Never in my wildest DIY-dreams did I think we would build a gigantic kitchen table! After searching (a LOT) and not finding the perfect table, we started to consider making our own. We talked about DIYing a table, but didn’t have the courage until we saw Rachel’s and Emma’s beautiful DIY tables. They gave us the confidence to know it could be done! We spent some time choosing how we wanted the table top to look, including the width of the boards and the color of the finish. Then we jumped in with both feet… why not? Here’s what happened:
First we planned out how large we wanted the table to be. Our new house is an older house, so many of the rooms are regular sizes (compared to more standardized, modern homes). With these measurements, we then went to a local hardware store and bought our lumber: 4 long planks for the top, 9 smaller planks for bracing and framing the bottom, and 2 longer small planks to frame the outer edges. We used mostly pine (because it is pretty and affordable) with a few oak pieces among the 9 small planks to go on the bottom. Oak is a harder wood, so our goal was to add stability. If you plan to replicate this project, feel free to adjust what lumber you buy based on your dining room size. The important thing to note is how the bottom of the table is assembled (see photo above).
I think we used right around 90 screws, most of a 100 piece box. 🙂
And we used four 3-prong hairpin legs, each is 28″ tall.
Note: We spent about $350 on the supplies for this table that seats 8. 🙂
Once we had all our supplies, we spent a couple days (with a lot of help from Emma and Dad—thanks, guys!) putting the table together. The goal was to create a stable surface with framing wood around all the edges so it would look more finished. We assembled the table upside down, then flipped it over, sanded, and prepped it for staining.
Tips for staining and sealing: Consider other woods or colored surfaces in your dining room before choosing a stain. The floors in our home are sort of a honey color, so we tried to choose a stain that mimicked (but not matched) this tone. Be sure to wipe down and allow your table to dry before applying stain. Use a brush to lightly coat a small area and then use an old towel or cloth to wipe up any excess stain. You can always add more if needed, so go light for your first coat. Consult the product label for dry time recommendations.
After staining, we sealed our table with a polyurethane (pictured above). This gives the finish an extra coat of protection and makes it a little easier to clean/wipe down after meal times. I still recommend using coasters on a table like this with cold drinks though.
I am completely happy with our finished table. I love the woodgrain, the honey-colored finish and the simple hairpin legs. As a bonus, I’m so happy we were able to create a table that our family can grow into for such a reasonable price!
I know that a DIY on this level isn’t for everyone. Our dad helped us (a LOT… thanks again, Dad!), and it only took a few days to complete (including the building, staining and sealing) once we had all the supplies figured out.
I hope that this post encourages some of you that you really can build your own dining room table! We’ve done a lot of DIY projects in our new home, and I am most proud of this one. We saved thousands of dollars and ended up with our dream table! Thanks for reading. xoxo. Elsie
PS. I posted about our mismatched yellow chairs here.
If anyone is still searching for the dimensions. From what I can tell, the main board is made up of 4 pieces of 1″x12″ boards. Not sure about the length but you can make it to fit your dinning room. The frame underneath looks to be strips of 1″x2″.
What color stain did you use? Thanks!
Can you post me measurements for the boards? I would live to recreate this table.
How on earth did this cost $350?
That’s just the cost of all the supplies. If you find cheaper sources feel free to post them here in the comments. I still think that is a great price for a large table that we’ve now used for more than six years. 🙂
Love this!!!! So much! What color stain did you use? Thanks!!
Hi! Beautiful table. Can you tell me the length and width of your top boards each and or the final width and length of the full table?
Thanks
Do you by any chance know/remember what stain you used on this? Love the colour!
Sorry! It was so long ago now, I can’t remember. Probably the lightest option. xx!
Hi Elsie!
Do you have the dimensions for your table?
Thanks so much,
Ashley
Can you please email me the dimensions you used? I really want the same size you have.
I’m sorry! This post is from 2012, and Elsie doesn’t have the table anymore. <3
So lovely, thank you for this great post! I love it.
Hi! I love this!!!! I am searching for a table and would really like to build it myself. I’m handy in every sense expect when it comes to making exact cutting calculations. Is there anyway you could share the dimensions and cut sizes of all of the wood?
Thanks!!
Do you have a list of the different widths of lumber pieces you bought? I know the lengths would vary depending on the overall size of the table, but it would be helpful to know what to go buy. I’ve been DROOLING over this table for a couple of years now and I’m finally close to being able to afford all the supplies.
LOVE!!! I’ve been wanting to build a new dining table since we moved into our house last year. I recently found the hairpin legs on Pinterest and fell in love. Curious- I’ve read mixed reviews… how do they do as legs for you dining table? Are they sturdy? I have a very active 5 year old and our table needs to withstand lego building, coloring/homework, as well as its intended purpose for dining.
Thanks!
Hi Melissa,
We have had our same hairpin leg table now for about four or five years. It’s great! I am not a parent, but we have kids in our house on a VERY regular basis and I’ve never had any issues.
Highly recommend! xx
Your table is gorgeous, do you put the screws in from the back/bottom? How do you keep them from coming through the top of the table? Thanks!
I know this is and old project but do you know how long/ wide the top planks are? Love this table!!
The top of the table is very similar to this tutorial: https://abeautifulmess.com/2014/04/copper-legged-table.html
The legs are obviously a bit different, but that should help you! Good luck on your project.
Do you buy your wood from a specialty store or just like a lowes or Home Depot?
This is one sweet looking table. Did you have any problems with level? Does it rest perfectly on the floor?
This is absolutely gorgeous! Totally worth the cost of supplies. I love the knots in the wood and the stain color you chose. Great job!
Where is that FANTASTIC chandelier from??
Love the yellow chair & polka dot seating cover! So cute!
X
http://kendra-genevieve-rose.blogspot.com
Wow,you have done an incredible job bye making this table!Looks like it`s really difficult!
xoxo
I absolutely love this table! I cannot imagine a better use of lumber from Toronto! I’m moving into a new home soon and need a dining room table. I think this may be the best choice for me, especially for the price! Thanks again for sharing this! http://www.hanfordlumber.com/products.htm