Benches for the Farmhouse Table

We built a rustic farmhouse table for our dining room. In this instructable I'll list out the steps for building the benches that went with the table.

I went with the plans on Ana-White's website (http://ana-white.com/2013/10/plans/4x4-truss-bench...

My instructable for the table is here.

Tools:

- Miter Saw

- Kreg Jig, Kreg Jig HD

- Orbital Sander

- Drill

- Safety equipment

Supplies:

- Wood (cut list on the site listed above)

- Stain

- Sanding pads

- screws (kreg 2.5")

Step 1: Step 1: Cut the Wood

I cut the wood per the cut list given on Ana's site.

Step 2: Assemble the Base

Connect the base pieces. For the 4x4s, I used the HD kreg screws.

To connect the center 4x4 beam, you can prop it up at a height so that it aligns with the center in the side supports. I went with the lazier option of just placing the beam on the side panel and screwing it in.

For the 2x4s, flip the base over and screw the boards together.

Step 3: Assemble the Top

Use the kreg jig to create drill holes on the underside of the top. Once that is done, connect the side boards.

Step 4: Add Bread Board Support

The bread boards didn't have as much support as I like. So I mitered 6" blocks of 4x4s, with one edge at 10 degrees. I then screwed and glued them to the base, under the bread boards, as shown.

Step 5: Sand, Stain and Finish

Then it was time to sand and stain. Once the stain dries, add three coats of polyurethane.

Step 6:

Comments

[FirstReaper]

Can you list all the wood used for bench and table, sizes and how many pieces please.

[TracieO2]

Can you share brand and color of stain? Absolutely perfect color!

[LuckyGoose]

It was a while ago, but I think it was minwax ash stain. I'd play around with mixing them if you want a browner tint.

[jkinkead]

given the way you attached the bread board ends. have you noticed any warping, twisting ect. with the expansion and contraction of the top boards?

[LuckyGoose]

I haven't noticed any warping so far, but it could happen. I generally keep the wood in the shop for about a week before working on it, so it should adapt to the environment. And I store the wood for a few days after cutting/milling.

[rwyatt2]

looking at your table pic...seems you added the bead board supports like you did for the benches. I was thinking that there wasn't much support in the original table plans...I will definitely incorporate into my build...good job

[LuckyGoose]

Yes, I added the supports to the table as well. Thought they're inches long instead of 6. I'll add that step to the table tutorial. Thanks!

[Rachael K]

Ahh, such a great job! This has been on my to-do list for while! Love the finish.

[LuckyGoose]

Thanks!

[seamster]

Very cool. I love the finished look of your table and benches!

[LuckyGoose]

Thanks!

[hegure_ryu]

This is very nice. You should include the link to the table build in this one.

[LuckyGoose]

Thank you. That's a good idea, I've put in the link.