These counter height farmhouse table plans are fairly simple and straightforward. You should be able to build this whole table in just a few hours with a basic set of woodworking tools. These are designed to align to a counter height of 35 1/4″. The standard range for counter heights in the US is 34″ – 36″. If you plan to use this table to add extended seating at the end of your counter, you should measure your specific counter height and the adjust the length of the four legs accordingly (remember that the plywood top will add 3/4″ height in addition to the leg length).
I like to square off my construction lumber so it doesn’t look so much like construction lumber. If you have a table saw, it is pretty easier to run your 2x4s through twice each to trim them down to about 3 1/4″ x 1 1/2″. You only need to trim about 1/8″ off of each short end to get rid of the rounded corners, and I think they just look better this way. The 4x4s are a little harder to trim, simply because of their 3 1/2″ height, but it still isn’t too difficult to remove about 1/8″ from all four sides, bringing them down to about 3 1/4″ x 3 1/4″ square.
Note: These instructions are based on using standard dimensional lumber, and we try our best to make that apparent in our illustrations and directions. If you plan to lumber from a lumber yard you may have to adjust the measurements slightly to account for the difference in actual measurements.
Required Materials
- 2 – 4×4 @ 6 feet long
- 3 – 2×4 @ 8 feet long
- 2 – 1×2 @ 8 feet long
- 1 – 3/4″ plywood @ 48″ x 48″
- Wood glue
- 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws
- 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws
- 1 1/2″ trim nails
Tools
- Miter Saw
- Circular saw or table saw
- Drill/driver & countersink Drill Bit
- Trim nailer
- Quick-grip bar clamps (optional)
- Pocket hole jig
- Square
- Tape Measure
- Sand paper or sander
Cut List
- 4 – 4×4 @ 34-1/2″
- 4 – 2×4 @ 25″ (with three pocket holes on each end)
- 2 – 2×4 @ 41″ (with three pocket holes on each end)
- 1 – 2×4 @ 43″
- 1 – 3/4″ plywood panel @ 48″ x 32″
- 2 – 1×2 @ 49 1/2″ (with non-parallel 45° miters on the ends)
- 2 – 1×2 @ 33-1/2″ (with non-parallel 45° miters on the ends)
Step 1: Build the legs
Start your counter height farmhouse table by building two sets of legs. Each set will be exactly the same. Take two of the 34 1/2″ 4×4 legs and join together using the 25″ 2×4 boards with three pocket holes on each end. The 2x4s should be centered on the 4×4 legs, with the lower 2×4 sitting 6″ off the ground. Remember to use wood glue on all of the joints as well for a more permanent bond.
Step 2: Add the stretcher and top skirt boards
Next we’re going to attach the top two skirt boards and stretcher to bring the legs together and form the base. All of the pocket holes should be turned to face the inside of this counter height farmhouse table. The skirt boards are the 41″ long 2x4s with three pocket holes drilled on each end, use wood glue and 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws to attach to the 4×4 legs. Ensure these skirt boards are centered on the legs. For the 43″ stretcher, use wood glue on each end and three 3″ wood screws through the lower 2x4s in the legs. Make sure you have the stretcher centered on the legs.
Step 3: Cut and attach the top
The top of this counter height farmhouse table is made from a half sheet of 3/4″ plywood cut down to 32″ x 48″. Use wood glue on the top of the legs and all four skirt boards. You can either use 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws up from the bottom through the 2×4 skirt boards, or use trim nails down through the top. Either option will work just fine, as the wood glue is really the key to good strong permanent connection.
Step 4: Add the trim
The last step in these counter height farmhouse table plans is to add the trim around the top. The trim is made from the 1×2 boards, cut with non-parallel 45° miters on each end Use wood glue and trim nails to attach these so that the top edge is flush with the top of the plywood.
Step 6: Finish and enjoy your counter height farmhouse table
Now that your assembly is complete, give your entire table a good sanding. Progress through using 120, 180, and 220 grit sandpaper to ensure you have a super smooth finish. Then add a few coats of your favorite stain or varnish, let dry, and enjoy!
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