My wife had been begging for a farm table for what seemed like forever thanks to the inspiration of Chip and Joanna. (Don’t let me fool you, I’m as much of a fan as my wife is.) I’d often completed small wood working projects for her booth space we both enjoy as a hobby, but nothing as daunting as a farm table and bench. After all, I am a perfectionist, and knew it would need to be just right and I wanted the perfect rustic inspired wood.
While visiting my parents in Jasper, Indiana one weekend, I explained the project to my dad, who is a woodworker and HOARDER of wood. After digging through his many piles of wood stored in a barn, we found the perfect clear poplar wood planks, 14” wide. I finally had a reason to get the project started for my wife.
After driving three hours home, with the wood loaded in the truck, I got right to work researching, measuring, watching YouTube videos, and asking my dad many questions on the phone. I wanted the table to have a rustic feel and wanted to maintain the character of the planks, so I really struggled with the stain color I would use. The centerpiece on or previous dining room table was a primitive wooden tray given to us as a wedding gift, which was built by my uncle from the wood of my grandpa’s chicken coup. It is our favorite gift of all time, as my grandpa had passed since our wedding, and my favorite memories as a child were at Grandpa Lechner’s house. That was it! The inspiration for the table would be that tray! I used dark walnut Watco Danish oil and Minwax clear coat for the table top and bench. The legs were painted using Behr Premium Ultra Snowfall White.
Two days before Christmas, I was able to present my wife with her dream farm table and bench, just in time to host family and gather at the table. The first thing she used to decorate it was the tray built by my uncle from my grandpa’s chicken coup. From this project, my wife and I both made memories, overcame challenges, asked questions, and gained a sense of confidence in the furniture world! The dining room is now our favorite room in the house.
