Do It Yourself
February 1-7, 2016
Farmhouse style table
By April Sherrill
Seems as if everyone I know or that I follow on blogs right now wants a farmhouse style table. They are great because they can easily be adapted into any décor. You do not necessarily have to have a farmhouse scheme to be able to incorporate this style of table into your décor.
The problem is most of the ones you see floating around the Internet are made from scratch, and not everyone feels like they have the skills, tools or desire to make a table from scratch. Of course, though, there is always an easier way to create something you want without doing it from the ground up.
Items needed:
– Old table of any kind (coffee, kitchen, nightstands)
– Pallets
– Wood glue
– Countersink drill bit (optional)
– Stain/paint
– Sandpaper
– Wood screws
– Clear coat of choice
To start the project, you first need to figure out the design you want to achieve. You always need to start with a plan. For instance, figure out if you want the top stained and bottom painted, all of it painted, bottom stained and top painted, etc.
After you have come up with a plan, you will need to separate the pallet slats from the pallet. I have written about this process in the past, but it involves taking a sawzall with a metal blade attached and cutting the slats from the frame of the pallet.
If you do not wish to use pallet boards, you can easily buy wood boards from any local hardware store. If this is the option you choose, make sure to measure the top surface so you know what size boards you would like to use (1x4, 1x6, and so on).
Make sure the boards are cut to length for the table. Typically, a one-inch overhang on each end of the table works very well.
Next, you will need to do any sanding to the boards that is needed. This is especially necessary if you are using pallet wood. If you will be buying the boards there will not be nearly as much sanding involved in this process.
After you have the boards sanded, go ahead and paint or stain them. This step is done best before they are attached; be sure to always allow adequate drying time.
Once all the boards are dry, use the wood glue and run a line down the first board to be attached to the tabletop. When attaching the boards I recommend measuring the tabletop width and placing the first board in the center and moving outwards.
After all the wood slats are glued down, go back and attach one screw in the middle of each board and one on each end, using three per board. If you do not wish for the screw heads to show, make sure to use the countersink drill bit. If using this process, afterwards fill the holes with wood glue. Please note, wood glue will adhere paint very well but not stain.
The last step to finish the farmhouse table will be to paint or stain the base of it. Most of the time, you see them with a stained tabletop and painted bottom. If desired, you can also use sandpaper to slightly distress and rub a little stain on the bottom as well.
The final additions, of course, are completely your preference; use your imagination to create the look desired.
This is a great way to give new life to that table you have found for a cheap price in a consignment store, or that you might already own without making your head spin on how to accomplish the look.
If you have any questions feel free to email me. I would love to help!
April Sherrill is a staff writer for the Daily Record. Contact her at april@dailydata.com.
