This project was built and designed by John from John Builds It. It’s a clean and functional table and bench set that blends sturdy construction with timeless design.
Whether used as a dining table or for gatherings, the end result is both practical and beautiful. If you enjoy woodworking projects with strong joinery and a classic look, this one is worth a closer look.
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Getting Started with Materials
John begins by selecting the best parts of eight-quarter maple boards for the tabletop. Since this is the showpiece of the project, careful selection ensures consistent grain and quality.
Smaller offcuts are saved for the bench base, which will be painted. Because the bench base will be finished with paint, any knots or minor defects can be filled and smoothed without affecting the final look.
Choosing the Right Wood
Poplar is used for the table base to keep weight down and reduce cost. It’s a smart choice when durability is needed but premium wood isn’t necessary for painted surfaces.
While the farmhouse table is a familiar design, its appeal lies in its simplicity and strong structure. Many woodworkers remember their first table builds as a turning point in learning larger-scale projects.
Milling and Glue Preparation
Once the boards are selected, milling begins to flatten and square each piece. This step is essential for tight joints and a smooth tabletop.
Due to limited access to thicker boards, John glues up thinner ones to achieve the necessary dimensions. Grouping boards together during glue-up helps save clamps and keeps everything aligned.
Tabletop and Bench Glue-Ups
Both the tabletop and bench top are glued up in smaller sections. Breaking it down into manageable glue-ups makes it easier to flatten and align each group.
Half-inch dowels are used to help with alignment since the correct biscuit size wasn’t available. Although slower, this approach results in flush joints and clean surfaces.
Laying Out Joinery
Once the panels are dry, the pieces are cut to final size. Joinery is laid out using a mix of dowels and screws to create strength without overly complex cuts.
An awl is used to mark the drill points, helping guide the brad point bits to stay centered. This keeps the joints accurate and the structure square during assembly.
Assembly Strategy and Design
Most edges are eased using an eighth-inch roundover bit for a soft and clean look. John maps out the assembly ahead of time to make the most of his glue’s working time.
The design includes a center post that steps in slightly from the top and bottom sections. This not only adds a subtle visual detail but also helps reduce stress from seasonal wood movement.
Building the Base and Bench
The feet for the table base are made from three-quarter-inch material. These are chamfered on the edges for a finished look and secured using glue and screws.
Before final glue-up, a dry assembly is completed to check alignment. Ratchet straps are then used to pull everything together smoothly and evenly.
The bench is built using the same techniques, with half-inch dowel joinery used throughout. The bench top is made from several glued-up boards with careful attention to grain direction for long-term stability.
Final Steps and Finishing
Leveling feet are added to both the table and bench bases for proper balance on uneven floors. For the finish, John starts with a surfacer followed by multiple coats using a sprayer.
Sanding between coats ensures a professional look and smooth feel. The tabletop is finished with a custom stain and a protective clear coat to preserve the wood and highlight the grain.
Final Result
The finished farmhouse table and bench are both sturdy and elegant. It’s a timeless piece that works well in kitchens, dining rooms, or even a covered outdoor space.
If you want to follow along with the full build, John walks through every step in his video. For those looking to recreate the project, detailed plans are available for purchase on his site.
Please support John by viewing all his plans here: https://www.johnbuildsit.com/plans.