How to Build a Beautiful Farmhouse Coffee Table: Step-by-Step Guide
Description
Transform your living room with a stunning farmhouse-style coffee table that combines rustic charm with modern simplicity. In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the process of building your own coffee table from start to finish. Whether you're an experienced woodworker or a beginner with a passion for DIY, this tutorial breaks down each step with clear instructions, helpful tips, and a list of all the materials and tools you’ll need. Discover how to craft a sturdy table with a warm wooden top and a clean, white-painted base—a timeless design that adds character to any space. Start building your dream coffee table today and create a centerpiece you'll be proud to show off!
These plans are inspired by Anna Whites, please check out her work as well.
Reference: Farmhouse Coffee Table [Beginner/Under $40] | Ana White
Difficulty: 3/10 - Beginner | Cost: 💲💲 (out of $ $ $ $ $) | Time: 10-12 hrs + 1 day dry time
Tools
Miter Saw – For precise angled cuts on the table legs and frame.
Drill/Driver – For drilling pilot holes and driving screws.
Drill Bits - 5/8 bit, counter hole bit, Robertsons bit
Kreg Jig (Pocket Hole Jig) – To create strong, hidden joints. (OPTIONAL)
Orbital Sander – For smoothing surfaces and edges, 80 grit and 220 grit paper.
Clamps – To hold pieces in place during assembly.
Measuring Tape – To measure and ensure accuracy in your cuts.
Ruler & Pencil - Measuring ruler to draw reference lines.
Speed Square – To check for perfect 90-degree angles.
Paintbrushes or Foam Rollers – For painting the base.
Painters Rags - For staining the table top and shelf.
Wood Glue – To strengthen joints.
Safety Gear – Safety glasses, ear protection, a dust mask, and disposible gloves.
Materials/Shopping List
(4x) 2x6x8 feet boards or stud length - SPF or similar material
(1x) 2x4x8 feet boards or stud length - SPF or similar material
(3x) 2x2x8 strips - SPF or similar material
(100x) 2-1/2” Self tapping screws
(1x) Wood Glue - I use Gorilla Wood Glue
(1x) White paint - Sample size is enough for about 2 tables
(1x) Dark walnut Wood Stain - I used Minwax
(1x) Pre-stain - I used Minwax
(1x) Wood filler - To fill holes (Optional if you like seeing the screws)
Cut List
All cuts will be square (90 Degrees).
(4x) 2x6 @ 46” - Tabletop boards
(4x) 2x4 @ 16-1/2” - Legs
(10x) 2x6 @ 18” - Shelf/Frame
(4x) 2x2 @ 37” - Frame
(4x) 2x2 @ 22” - X Frame (We will cut the angles later)
Guide
Step 1: Cut the boards
Time: 1 hr
Tool: Miter/Chop Saw, Pencil, Tape Measure, Square
PPE: Safety Glasses, Hearing Protection
In this step we will cut the boards based on the cut list above using a chop saw.
For each lumber board, I first cut about half an inch off the end of the board to make a smooth square end. Then I take the tape measure, mark the length, and then use the square to make a straight line. I then position the board and make the cut. I repeat this process for each board and cut.
Step 2: Sand the boards
Time: 1:30 - 2 hrs
Tool: Hand Sander, 80 Grit Paper, 220 Grit Paper
PPE: Safety Glasses, Dust Mask, Hearing Protection
In this step we will sand all the cut boards with 80 grit paper. Make sure to sand all 6 sides of a board (includes board ends).
We are aiming to sand out any blemishes in the wood, anything that could splinter off, any sharp edges that could splinter.
Once all boards have been sanded with 80 grit, sand the table top boards as well as the shelf boards with 220 grit to create an even smoother finish.
Note: We use 220 grit so that we don’t go to smooth with the sand paper as it becomes harder to stain the smoother you go.
Step 3: Build the Legs
Time: 30 m
Tool: Hand Drill, 5/8 Bit, Counter Bit, Robinsons Bit, Glue
PPE: Safety Glasses
In this step we will build 2 sets of legs.
To do this, first line up 4 leg boards side by side. Draw and square off a line that is 1.5” from the top of the board.
Then grab you drill and pre-drill four holes. Two holes need to be roughly 3/4” from the bottom of the board, and two holes need to be roughly 3/4” under the line you just drew. Flip each board over and counter sink these holes (Counter sink the side that doesn’t have the line you drew).
Now place 1 of the 10 shelf boards on a flat table and line up a leg board in a standing position against the side. Ensure that they are lined up flush. The Holes should line up accordingly. You can now add some glue to the area that touches on both boards and screw the boards together. Flip the connected boards around and screw the second leg together.
