This project was built and designed by Brady Hommel. It features a custom dining table made from reclaimed oak barn wood, complete with removable legs for easy moving and storage.
Blending rustic materials with thoughtful joinery, this table strikes a balance between charm and practicality. Brady’s approach shows how salvaged wood can be used to create a beautiful, long-lasting piece of furniture with flexibility built into the design.
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Starting with Salvaged Materials
The project began with a truckload of reclaimed oak barn wood, purchased at a fair price and packed with character. The boards were around two inches thick and weathered, each carrying marks from their previous life.
While the look was perfect for a rustic table, the wood came with challenges—namely, dozens of embedded nails. Removing these nails was a time-consuming but necessary step to protect tools during the milling process.
Milling and Surfacing the Boards
Once the boards were cleared of metal, Brady cut them into manageable sections and ran each one through a planer. The undersides were smoothed for clean joinery, while the tops were left rough to maintain the original saw marks and texture.
This mix of clean surfaces underneath and weathered surfaces on top preserved the reclaimed aesthetic. It also ensured that the table would be functional and flat, without sacrificing the rustic charm that makes this kind of build special.
Joining the Tabletop
To assemble the tabletop, Brady used pocket hole joinery and wood glue. This method allowed him to align the boards precisely and speed up the glue-up process, reducing clamp time and keeping everything in place.
Once the glue dried, the ends of the table were trimmed square, and breadboard ends were added. These help minimize seasonal movement in the tabletop while giving the piece a polished, furniture-quality look.
Constructing the Base
With the top finished, Brady turned his attention to the legs and aprons. The legs were cut to standard dining table height and beveled at 45 degrees on the corners to prevent chipping during use.
Each apron piece was measured, cut, and labeled for accurate placement. Pocket holes were again used to attach the aprons securely to the underside of the tabletop, providing strength without visible hardware.
Designing for Easy Disassembly
A standout feature of this table is the use of hanger bolts to make the legs removable. This design makes the table easier to transport, store, or move between rooms without compromising its structural integrity.
Brady installed the hanger bolts by pre-drilling and securing them into the legs. Matching inserts in the aprons accept the bolts, creating a strong yet detachable connection. It’s a simple and effective solution that adds real value to the final piece.
Sanding and Finishing
To retain the character of the wood while softening rough edges, Brady sanded the table with 220-grit sandpaper. This balanced approach left the original marks intact while making the table smooth to the touch.
A water-based polycrylic finish was chosen to highlight the wood’s natural tones without adding yellowing or sheen. The finish enhances the visual appeal without overpowering the aged look of the barn wood.
Assembling the Final Table
With the finish dry and all parts ready, Brady assembled the table. The legs were attached quickly thanks to the hanger bolt system, making the process simple and efficient.
The completed table has a strong presence, full of warmth and character. Its clean proportions, rustic surface, and removable legs make it practical for everyday use and impressive enough for special occasions.
Why This Project Works
This dining table is a great example of how reclaimed wood can be used in functional, beautiful furniture builds. It respects the material’s history while applying smart woodworking techniques to solve real-world needs like portability and stability.
It’s also a rewarding way to reuse lumber that might otherwise go to waste. Projects like this not only reduce costs, but also offer a sense of craftsmanship and sustainability.
Support Brady by visiting his website, buying his plans, and viewing his offerings: https://bradyhommel.com/.