Farmhouse Table

by Pam · April 9, 2024

Well, I finally got it done. I have been wanting to do this project for years. The old 2 x 6 lumber was at one time corral boards that we put up about 40 years ago. I remember lagging them down to the posts when my dad got them in place. We removed the old fencing a few years ago and I saved the boards. When we sold the property and moved to Oregon, my husband insisted that I bring some of the lumber with me because he knew how much the project meant to me. I was a little sentimental about selling the property and it’s nice to have something from the past that will bring up the good memories.

So, there it is. I am pretty pleased with it, which is saying something. I tend to be quite the perfectionist and overly critical of my own work. I considered writing a whole post about the self-sabotage lesson I learned during this process, but couldn’t really find the words. However, I can say it was a powerful lesson and one I hope to never forget.

These are what the boards looked like after going through the planer. I didn’t remember to take before pictures but most of you have seen rough old lumber before.

I do love the look of those old boards though. Really gets the creative juices flowing!

Everything laminated and biscuit joined together.

Cutting a dado for the mortise and tenon joint.

And there we have my first ever mortise and tenon joint which I made to do the breadboards ends. I had always loved breadboard ends on tables but honestly did not know what they were called or how to do them. I love learning new things!

Breadboard end in place.

One of the most gratifying parts of the building process to me is applying the finish. Just look at the richness of color that oils bring out in the wood.

Just wow!

I realized that I didn’t take pictures of the table base while I was building it. It was a simple design made separate from the top. I know that we will be moving again and wanted something a little easier to get in and out of the house next time.