DIY Beginner Builder Dining Room Table: Free Plans!

Allison Young
by Allison Young
13 Materials

I built this table last summer using framing lumber for under $100!


I started by making my cuts for the table top pieces out of my 2x10s. I used my new table saw to make all of the cuts for the 2x10s. 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. It's very important to

for this final look. I currently have the R3, but am hoping to upgrade to the K4 soon. Look at all those pocket holes!


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?


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.


I let the legs dry over night, and then assembled the base

and wood glue.


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.

is an easy way to transform it. I wiped it off with a rag almost immediately after application so it wouldn’t turn out too dark or saturated.


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. 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.


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.


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!

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Allison Young
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  • Diane Schule Diane Schule on Apr 04, 2017

    Beautiful table, beautiful job! And, what is that stunning charcoal-like color on that one wall?

  • Julia Hochhalter Julia Hochhalter on Apr 06, 2017

    No Question, just wanted to agree that this table is definitelyy megazine worthy! Beautiful outcome! Thank you for sharing!

  • Toni Toni on Dec 26, 2020

    can you tell how you applied the poly

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  • Debra Marlow Rowe Debra Marlow Rowe on Dec 26, 2020

    This repeat post was a good one, and sadly the blogger has a blog that is suspended. Not to mention it is well beyond simple DIY. She mentions using several pieces of equipment many won't own. I have a joiner, but do not use it as I do not delve into projects of this magnitude, lacking those skills. I commend the builder on its outcome. It is gorgeous. Betting it is just as beautiful now as it was in 2017.

  • LizzieB LizzieB on Dec 26, 2022

    Very beautiful table! Looks great with your chairs. Directions you provided seemed doable! My question is about your table saw. What’s the difference between the R3 and K4?

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