How to Make a Farmhouse Side Table

This custom side table comes together in a few hours and makes the perfect addition to a modern farmhouse living. room

Updated on February 2, 2023

Working Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 2 days
Skill Level: Beginner

Having a custom-built farmhouse side table in your living room is easier and more affordable than you think. To make this DIY side table, we built a base, installed a top, and gave it a paint job—it was a beginner-level project that came together quickly. It works perfectly with small living room furniture and can easily be finished on a weekend! Place the table next to your sofa and add a woven basket below for extra style and storage. Follow along—we'll show you how to make one in a few simple steps. Our table is 22 inches tall and 18 inches wide, but feel free to customize the scale and color to make it fit your space.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

Measuring tape
Pencil
Table saw
Clamps
Drill
Putty knife
Tack cloth
Paintbrush
Rubber gloves

Materials

8 2X2X36-inch poplar board
1 2X6X96-inch pine board
Wood glue
2-1/2-inch screws
Wood putty
Sandpaper
Painters tape
White paint
Wood stain
Paper towels or rags

Instructions

Make Cuts

Cut your wood to the below dimensions.

Cut Measurements

Piece Dimensions Quantity

Long Table Base 2x2x22-inches 4

Short Table Base 2x2x14-1/2-inches 4

Table Legs 2x2x18-3/4-inches 4

Table Top 2x6x22-inches 3
Measure and Cut Wood

First, measure and cut the lumber to size. Cut on your own using a table saw or ask an associate at the hardware store to cut them to size before you purchase the wood. The 2x2 wood will be used as the table base, and the 2x6-inch boards make up the tabletop.

How to Use a Table Saw
Assemble Table Bases

Once the wood is cut to size, you first need to assemble the base. To do this, shape two of the 22-inch boards and two 14-1/2-inch boards into a rectangle. Dab wood glue on the areas where the boards meet and press together. Hold tight with clamps until the glue dries. Remove the clamps, then secure them with 2-1/2-inch screws in each corner. Make a second rectangle with the remaining 22- and 14-1/2-inch boards and set it aside for later.

How to Use a Drill
Attach Table Legs

Next, attach the table legs to the base. Place one leg on the corner, and drill a 2-1/2-inch screw up from the bottom of the base. Repeat with all four legs.
Attach the top table base once you have the legs secured. Find the second rectangle you made previously, and set it on top of the legs. Make sure all edges are flush with each other. Drill down from the top table base and into the legs.
Prep, Paint, and Stain Pieces

Cover any nail holes or imperfections with wood putty. Let dry and sand the table base and wood pieces for the top. Wipe dust away with a tack cloth.
Use a paintbrush to paint the base of the table your desired color (we love the look of bright white) and let dry. Apply a second coat if needed.
Stain the wood for the tabletop with a gray color. While completing this step, work in a well-ventilated area or outside and wear gloves to avoid staining your hands. Let dry completely before assembling.
Install Tabletop

To finish building, install the tabletop made from the three 2x6x22-inch boards. Set the three boards together on your workspace making sure all edges are aligned. Flip the table base upside-down and place it on top of the three boards. With everything in place, begin drilling down through the 2x2-inch boards and into the planks, making sure your screws aren't hitting in-between the tabletop boards. Once all boards are secured, flip the table back over and put it in place.