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Aug 14, 2016
DIY· Furniture

Build a $75 Dining Room Table: Free Plans!

I had a glorious nine days off last week that I’d been looking forward to for a month. Leaving work on my last day before vacation was just like

Dining Room Table

Anyway, I had big plans for my vaycay, people. BIG plans. Since the main level floors had been refinished I could finally start working on the dining room and living room, and I was gunning for this old table, big time.

Dining Room Table: http://sharktails.ca/2016/08/14/build-a-75-dining-table-free-plans/

We were given this table when we bought our our first house three years ago. It has been great for us and I’ll never turn my nose up at free furniture, but my tastes have changed a lot (just look at those chairs) and I wanted something a little bigger, that could seat at least six.

So I did some mathing and decided how big I wanted our new table to be, then sketched out a rough drawing of the table top:

Dining Room Table: http://sharktails.ca/2016/08/14/build-a-75-dining-table-free-plans/

No, no, I’m not an engineer, but thank you for asking! For the base I was inspired by the Hyannis Dining Table from Wicker Emporium, which is gorgeous, but totally out of my price range. I figured I could easily replicate it using 2x4s for the legs and braces and 2x2s for the decorative accent pieces.

Dining Room Table: http://sharktails.ca/2016/08/14/build-a-75-dining-table-free-plans/

I’m so happy with how the table turned out, and I’m especially excited that this is my first build using plans of my own, and that I was able to navigate Google Sketchup enough so that I can share them here! (Please be kind! I’m still learning the program hence the weird-looking pocket holes.) I hope they’re clear, but am happy to answer any questions about the process in the comments.

I started by making my cuts for the table top pieces out of my 2x10s. I used my new Ryobi table saw to make all of the cuts for the 2x10s, and I love it! I’ve always avoided using the table saw but am glad I faced my fears and am getting more comfortable with it.

I sanded all the planks separately before attaching them together using 1 1/2″ pocket holes and 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws. My Kreg Jig was integral to  building this table and I love it more and more every time I use it! I currently have the R3, but am hoping to upgrade to the K4 soon. Look at all those pocket holes!

Dining Room Table: http://sharktails.ca/2016/08/14/build-a-75-dining-table-free-plans/

I beveled the long sides of the table using my table saw for something to do. I was trying to replicate live-edge wood, which it doesn’t at all, but I did end up loving the end result anyway so score?

Dining Room Table: http://sharktails.ca/2016/08/14/build-a-75-dining-table-free-plans/

Dining Room Table: http://sharktails.ca/2016/08/14/build-a-75-dining-table-free-plans/

Next I made the legs. I used 2x4s glued together to cut back on costs, but you could use 4x4s instead if that’s your preference.

Dining Room Table: http://sharktails.ca/2016/08/14/build-a-75-dining-table-free-plans/

Dining Room Table: http://sharktails.ca/2016/08/14/build-a-75-dining-table-free-plans/

I let the legs dry over night, and then assembled the base using pocket holes and wood glue:

Dining Room Table: http://sharktails.ca/2016/08/14/build-a-75-dining-table-free-plans/

Dining Room Table: http://sharktails.ca/2016/08/14/build-a-75-dining-table-free-plans/

This thing is STURDY. Definitely can and will be dancing on it in the very near future.

I finished the top and base separately and waited to attach them together until after moving both pieces inside. For the finish, I used one coat of Minwax Provincial stain. I wiped it off with a rag almost immediately after application so it wouldn’t turn out too dark or saturated.

Dining Room Table: http://sharktails.ca/2016/08/14/build-a-75-dining-table-free-plans/

Dining Room Table: http://sharktails.ca/2016/08/14/build-a-75-dining-table-free-plans/

Dining Room Table: http://sharktails.ca/2016/08/14/build-a-75-dining-table-free-plans/

I love all the variations in the wood! Provincial was a good choice because I wanted something that was darker than my floors, but not so dark that it would have no depth. Once I applied the first coat of poly, it warmed up the wood slightly but didn’t change the color too drastically.

Dining Room Table: http://sharktails.ca/2016/08/14/build-a-75-dining-table-free-plans/

I gave the top seven coats of poly (sanding in between each) but only three on the base, since it won’t see as much wear and tear and I am LAZY.

Looking good, Madam Table (actually not really because this lighting is terrible):

Dining Room Table: http://sharktails.ca/2016/08/14/build-a-75-dining-table-free-plans/

I moved both pieces inside, secured the top to the base using 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws and stood back to admire my handiwork.

Dining Room Table: http://sharktails.ca/2016/08/14/build-a-75-dining-table-free-plans/

Dining Room Table: http://sharktails.ca/2016/08/14/build-a-75-dining-table-free-plans/

Dining Room Table: http://sharktails.ca/2016/08/14/build-a-75-dining-table-free-plans/

Since we are too poor to afford  any more than four of those bomb-ass Eiffel chairs, I built a bench using plans for the Ana White Outdoor Sofa with some left over 2x4s. I modified the plans slightly to accommodate for size, and sewed some super-easy (removable!) cushion covers following this impossible to screw up tutorial. Seriously, if you can sew a straight line, you can make these.

