I've always wanted a big and robust dining table, but they cost a fortune. So why not build my own?
It really isn't that difficult and took me about three days to complete.
This does not give you a very thorough description of how to make the table, but it will give you a rough idea of what it can look like.
I wanted to make a table made completley out of wood, so no nails or screws are used.
It's important to get thick enough and straight planks. The better material, the better your table will be.
I like to do things from scratch so I went out and got some logs in our forest and took them to the local sawmill.

Step 1: Preparing the Planks

Now it's time for the tedious but rather meditative planing, grinding and milling.
The easiest option is to buy prepared planks but if you have the tools it doesn't take that long.

Step 2: The Tabletop Is Starting to Form

Cut the logs in the exact same length and round off the edges with a wood shaper.
Cut the transverse plank in a classy shape and grind it to a smooth surface and round off the edges.

Step 3: Working on the Trestle

It's easiest to make the cross in a 90 degree angle, you don't have to think as much if you do that.
Meassure the height that you want of the table and put the legs over eachother with a 90 degree angle to eachother. Dont forgett to count the thickness of the table top in to the entire height of the table.
After you have marked it, use an angle iron just to make sure its exactly 90 degrees. Use a saw and a chisel to make the two peaces fit.
Cut the two ends in a 45 degree angle and fit the two legs together with wood glue.
Now it's time for the plank between the two crosses. Meassure the length that you want between the crosses and make the plank long enough to go through the cross and stick out a little longer.
Make a squared whole in the center of the cross for the plank to go through. Use the saw to cut the edges of the plank to fit the hole. Now all you need is a small piece of wood to go through the plank to lock it in place. Make it tight so that the whole trestle is stable.

Step 4: A Check Before the Assemble

I put the table inside the house to see how it was matching with my sofa. Some of the planks were a little oblique so I had to try to strighten them. The straightest thing I could find was two ladders which I attached with all the clamps I could find and left it for a month and a half.

Step 5: Adding the Woodstain

To protect the wood and to get a matching colour I used oak woodstain. The wood texture really comes out.
For extra protection, use lacquer. This prevents the wood from absorbing any liquids that may get spilled on it in the future.

Step 6: And the Table Is Completed

To attach the tabletop to the legs, use a round wodden rod. Drill a hole for it and stick it through the legs and transverse plank. Make sure it's tight.