Farmhouse Table

By Kreg Tool
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Kreg Academy Kreg Academy

It’s easier than you think to build your own dining table, and this farmhouse-style table proves it. By starting with pre-made legs, all you have to do is make rails that connect them, and then make a table top. The classic styling will fit into a variety of decorating schemes, too.

Difficulty advanced

Tools

Kreg Tools

Other Tools

  • Circular Saw (corded)
    Circular Saw (corded)
  • Miter Saw
    Miter Saw
  • Tape Measure
    Tape Measure
  • Drill (corded)
    Drill (corded)
  • Sander
    Sander

Materials

Wood Products

  • 3 Board , 1x2 , 96"
  • 3 Board , 1x4 , 96"
  • 1 Plywood , 3/4" Thick , Full Sheet

Hardware & Supplies

  • 4 29" tapered table legs
  • 45 1 1/4" fine-thread pocket-hole screws
  • 1 Wood glue
See All Tools & Materials

Cut List & Parts

  • 1 Tabletop , 3/4" plywood x 37" x 69"
  • 2 Top Long Edge , 3/4" x 1 1/2" x 72"
  • 2 Top Short Edge , 3/4" x 1 1/2" 40"
  • 2 Side Rail , 3/4" x 3 1/2" x 60 1/2"
  • 2 End Rail , 3/4" x 3 1/2" x 29"
  • 1 Center Support , 3/4" x 3 1/2" x 34"
  • 4 Corner Brace , 3/4" x 3 1/2" x 8 9/16"
  • 4 Legs , 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" x 29"
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See Full Cut List & Parts

Directions

  • Make the End Rails

    Cut two End Rails to length from a 1x4 board (we used Maple), as shown in the cutting diagram. Then, with your pocket-hole jig, set up for 3/4" material, drill pocket holes in the back face of the End Rails, as shown.

    Step 1

  • Connect End Rails and Legs

    When your Legs arrive, sand them as needed. Then attach the End Rails to the Legs using 1 1/4" fine-thread pocket-hole screws. Make sure that the Tapers are pointing inward, and that the End Rails are inset 1/4" from the outside of the Legs.

    Step 2

  • Make a Pair of Side Rails

    Cut two Side Rails to length from a 1x4 board, as shown in the cutting diagram. Then, with your pocket-hole jig, set up for 3/4" material and drill pocket holes in the back face of the Side Rails, as shown.

    Step 3

  • Connect the End Assemblies

    Attach the long rails to one end assembly with 1 1/4" fine-thread pocket-hole screws. Make sure the rails are 1/4" inset from the outside edge of the legs. Then attach the other end assembly the same way.

    Step 4

  • Make a Center Support

    Cut one Center Support to length from a 1x4 board, as shown in the cutting diagram.

    Step 5

  • Make Corner Braces

    Cut four Corner Braces to length from a 1x4 board, as shown in the cutting diagram. Note that the ends are cut at 45° so the braces can span between the rails. Now you can drill pocket holes in the corner braces. To do this, you need to change your setup. Leave your pocket-hole jig set at 3/4", but change the drill bit setup to 1/2". Then drill the holes as shown.

    Step 6

  • Complete the Base

    Now you can wrap up the table base by attaching the Center Support and the Corner Braces using 1 1/4" fine-thread pocket-hole screws. After attaching the Braces, also drive two 1 1/4" fine-thread pocket-hole screws through each Brace and into each Leg.

    Step 7

  • Make the Top Panel

    Cut a Top Panel to size from a sheet of 3/4" plywood, as shown in the cutting diagram. Decide which face of the plywood will be the top of the table, and then drill pocket holes in the underside, as shown, with your pocket-hole jig set up for 3/4" material.

    Step 8

  • Cut Top Edging

    Now you can cut two pieces of Top Long Edging and two pieces of Top Short Edging to length from 1x2 boards, mitering each end at 45°. Before cutting these pieces, it’s a good idea to double-check the dimensions of your Top, and then make sure that the inside length of each Edging piece match.

    Step 9

  • Add the Edging to the Top

    Now you can add the Edging to the Top using glue and 1 1/4" fine-thread pocket-hole screws. Start with one piece. Spread glue on that table edge, and then make sure the corners are aligned and the Edging is flush with the face of the table before you drive in the screws. Move to the adjacent piece and repeat the process. Glue the ends of the Edging together, as well.

    Step 10

  • Secure the Top, then Stain

    To complete your table, position the top assembly on the base, making sure the overhangs are consistent at each end, and along each side. Then attach the top using and 1 1/4" fine-thread pocket-hole screws. After that, add stain, finish, or paint to complete your dining table.

    Get Gellin' for Great Color

    We built our table from Maple, which can be challenging to stain. Inconsistencies in the wood can cause the color to be blotchy. To avoid that, use gel stain instead of liquid. It absorbs more evenly, giving better results in Maple, and in Pine, as well.

    Step 11