As Lauren and my second anniversary approaches, we deicded our gift to each other would be a new dining table. We fell in love with an antique Farmhouse style table and bench in an antique store out east in Greenport. We decided to take a shot at recreating the look and feel ourselves.

After not one, but two trips to Lowes in the same day, we finally found enough 5/4 pine for the table and bench. We also have the spindles for the table and bench. (07/15/2013)

This was my excuse to pick up a new biscuit joiner from harbor freight, as I don't plan on cutting enough biscuits in my lifetime to justify spending $250 on a name brand. We stepped in 6 inches and put a biscuit every 12 inches. (07/15/2013)

Since the 36-1/4 inch table top was just slightly too wide for my 36 inch bar clamps, I had to create some makeshift clamps out of scap wood and shims. The rachet straps really helped tighten up the gaps while the glue dried. (07/15/2013)

Here we have the built up table and bench tops. In my haste, I forgot to bevel the edges of the boards on the bench, however the table has a nice 1/8 inch bevel between boards. (07/16/2013)

We cut the frame to length, cut the channels for the metal leg brackets, and cut for biscuits all around. (07/16/2013)

The frame is glued. Most of our pipe clamps were a little short on throat length, so we used some workout equipment instead. (07/16/2013)

We attached the skirting and framework, pre drilled, glued and screwed. (07/17/2013)

We used double corner braces for each leg, so that we could remove the legs for easy transportation should the occasion ever arise. (07/17/2013)

Fully constructed, ready for finishing. (07/19/2013)

The top came out a little more orange than we wanted using the "golden oak" stain, so I wiped on some espresso stain to darken it. After that we put on three coats of gloss poly. We also sanded the legs and frame, exposing the paint colors underneath, giving it an antiqued finish. (07/28/2013)

Here is the table and bench together. Unfortunately I really missed the mark attempting to duplicate the stain on the bench, and the result is much darker. I may sand it all down and try again one day, but for now, Ill use it as is. (07/31/2013)

Here is a closeup of the antiquing we did on the table legs and frame. (07/31/2013)

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