Dining Room Table: http://sharktails.ca/2016/08/14/build-a-75-dining-table-free-plans/

Dining Room Table: http://sharktails.ca/2016/08/14/build-a-75-dining-table-free-plans/

Dining Room Table: http://sharktails.ca/2016/08/14/build-a-75-dining-table-free-plans/

I do love the added detail of the table’s beveled edge, especially for how simple it was to achieve using the table saw!

Dining Room Table: http://sharktails.ca/2016/08/14/build-a-75-dining-table-free-plans/

Dining Room Table: http://sharktails.ca/2016/08/14/build-a-75-dining-table-free-plans/

I’m irrationally excited to find the perfect rug for under the table. My life is….wild. If you want to build this table yourself, check out my free plans here! The wood cost around $75 in total and I had all the other supplies for finishing on hand. This is a basic build that (in my humble, unbiased opinion) looks like an expensive piece of furniture and is solid as hell. Framing lumber is a wonderful thing, my friends. Happy building!

Dining Room Table: http://sharktails.ca/2016/08/14/build-a-75-dining-table-free-plans/

 

 

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18 Comments

« Wood Shim Floor Mirror
Fake it ‘Til You Make it: Black Ship-Lap Wall Using Plywood »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tanya says

    August 14, 2016 at 7:31 pm

    Allison you are remarkable at everything you do!????

    Reply
    • allison@sharktails.ca says

      August 14, 2016 at 7:37 pm

      Thank you Tanya! xxx

      Reply
  2. Cathy says

    August 14, 2016 at 9:35 pm

    Love, love the dining room table. ????????!!

    Reply
    • allison@sharktails.ca says

      August 14, 2016 at 9:40 pm

      Thanks Cathy!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂

      Reply
  3. Jean Huntley says

    August 17, 2016 at 8:36 pm

    Allison I have not seen a project that has not turned out fantastically. You are a very talented person for sure, and I would say courageous as well.

    Reply
    • allison@sharktails.ca says

      August 17, 2016 at 11:11 pm

      Awww, thank you Jean. That is really nice of you to say.

      Reply
  4. Rebecca says

    August 20, 2016 at 3:29 am

    Love it! Super gorgeous! Talk to me about that light fixture (apologies if you have in the past, new follower)

    Reply
    • allison@sharktails.ca says

      August 20, 2016 at 1:37 pm

      Thanks Rebecca! That light fixture, right?!?! This was a total fluke find: I was running into Winners to get dog-poop bags and I saw this beauty in the clearance section for $59! It was meant to be and exactly what I had been looking for. Unfortunately, it was the only one. IKEA does have some great pendants that are similar in shape (which I was originally planning on except they don’t ship them here) in case you want to check them out! http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/80216534/ They have them in black and nickle, I think. Thanks for checking out the blog and thanks for your comment!

      Reply
  5. Alicia says

    September 26, 2016 at 1:22 pm

    If I ever move to Nova Scotia, I’m hiring you to build me shit. haha

    Reply
    • allison@sharktails.ca says

      September 26, 2016 at 1:37 pm

      Done and done!!!!

      Reply
  6. Jon Tolley says

    June 15, 2017 at 10:55 pm

    I absolutely LOVE this!! I have yet to see an idea of yours that I do not thoroughly LOVE, as well!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful mind with all of us!!

    Reply
    • allison@sharktails.ca says

      June 25, 2017 at 10:08 am

      Jon you are far too kind! 🙂 Thank you so much!

      Reply
  7. Lauren says

    September 23, 2017 at 12:46 am

    This is awesome!!! I am so inspired. I can’t wait to make it for our new home in San Francisco!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Fake it 'Til You Make it: Black Ship-Lap Wall Using Plywood - Shark Tails says:
    September 26, 2016 at 1:44 pm

    […] effort  (start to finish it only took a couple days).  It’s the perfect backdrop for the dining room table I built and I can’t wait to add some artwork! I am planning on doing the same thing to the […]

    Reply
  2. Build an Easy Breakfast Bar Using a Kreg Jig - Shark Tails says:
    October 6, 2016 at 9:07 am

    […] sand, drill, and stain (I used ‘Provincial’ by Minwax — the same shade as our dining room table). Once the stain was nice and dry, I gave the counter top several coats of  Minwax oil-modified […]

    Reply
  3. Easy Photo Ledge for Commitment Phobics! - Shark Tails says:
    January 24, 2017 at 12:32 pm

    […] I think it’s a crazy transformation, especially looking back at the old pictures from before we did the floors! I love how light and airy it feels even though the room itself is kinda tiny. I’m glad we didn’t go any bigger with the table: it’s the perfect size for the space. If you’d like to build your own, the free plans are here. […]

    Reply
  4. Dining Room Makeover: Full Reveal! - Shark Tails says:
    February 25, 2017 at 12:40 pm

    […] decided to build my own table, and balance the chunky, farmhouse design with these awesomely affordable Eames chairs from […]

    Reply
  5. A Lazy Person's Guide to Stairs Part 2: Staining and Painting - Shark Tails says:
    April 9, 2017 at 4:08 pm

    […] I was not thrilled at this point. I have used Provincial many a time: on our breakfast bar, dining room table, and photo ledge. It’s the perfect warm medium brown without a lot of red or orange […]

    Reply

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What’s my deal?

I'm a Canadian DIY enthusiast who loves her family, dogs, and is currently battling an addiction to jalapeño Cheetos. I decided to take the plunge and start Shark Tails to document the process of updating our nineties home. Tell me more...

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