Finally, I know. I have been promising this post for a very long time so let’s get right down to business…
First of all, I owe Restoration Hardware a big “thank you!” I have had my little heart absolutely set on their Farmhouse Salvaged Wood Rectangular Extension Table for months. However, at a price tag of $2,995 {not including chairs, of course} the husband quickly said no way and offered to build the table. Although I was skeptical, I said okay and off to Home Depot we went…
I have received dozens upon dozens of emails requesting the tutorial for our farmhouse dining table. Just to give credit where credit is due, we followed the step by step tutorial from Tommy & Ellie’s Farmhouse Table post {found here}! Since I really only assisted in this project by providing moral support and photography, I may have missed some important details along the way. So if you are seriously considering building this table you should absolutely use Tommy’s very thorough post.
Step 1: Build the tabletop. Lay 2×12″s and 2×10″s in an alternating pattern on a flat surface. Distress your wood by beating it with random objects {hammer, chains, etc.} to create small indentions. Sand each board down individually using a palm sander with 100 grit sandpaper. To fasten, Matt used metal brackets to attach the boards together. Sand the edges of the table really well.
*Note: we skipped Tommy’s pocket holes step. As a result, some of our boards have very slightly separated since. I kind of like it, but it drives Matt crazy.
Step 2: Umm, this part appeared to be the most difficult so I’ll just let Tommy explain it. Find step 2 {HERE}.
*Note: finding non-pressure treated 4×4’s was nearly impossible, so Matt used two 2×4’s instead.
Step 3: Smooth it out. Using a hand planer, smooth out the tabletop and sand it one last time. Wipe off any remaining saw dust with a damp cloth.
Step 4: Stain it. Apply a thick coat of stain using a cheap sponge brush. 24 hours later, apply a second coat of stain all around.
Step 5: Carve your initials. After all, you earned it!
Step 6: Let second coat of stain dry for 24 hours. Using 220 grit sandpaper, smooth it all out one more time. It takes some of the shine away but no worries the polyurethane will bring it all back. Make sure the stain is dry and be careful along the edges and keeping the sander in one place for too long. After it’s sanded down and smooth, wipe it down with a damp cloth and apply a coat of clear gloss polyurethane.
Now add your chairs and serve a fancy meal on your new table! Total cost to build the table: $127! Take that, Restoration Hardware.
On to the other details…
It took us months to find {and agree on} the perfect chairs and then we waited for them to go on sale. On one side we added 3 Madeleine Side Chairs from Restoration Hardware. We scored these on sale for $99 each {and free shipping}. Not bad.
For the other side Matt built a bench to match the table.
The head chairs were a bit harder to find since I kept changing my mind. We finally decided on a set of Linen Lydia Dining Chairs from World Market. We waited, and waited, and waited for these to go on sale before we snatched them at $219/set a few weekends ago!
I couldn’t be happier with how this table turned out. I am so proud of my hubby for working so hard to build this from scratch {and saving us oodles of money}!
Next project – decorating the walls in our dining room! Open to suggestions!
I have been trying to decide what kind of table to get for our dining room and I think your post just made up my mind. The table is beautiful! Your husband did a great job!
Looks awesome! I think we may be using this tutorial soon for a table for our new deck out back! Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to your post over on Darci's blog tomorrow!
Quite a man you got there! 🙂 Looks completely awesome, my dear!
This is AMAZING! I am so wildly impressed that you were able to do this on your own. Well done to your gentleman! 🙂
Take THAT, Restoration Hardware!!! {but seriously, there stuff is just so overpriced unless you find it on sale!}It looks so very good…… and I love your mix of chairs!! Your hubby did a great job and I'm sure you provided some fabulous moral support! 🙂 ps – I'm so excited for your cocktail round-up! We just did a mini backyard makeover, so I feel like I finally have a comfy / cozy (and cute!) space to sip on some cocktails after the mini is in bed! BIG DAY…BIG DAY! 😉
This is truly awesome. Matt did SUCH a wonderful job!
This is gorgeous!!! WE purchased our table a few years ago for $1000 and shortly after took it outside and distressed the crap out of it. I wish I would have seen this 3 years ago lol!
Wow! I am so impressed! This table is absolutely gorgeous! Great work! 🙂
This is ridiculously good. Can I rent him out to make my furniture?? The place is really beautiful, Christina! Love those new chairs too.
I really cannot believe this was built with your hubbys own two hands. Is he experienced in woodworking? Teach Stephen his ways!
Um, I am beyond impressed!!! This table is amazing! Love the chairs and setup. Cannot wait to see if I can twist my hubby's arm into a little DIY project… 🙂
I'm not sure if I've told you before, obviously have not commented on this particular post before buuut, I absolutely LOVE y'alls table! Matt did such a great job & you did a great job taking pictures! After the wedding redoing the guest bath, making a door headboard & a dining room table are at the TOP of my to-do list!!! I just love this & cannot wait to recreate our own! Love this table!!!
Wow!!!! I am impressed. It looks great!
I saw your post on my site and had to hop over right away, and oh my gosh I LOVE YOUR TABLE!!Our styles are so similiar! I really, really want to get those same sidechairs for my table and I'm looking at nearly an identical rug from Pottery Barn!I think I am your new biggest fan! 🙂
Beautiful table! So cool that your hubby could build it for you! It looks great!
This is gorgeous! What color are your chairs from Restoration hardware? And is the table a Walnut stain? The chairs look like they match the table perfectly!
OMG this AWESOME!! The hubby and I are in the market for a farmhouse table and I've seen a ton of tutorials where you use an existing table but I can't seem to find a table I like, I think this is more the way to go!Lizziewww.multipurposemama.com
Christina– I am not much of a blog follower, but I happened upon your site in a google search, and now my husband and I are nearly done with this table! Just a coat of varnish left to go. I'll be sure and post a pic when it's all finished.Just want to say thanks so much! This is going to be such a special piece in our house. Really appreciate the post.All the best,Rachel
I am SO happy to hear that! It's been our favorite piece in our home too! Can't wait to see how yours turns out!
Hi Christina! My husband and I are currently working on this project and are getting close to ordering the chairs, I was curious what finish you ordered?
We got them in brown oak drifted and love them!
Oh my goodness – this is amazing… this has GOT to be my weekend project! Love it… especially how you engraved your initials!! 🙂
Gorgeous farmhouse table-especially love the eclectic look with the different chairs! Beautiful room and love the color, I didn't see that mentioned-what color are the walls?
I'm so happy I discovered your blog a few weeks ago. You are too cute! My husband is currently hard at work building this table for me and following these steps from your blog. I cannot wait to see how it turns out! Thank you for the inspiration!!!
You made something so wonderful. Thanks for the inspiration!
If I had the tools to make the table I would. Your table came out great and love it. Enjoy your table set:0