Now grab another shelf board. This time we are going to glue and screw by referencing the line you drew earlier ensuring that there is a 1.5” gap between the board and the bottom of the leg. Once line up glue and screw this board.
Optional: Once both boards are glued and screwed, stand the legs up on a flat surface, take a leveler and ensure that it is level, if it is not, quickly unscrew and adjust accordingly.
Repeat for Second set of legs.
Note: Ensure that the boards are lined up flush with the legs. Ensure that both the top shelf board and the bottom shelf board are facing the same direction.
Step 4: Build the Frame
Time: 15 m
Tool: Hand Drill, 5/8 Bit, Counter Bit, Robinsons Bit, Glue
PPE: Safety Glasses
In this step we will connect the two sets of legs.
To do this grab the four 2x2x37” boards and drill two holes on either end about 1 inch from the end.
Counter sink those holes.
Then place the leg sets on their side. Apply glue to the side of the shelf boards that protrude from the legs.
Place a frame board against the shelf board and leg, screw the boards together.
Then do this on the other side with the other leg set.
Repeat this process 4 times around the table to create the frame.
Note: Ensure that you make sure the frame is right up against the legs to ensure that the frame is the same length all the way around.
Step 5: Fill in the Screw Holes
Time: 15 m
Tool: scraper, or end of a ruler
PPE: none
Go around the entire frame and fill in all the holes with wood filler. Once dried sand the excess from the frame.
Step 6: Stain Counter Top and Shelf Boards
Time: 2 hrs
Tool: Cloth
PPE: Disposable Gloves
In this step we will stain the 4 counter top boards and 5 of the shelf boards.
To do this layout the boards on some cardboard.
Apply one coat of Pre-stain. Let it sit for about 15-30 minutes
Then apply one coat of Dark Walnut stain. Let this sit for 24hrs.
Step 7: Build the X-Frame
Time: 40 m
Tool: Miter/Chop Saw, Pencil, Square, Glue
PPE: Safety Glasses
In this step we will create and attach the X frames for both ends of the table.
Stand the frame up on one the leg ends.
Take one of the 2x2x22” boards and lie it flat/diagonal so that we can draw a cut line to get the correct angles. Draw the two lines and cut the angles on the miter/chop saw.
Reciprocate this process with another 2x2x22” but do it in the other direction.
These two boards should now fit in the designated space. Temporarily create an X with these boards with in the space between the legs. Draw two lines on both boards signaling where the boards overlap. Go to your chop saw, set the saw stop to half of the thickness of the board, and cut out a grove on both boards that allow the boards to inlay in each other.
Now connect the boards by the inlay you have created, and then place the X frame in between the legs. Use glue and a screw to anchor the ends of the X frame within the leg boards.
Step 8: Paint the Frame
Time: 1 hr
Tool: Paint sponge, paint roller
PPE: none
Apply two coats of paint on every part of the frame but the very top. Apply stain on the top of the frame. The reason we do this is incase there are gaps in the counter top boards, the dark stain will not shine through.
Step 9: Distress the Frame
Time: 30m
Tool: Sander, 80 Grit Paper, Old Stained Rag
PPE: Safety Glasses, Dust Mask
In this step we will artificially distress the wood.
To do this take your orbital sander and sand down areas of the frame, focusing mostly on edges.
Then take an old stained rag from step 6, and gently brush against the areas you stained. This will add a dirtied look.
Note: Less can be more in this step, you can always add more later.
Step 10: Apply Polyurethane to Counter Top Boards and Shelf Boards
Time: 15m
Tool: Satin Rub on Polyurethane, Rag
PPE: Disposable Glove
Apply Polyurethane to a rag and rub on to the counter top boards and shelf boards that have been stained in Step 6. Let sit for 24 hours to cure.
Step 11: Assembly the Table
Time: 1 hr
Tool: Hand Drill, 5/8 Bit, Counter Bit, Robinsons Bit, clamps
PPE: Safety Glasses
Now its time to assemble the 5 shelf boards. To do this, mark out the middle of the table and mark out the middle of one of the boards. Then Screw 2 screws on either side of the board ensuring that the board is level. Then measure just under one inch from the middle board, and screw in another board, repeat again for the last two boards.
For the top boards, line them up ensuring that the boards have an even overhang around the table. Use clamps if you have them to keep the boards in place. Then drill 6 holes per board from under the frame top shelves. Then add screws ensuring that the table top is level.
Note: Wipe the counter top down with a dry rag to remove any stickiness the polyurethane may have left.
