[Duane Bledsoe]

We moved into this house 3 years ago. At that time it was a major downsize for us. Went from 2-1/2 stories down to one. So we sold our massive 8’ long kitchen table and bought a little round table about 42” in diameter.

Well, my wife wasn’t thrilled with it and asked me if I had the skill to build one. I have made a lot of things including the bed we sleep in but as you move through our house and look at what all I’ve made you can see the various stages of my woodworking development. I wasn’t 100% sure how well making a table and stools that could support our weight would come out. Nevertheless I committed and we sold our newest table for $200 and I had to try to build a complete set on that budget.

Well.....I made it! Came in right at the money mark for a completed set (minus the finish).

We have a small kitchen with limited counter space. She asked for a farm table that was countertop height to double as an island and work space when making meals. She wanted stools that can slide completely under the table out of the way, and also be comfortable to sit on. It had to look a certain way and be strong and fully functional, large enough to work but not take up too much space in our small 12x14 kitchen. When building things like this getting the proper proportions are a must so I took tons of measurements and drew the complete design on paper before ever cutting a single board.

I had this usable last fall but we didn’t decide on what finishes we wanted until just now. Today I painted a semi-solid red stain on the table base and applied three layers of water based satin polyurethane over the already stained top. More pics as I get it finished up.

 

[Cherryville Chuck]

I like the design, especially the ends. It looks solid which will be important if she does things like roll out pie dough on it.

 

[DaninVan]

Nice design and great execution, Duane! I really like that tone of red; same as our feature wall in the living room.
Personally, I'm not a big fan of stools for sitting down to a meal...I like to slouch.

 

[Duane Bledsoe]

Thank you. We perused Pinterest for some ideas about how it could look but we created the design ourselves. She wanted the ends of the table to resemble a window sash. I recreated it on a smaller scale for the stools but did not do an exact copy. Some of the construction was different but the cosmetic details were maintained. The stools were made like a window sash without grids while the table “sash” has a grid.

The set is made from dimensional lumber. I bought 2x6’s to make all of the framing and ripped them to size so I could get quarter sawn and rift sawn wood for maximum stability. Seems to have worked. Not so much as a whiff of twist or bowing to be seen. I used Doug fir 4x4’s for the table legs and full width 2x8’s for the top. I did not get fancy with joinery. Just used pocket hole screws everywhere. I fastened the table and stool tops to the frames using bolts recessed and hidden below wooden button caps (only on the table so far, stools awaiting finishing). The 4x4’s were half lap notched at the top to hold the table top frame so the “window sash” end stands out. The top had to be removable in case we ever move, we need to be able to get it out a door. Top measures 36x60. Frame width is under 22”. With the top removed it easily goes through any door.

 

[Duane Bledsoe]

DaninVan you’d be surprised how comfortable it is. The size of the stool stretchers and height was made so someone can rest their feet on them, as is the cross stretcher on the bottom of the table frame. Place feet on either of these and lean forward on your elbows for complete comfort. The stool seats are large. 18” across, and three 2x6’s wide for 18x16-1/2” seats. I was worried about losing the ability to lean back in a chair when we built this but I have not missed it at all. We have spent as long as 2 hours just sitting around the table in conversation or playing games.

 

[Duane Bledsoe]

More pics of the set during construction.

 

[Duane Bledsoe]

Pics from today, table being finished.

 

[DesertRatTom]

Nice practical project. Are you going to keep the stools light. I kind of like the contrast.

 

[JOAT]

Nice design and great execution, Duane! I really like that tone of red; same as our feature wall in the living room.
Personally, I'm not a big fan of stools for sitting down to a meal...I like to slouch.

Yeah. But I'm not a fan of the stools either, I like to be able to lean back, and not keep on leaning.

 

[Duane Bledsoe]

No she wants them to be solid red, seats and all. I think it will look nice but I told her I can always paint over stain but can’t really stain over paint without a whole lot of sanding. So choose wisely. She still wants solid red.

 

[old55]

Great job Duane.

 

[JIMMIEM]

Nice work. Great looking project.

 

[sreilly]

A happy wife is a happy life, go for the red......just saying. Great project and looks like a solid build. A fitting country kitchen table and benches. Well done.

 

[marecat3]

I think having the base of the stools match the base of the table and the tops matching the top of the table would be very nice, but it is what ever she wants.

 

[harrysin]

I can't believe that you could possibly forget to post such a wonderful thread including the photo-shoot. I hope it will rub off on other members to SHOW how they made their projects.

 

[DaninVan]

No she wants them to be solid red, seats and all. I think it will look nice but I told her I can always paint over stain but can’t really stain over paint without a whole lot of sanding. So choose wisely. She still wants solid red.

Until She doesn't... :wink:

 

[TenGees]

Nice job, Duane. Thanks for the pics.

Like Chuck, I think the ends of the table are really nice. A simple/clean addition that makes the table look unique.

 

[OPG3]

That is SUPER COOL!

Duane, Your wife is very smart and quite observant

She asked for a farm table that was countertop height to double as an island and work space when making meals. She wanted stools that can slide completely under the table out of the way, and also be comfortable to sit on. It had to look a certain way and be strong and fully functional, large enough to work but not take up too much space in our small 12x14 kitchen.

That is GREAT! In my opinion, if your wife knows your skill level and what your family's needs are - you are on to something very rewarding! My wife is also very much that way, and it is such a blessing. As a child, her Dad owned a rather large furniture manufacturing business and he was a Master Wood Worker. There was nothing that I know of that her Dad couldn't build TOP NOTCH! Because of that, she was a bit spoiled - because I'll probably never be able to do the masterful work of him - but now she often requests things that I can build suitably for her or our daughters!
I am quite impressed with this table and stools setup and your execution of the same. I think BOTH OF YOU deserve a pat on the back!

Otis Guillebeau from Auburn, Georgia

 

[Duane Bledsoe]

I can't believe that you could possibly forget to post such a wonderful thread including the photo-shoot. I hope it will rub off on other members to SHOW how they made their projects.

I know! I took all these shots and they made it to Facebook but somehow I missed posting it here. I did post other things I was making for the shop at the time, my miter saw stand, and plans I had for a mobile work bench which did finally get built and posted here too. Just somehow forgot to post this, and it was the biggest project I’ve ever had (aside from a room addition).

 

[JOAT]

DaninVan you’d be surprised how comfortable it is. The size of the stool stretchers and height was made so someone can rest their feet on them, as is the cross stretcher on the bottom of the table frame. Place feet on either of these and lean forward on your elbows for complete comfort. The stool seats are large. 18” across, and three 2x6’s wide for 18x16-1/2” seats. I was worried about losing the ability to lean back in a chair when we built this but I have not missed it at all. We have spent as long as 2 hours just sitting around the table in conversation or playing games.

With me, and my back, I have doubts that I could even make it thru a meal if I did not have a back support to ease my back against every little bit, let alone two hours. Me and stools just can't get along anymore.