Sometimes, a standard, prebuilt piece of furniture just doesn’t cut it. Because I love chevron and herringbone patterns and wanted something very specific for this dining space, my hubby whipped up this beautiful table for me! Watch below how we created this fast and inexpensive custom table. The full video is at the bottom of the post. Be sure to like and subscribe for more renovation and building tips and tricks.
Why Herringbone?
Herringbone custom dining tables have a distinctive pattern that creates a visually stunning effect on the tabletop. The herringbone pattern is created by arranging the wood pieces in a diagonal V-shape, which can be made using a variety of wood species and finishes. This style is perfect for that “extra touch” on a kitchen remodel or transformation house.
Besides being customizable in terms of size, shape, and finish, these tables can also be tailored to fit the specific needs and aesthetic preferences of the buyer. This level of customization can create a sense of uniqueness and personalization for the buyer.
In terms of functionality, herringbone custom dining tables are sturdy and durable, making them a great investment for long-term use.
Time Needed:
This was a quick project and only took about 4 hours from start to finish, although you need a day for the stain to dry completely. The biggest reason for the speed is that we purchased pre-made legs. These chunky, farmhouse table legs come unfinished and are a great price for a set of 4.
Tools Needed:
- Magno Grip Quick Snap Pencil Magnet (JK. You don’t actually need it, but Stanley does! He doesn’t go a day without it.)
- Saw Horses
- Circular Saw
- Saw Guide
- Speed Square
- Miter Saw
- Kreg Pocket Hole Jig
- Drill
- Sander
- Tape Measure
- Level
- A Layout Tool (For measuring/marking wood at a 45-degree angle for the herringbone pattern.)
- A Blower (to get rid of the sawdust while working)
- Nail Gun (We call ours Penny the Pin Gun)
Materials Needed:
We make lots of runs to Home Depot and Lowes, but if you don’t have a big box store handy, you can order most of your supplies directly from Amazon.
- 4 Premade Table Legs
- 1 4×8 Sheet of Plywood (1/2″ thick)
- 9 1x6x6 Pine Boards
- 3 1x2x8 Pine Boards
- 2 1x4x8 Pine Boards (for the table apron)
- Wood Glue
- Wood Filler
- 3″ Wood Screws
- Pin Nails
- 220 Grit Sandpaper
- Wood Stain (Your color choice. We mixed two stains together for the color we wanted.)
Building Tips:
If you are new to creating a herringbone pattern whether it be for a floor, wall, or table like this, here are a few tips to help you out:
- Mark the centerline: Start by finding the center point of the table and marking a straight line across the center using a straight edge and pencil. This line will act as a reference point for laying out the pattern.
- Create a template: Create a template of the herringbone pattern on a piece of paper or cardboard, and use it to determine the layout of the pattern on the table. This will help you visualize the final result and ensure that the pattern is centered.
- Dry fit the pattern: Before gluing down the pieces, dry fit the pattern using dry tiles or planks to make sure everything fits together as expected. Adjust the pattern as needed to ensure it is centered.
- Use a carpenter’s square: When gluing down the pieces, use a carpenter’s square to make sure the pieces are at a perfect 90-degree angle to the centerline of the table. This will help keep the pattern straight and centered.
- Be patient and take your time: Centering a herringbone pattern on a table takes time and patience. Take your time, double-check your measurements, and make sure everything is properly aligned before gluing down the pieces.
Watch the full video to see each step of the process. And as always, don’t forget to like and subscribe.