Build an Easy Rustic Dining Table

DIY Furniture Plans – A Simple to Build Dining Table

Need a dining table for holiday or every day entertaining? This is the perfect table… The DIY plans to build an Easy Rustic Dining Table feature a planked top with stretchers at the lower portion of the legs to give it a sturdy, rustic look. The plans call for straight off-the-shelf boards and can be enhanced with metal plates found in the deck section of any home improvement retailer. I promise, this plan is easy enough to have completed in a hurry!

Materials:

• 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws (<– affiliate link!)
• 3″ screws (lag screws can also be used for a more industrial look)
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper (100, 150, 220 grits)
• Finishing supplies (primer & paint, or stain, sealer)

Lumber:

• 6 – 2×4 at 6′
• 7 – 2×6 at 8′
• 2 – 4×4 at 8′

Cut List:

• 4 – 4×4 at 28-1/2″ – Legs
• 2 – 2×4 at 36″ – Lower Side Stretcher
• 2 – 2×4 at 29″ – Shorter Aprons
• 2 – 2×4 at 73″ – Long Aprons
• 3 – 2×4 at 32″ – Center Supports
• 1 – 2×4 at 80″ – Lower Stretcher
• 7 – 2×6 at 84″ – Top

Click on the drawings for a larger view!

The notches in the legs and in the lower side stretcher are completely optional. If the notches are not used, the corresponding piece or pieces will rest on top and be secured with glue and 3″ screws.

Step One

Cut the pieces for the legs. If cutting the notch in the lower edge, it will be cut using multiple cuts on a table saw or circular saw with the center portion chiseled away. This post shows how to cut notches easily with a table saw!

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the lower side stretcher. Cut the notch, if desired, and secure the piece to the legs using glue and countersunk 3″ screws.

Step Three

Cut the pieces for the shorter aprons. With the pocket hole jig set for 1-1/2″ material, drill pocket holes in each end. Secure the shorter aprons to the legs using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws. Position the aprons 1/2″ back from the outside face of the legs.

Step Four

Cut the pieces for the long aprons and drill pocket holes in each end. Secure the aprons to the legs using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws. Position the aprons 1/2″ back from the outside face of the legs.

Step Five

Cut the pieces for the center supports and drill pocket holes in each end. Secure the supports to the long apron using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws.

Step Six

Cut the piece for the lower stretcher. Secure the stretcher to the lower side stretcher using glue and countersunk 3″ screws.

Step Seven

Cut the pieces for the top. The ends of the top planks will overhang by 2″ while the sides of the outermost planks will overhang by 1-1/4″. Secure the top planks in place using glue and countersunk 3″ screws through the top boards into the side aprons and the center supports.

Finish as desired.

This table can be completed in a couple of days, even with finishing! Have any questions about the DIY plans to build an Easy Rustic Dining Table? Leave a comment below!

Originally posted 2015-11-14 08:00:48.