouse Table Legs
Short Apron or Long Aprons
Tack Cloth
The specific materials and tools you need may vary based on your chosen design and dimensions.
Wood Choice for DIY Farmhouse Dining Table
The best wood for your DIY farmhouse table depends on your specific needs and preferences.
If you want a more affordable option and don’t mind wear and tear that comes with softwood, pine can be a great choice.
If durability and elegance tickle your fancy, choose hardwoods like oak, maple, walnut, or cherry.
Reclaimed wood is an excellent choice for those looking for a rustic style with unique character.
Ultimately, your choice of wood should align with the style and functionality you want for your farmhouse table.
The choice of wood for your DIY farmhouse table depends on your preferences, budget, location, and the desired look of the finished table.
Different woods feature distinct characteristics which make them suitable or unsuitable for your project.
Here are some common wood options for DIY farmhouse tables:
Pine Wood
Pine is a popular choice for farmhouse tables because it’s readily available and more affordable than many hardwoods.
It has a light color with a straight grain, which can be stained or painted to achieve various looks.
Keep in mind, Pine is relatively soft.
This means it may dent or scratch more easily than hardwoods.
However, this can add to the rustic farmhouse style of the table.
Oak Wood
Oak is a durable hardwood that is known for its strength and resistance to wear and tear.
It has a prominent grain pattern that can add character to your farmhouse table.
Red oak is more common and has a pinkish hue, while white oak is harder and has a pale yellow to light brown color.
Maple Wood
Maple is another hardwood that is both durable and beautiful.
It has a fine, even grain pattern and ranges in color from pale white to light brown.
Maple is a great choice for a farmhouse table that you want to finish with a clear varnish to showcase the natural wood.
Reclaimed Wood
Reclaimed wood can give your table a unique, rustic appearance with a history.
Old barn wood or wood from an old table from other sources provide an eco-friendly choice for an indoor or outdoor table.
The wood’s age and previous use can result in various colors, textures, and imperfections that add character.
Walnut Wood
Dark walnut is a premium hardwood with a rich, dark brown color and a smooth, elegant grain pattern.
It is highly durable and resistant to damage.
It makes it a great wood choice for a DIY farmhouse dining table.
Cherry Wood
Cherry wood has a reddish-brown color that deepens over time, creating a warm and inviting look.
It has a fine, straight grain that can be brought out beautifully with a clear finish.
Cherry is a hardwood that can be more expensive than some other options.
Finishing a DIY Farmhouse Dining Table
Although there are many ways to finish a farmhouse dining table, each technique can be grouped into 3 categories:
- Wood Stain
- Latex Paint or Chalk Paint
- Natural Wood Finish
Also, each method requires a seal coat to protect the finish or the wood.
Staining a Farmhouse Table
A classic wood stain brings out the natural beauty of the wood grain.
Wood stain allows you to use a cheap wood species and make it look unique and highly sought after.
If you prefer a darker wood, choose a dark stain or espresso finish.
Also, the dark wood matches well with a white table bottom.
Painting a Farmhouse Dining Table
Chalk paint offers a matte finish with a variety of color options.
This paint is easy to apply, adheres to various surfaces, and dries quickly.
I like to use chalk paint to distress existing furniture.
The whitewash painting technique is another popular way to finish a farmhouse dining table.
Essentially, this involves applying a thin layer of paint to a wood surface.
The thin layer adds a hint of white, but allows the natural wood grain to show.
Regardless of the painting technique you use, apply a protective top coat to protect the paint.
I prefer to use Polycrylic or a water-based varnish to protect a painted surface.
Natural Wood Finish
A natural wood finish works best if you use a unique hardwood species such as walnut or oak to build a farmhouse table.
In other words, don’t paint or stain a wood that already looks great.
I finish wood tables with hardwax oils such as Rubio Monocoat or Odie’s Oil.
Also, epoxy works well if you prefer a glossy finish or a thick protective coat.
Conclusion
When building your DIY farmhouse table, I encourage you to customize it.
Choose the size, wood type, finish, and design elements to match your home’s farmhouse decor and personal style.
Most importantly, I hope the information in this article helps you build the perfect DIY farmhouse dining table for your home.
Please drop a comment below and let me know about your project.
Good Luck!
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