5 Steps to Build a Farmhouse Console Table

A farmhouse console table is an easy woodworking project that does not require an experience. You can take on this wood project with these tips and tricks!

Our friends surprised us with this farmhouse console table when we bought our first home.

We had a bunch of cheaply made particle board furniture from our 1-bedroom apartment, so we were really excited about diy console table.

A Console Table is Perfect for a Small Space

The living room in our home has an awkward layout, so this narrow entry table fit perfectly and filled up this empty wall.

Everyone that walks into our home immediately compliments this wood console table.

If you do not have enough space for your console table to be this long, you can use these same instructions to make yours half the size or even make an L shaped console table for behind your couch.

Tools Required to Build a Farmhouse Console Table:

• Kreg Jig
• Tape Measure
• Safety Glasses
• Hearing Protection
• Hammer
• Drill
• Sander
• Miter Saw
• Speed Square
• Screws

Cut List for DIY Console Table:

• 12 – 2×2 @ 30”
• 6 – 2×4 @ 28 1/2″
• 2 – 1×12 @ 63 1/2″
• 5 – 2×4 @ 11 1/4″
• 2 – 2×2 @ 11 1/4″
• 2 – 2×2 @ 22 1/2″ (long point to short point, ends parallel, cut at 60 degrees off square)
• 4 – 2×2 @ 11 1/4″ (longest point to shortest point, long end cut at 60 degrees off square, short point cut at 30 degrees off square, angles are in same direction)
• 3 – 2×6 @ 74 1/2″

Step 1: How to Make a Farmhouse Console Table

The first cuts that you are going to make are for the frame of the farmhouse console table.

This project does require a kreg jig, so if you don’t know what that is or how to use it, I strongly recommend looking over this article.

First cut the 2×4’s to 28.5 inches then cut the 2×2’s to 30 inches.

After you have made your cuts, start assembling the 2 frames of the wood console table as seen in the the picture below.

Step 2: Attach the Frame to Console Table Shelves

Once the frames have been built for the farmhouse console table, attach the frames to the shelves as shown below.

The 2×4 supports need to be the same width as the 1×12 boards – expected to be 11 1/4″ wide.

Then attach the frames and shelves, so the console table will stand up.

To attach the frames to the shelves use 2 1/2″ pocket holes screw through 1 1/2″ pocket holes.

Step 3: Add the Trim to the Shelves

Then place the trim on the sides of the shelves as shown here.

Step 4: Optional X Design on the Farmhouse Console Table

Then the next step is to make the X design on the sides of the wood console table.

Each cut on the ends of the first piece is 60 degrees.

Try practicing this cut on scrap wood before you cut your final pieces.

These cuts can be a little tricky to get correct on the first try.

If you would rather not add the X design to the table, the table will still look great without this design.

Step 5: How to Adhere the Top of the Console Table

Finally you can add the top portion to the console table frame.

If you want to make a more narrow console table then you can decrease the size of the top to better fit in your home.

I recommend to first build the top of the console table with 1 1/2″ pocket holes and 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws.

Once the top has been competed then attach the top through 2×4/2×2 aprons or you can plank the top of the table.

Use your 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws to attach the top. Now you should have a completed farmhouse console table that is ready for paint and stain.

Finishing Touches

I started with a course sandpaper in 60 grit to smooth deeper scratches in the wood then transitioned to a higher grit sandpaper.

After sanding with 60 grit, I used 150 grit sandpaper then 220 grit sandpaper to smooth these areas that were deeply sanded.

For all other areas that just needed a light sanding, I used a fine 220 grit sandpaper to smooth the surface, so the stain and paint would really stick.

Stain and Paint the Console Table

I placed the console table in a well-ventilated area and a drop cloth under the table.

The stain has a strong odor because the stain is oil based, so make sure windows at least a few windows are open while staining and you wear an N95 mask and gloves. 

Next take a rag and wipe down the DIY wood console table to make sure all the sanding table has been removed.

Staining Tips and Tricks

Now that the table has been wiped clean, you can begin staining.

Grab an old t-shirt or a brush then apply a thin coat of stain in the same direction of the grain of the wood.

Let the stain sit for a few seconds then lightly wipe the stain with a t-shirt or rag.

Apply as many coats of stain as you need to achieve the color you prefer.

Make sure to wait at least an hour in between coats, so the stain applies evenly.

I applied 3-4 coats because I like a darker finish to match our Java Scrapped Pergo floors.

My Favorite Stain and Clear Coat

The Varathane Stain and Poly already had a clear coat built into the stain, so need to apply a clear topcoat.

I have also, used this same Varathane stain on my staircase and the stain looks great.

The Best Furniture Paint!

After staining the top of the console table, wipe down the bottom of the table to start painting.

To paint the console table, I used a Wooster Angled Brush and Enamel paint.

This brush did a great job to get into tighter areas and did not leave as many brush strokes compared to other brushes.

I have used enamel paint for a bathroom vanity, mirror frame, kitchen cabinets, and furniture.

So, I knew this paint would be the best paint for the console table.

How to Paint the Console Table

Be sure to paint in the same direction with light to medium pressure on the brush.

I painted on a total of 2 coats and let the paint dry a few hours in between coats.

I did not apply a top protective coat as this paint is very durable.

How the Wood Console Table is Holding Up

Our console table has been a fantastic piece in our house and is incredibly sturdy.

Surprisingly with 2 toddler boys running around, this console table is holding up really well.

Everyone that enters our home immediately compliments this farmhouse entry table.

If you have any questions, just let us know in the comments below.

Multipurpose Console Table

If you want to get more out of your console table then you should consider adding wheels and increasing the height.

Adjusting the height to counter height and attaching rotating wheels to a console table can turn this into a mini bar.

This design appears as decorative table during the day and by night it can turn into a small bar.

Whenever you have company over this can be pulled behind a couch as a sofa table for additional seating around your tv.

The options are endless for this multipurpose piece of furniture. Click here to learn how to build yours!

To see more instructions on this X Console Table, visit Ana White’s post!

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