DIY How to Build Rustic Farm Table

I have built, repaired and refinished a number of tables over the years. Many times the customer wanted me to build a simple farm style table usually with a distressed or shabby chic finish. In this Instructable I will discuss the "how to" so that you can build your own custom table.

Supplies

For these projects I always use my staple tools, miter saw, nail gun, etc. All assembly will be using Pocket Hole Joinery. For this example we will go with an off the shelf table leg for the foundation. The skirt and top can be anything. In most cases I used leftover wood from other projects for the skirt or top. I will use pictures and examples from a number of projects in this Instructable. Below is a list of recommended tools and supplies needed to complete a custom size basic table.

For this project I would use the following:

Please note I am an Amazon affiliate and I earn from qualifying purchases. Any links are Amazon links.

29" Farmhouse Wood Leg

3/4" wood trim

As always practice safety. Wear safety glasses and old clothes or a shop apron. Wear hearing protection, a dust mask and heavy gloves for rough edges as needed.

You can find all my tool and supply suggestions for various projects in my Amazon Affiliate Storefront Robot Lounge. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Table Top

I like to start with the top and work my way down. Let's say you want to make a table that is roughly 2' x 4". Whatever the top material is I would make it first. In the photo examples I use plywood as a base. I also used scrap wood cut in strips to resemble slats and glued those together.

I would cut then top making sure it is square. I would then finish the edge with a piece of 3/4" trim or even a 1"x 2". Something to give it a finished edge but also to add a little strength. The trim would be added with glue and a nail gun. Everything would get a light sanding to remove splinters.

I would then flip the top over and place the legs upside down on the top to visualize the spacing. I like the table top to overlap at least 1" to 1 1/2" from the edge of the legs. Make sure the legs are square to each other and trace a line around each leg. Remove the legs. Find the center of each square where the skirt will be and draw a straight line across the table to help you line up your parts later.

Assembling the Table

For this project we are keeping it simple. I often use a pocket hole jig to create mounting holes to attach the parts together. The jig makes a uniform hole at an angle. Using pocket holes to assemble a project really increase the speed of assembly. (Learn more about pocket holes in my Instructable DIY How to Build a Stool Using pocket hole joinery.) The top of the leg determines the width of the skirt. In this example we will use a 1" x 4" pine board. At the short end of the table measure the space between the legs. Cut a 1' x 4' to the length. Then, using the Pocket Hole jig, drill 2 holes on each end to attach the legs approx. 1 1/4" from the edge. Follow that with three or four evenly spaced holes along the inside edge starting two inches from each end. These will be used to attach the legs and skirt to the table top. Repeat this step for the other matching end. Once that is done we will do the same steps for the long sides of the skirt. In this case add additional holes for the length to add strength, every 6 - 8 inches.

Use glue and pocket screws to attach the legs to the short boards. Stand them up on the table top to square the skirt. Add the long skirt boards the same way, using glue and pocket screws. Clamping the legs will help keep them straight during assembly. Once all four legs are attached to the skirt, apply glue to the table top along the center line previously drawn. Line up the legs and skirt, making sure they are square. Using a zigzag pattern, assemble the skirt and table top, back and forth with the screws until all are installed.

Finishing the Project

Once the glue has dried your table is ready. In the first example photo, you can see we upgraded the skirt with a piece of 3/4" trim along the edge to give it a more finished appearance. Two of the examples were painted simply, for use in a local restaurant. One example I tried to mimic scrap pallet wood with a salvaged shipping crate motif. The last images are from a crafting table with drawers. It received a mahogany stain, with Machenzie Childs napkins decoupaged to the drawer fronts. (There will be an upcoming Instructable for this table).

I hope you have enjoyed this Instructable. Please take a moment to view my other projects. I look forward to your questions and suggestions in the comments section.

You can also find me at the Robot Lounge on Substack where I share original stories and art, discuss collecting, movies, and travel.