This project was built and designed by Caleb from YouCanMakeThisToo. It features a striking farmhouse-style dining table made from 100-year-old reclaimed barnwood, combining rustic materials with modern woodworking techniques.
Blending hand tools, CNC joinery, and epoxy stabilization, Caleb transforms aged lumber from a family farm into a showpiece that balances character, structure, and craftsmanship.
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Working with Reclaimed Materials
The wood used for this build came from an old corn crib on Caleb’s family farm in Iowa. With a century of weathering and use behind it, each board carried deep grain textures and natural patina that couldn’t be replicated with new lumber.
Rather than milling it down completely, Caleb opted to lightly joint and square the boards just enough for glue-ups. This careful prep preserved as much surface character as possible while creating flat and stable surfaces for the project.
Planning and Cutting the Base Components
With a digital model in Fusion 360 as the reference, Caleb began breaking down the barnwood into pieces for the table base. Each cut was carefully considered—not only for fit but to highlight the most attractive portions of the grain and avoid defects.
Domino joinery was used for strength and alignment during the glue-up phase. This helped prevent slipping and shifting while clamps were applied, ensuring a square and sturdy foundation for the legs and stretchers.
Adding CNC Precision
Once the components were milled and glued, Caleb used a CNC to create detailed cuts for the foot and header profiles. CNC routing added a modern level of precision to the project while speeding up complex shaping tasks that would take much longer by hand.
One hiccup in the process included cutting through an area where a domino had been mistakenly left inside during glue-up. After some troubleshooting and a bit of humor, the cut was revised, and the mistake became a learning opportunity rather than a setback.
Shaping and Joinery Refinements
Joinery remained a key focus throughout the build. Caleb added mortises for the stretchers and carefully tuned the placement to ensure a tight, clean fit. Adjustments to the leg layout also helped balance aesthetics and structural performance.
Before final shaping on the CNC, air cuts were used to verify placement and depth. This dry-run technique allowed for visual checks without risking damage to the workpiece, showing Caleb’s commitment to precision even when working with unpredictable materials.
Stabilizing the Wood with Epoxy
Reclaimed wood often comes with imperfections, and this batch was no exception. Punky areas and deep cracks were treated with a two-part epoxy to reinforce the wood without obscuring its character.
In certain spots, Caleb used a penetrating epoxy to fill voids while retaining the wood’s original grain visibility. These repairs ensured long-term stability and enhanced the contrast between weathered grain and smoother finished sections.
Building the Tabletop
The tabletop was assembled using wide planks of reclaimed wood that had been skip-planed to preserve the original patina. Full planing would have erased much of the aged texture, so this light surface treatment struck a balance between smoothness and authenticity.
To finish the top, breadboard ends were added. These not only reinforce the tabletop but also add a traditional farmhouse detail that visually completes the piece. Dowels were used to secure the ends, allowing for seasonal wood movement without sacrificing structure.
Final Assembly and Finishing
After all parts were cut, joined, and dry-fit, final assembly began. The leg assemblies were mounted to the tabletop using sturdy connections designed to hold up under daily use.
For the finish, Caleb applied TotalBoat Halcyon, a durable and water-resistant topcoat that highlights the natural tones of the wood. The result is a warm, satin sheen that protects without obscuring any of the barnwood’s character.
A Table with a Story
This farmhouse table is more than just a functional piece of furniture. It’s a restoration of materials with a past, rebuilt with intention and care. Caleb’s approach highlights how woodworking can connect generations—preserving history while crafting something new.
By combining modern tools with traditional joinery, and reclaimed wood with durable finishes, the project blends beauty, resilience, and meaning.
Please support Caleb by visiting his website: https://www.ycmt2.com/.