DIY Rustic Walnut Dining Table

In this instructable, I show you how to build a rustic dining table with Walnut wood. Even if you don't need this type of table, the woodworking tips and techniques can be applied to other projects.

There are several things which are difficult to fully explain with words and images, so be sure to check out the video tutorial above. 

Miter Saw

Track Saw

Combination Square

MFT3

Tape Measure

Festool Domino or Dowel Jig or Biscuit Jointer

Wood Glue Dispenser

Glue

Glue Applicator

Bar Clamps

Rubber Mallet

Rotex Sander or Orbital Sander

Sandpaper (40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 220, 320 grits)

Trim Router

1/4″ roundover bit

Rubio Monocoat

Nitrile Gloves

Dust Mask

Lint Free Rags

Buffing Pad for Sander

I purchased 8/4 (2" thick) black walnut wood for this dining table. Any type of wood you prefer will work for this project. I recommend the wood be at least 1" thick.

Since I don't have a planer to get both sides of the wood flat, I ordered the wood as S2S (Surface 2 Sides). Essentially, this means my hardwood dealer would get both sides of each piece of wood flat.

Each piece of wood was flat on both sides, but I still needed to square each end and get straight sides.

First, I trimmed roughly 1/2″ off each side of Walnut wood.

Some woodworkers use a jointer to get straight sides, but I don't have one. Instead, I use a track saw. Next, I used my track saw to trim roughly 1/8″ off one side of the 2" Walnut. 

Then, I measured 9" from the side I cut and repeated the process. This gave me 4 9" pieces in order to make the table 36" wide.

This track saw does a great job of cutting straight lines to get perfectly straight sides. Obviously, you need straight sides to join the wood together.

I used my festool domino as the joinery method for this walnut table top. Additionally, a biscuit joiner or dowels work as well.

First, I aligned the boards how I wanted them and stretched my tape measure from one end to the other. Next, I made a pencil mark roughly every 12″ and approximately 4″ from each end.

I aligned my festool domino with the pencil marks and cut a mortise.

After I cut each mortise, I spread glue liberally along each side of Walnut. Next, I inserted the dominos.

I used my parallel clamps to secure 2 boards together.

While working quickly, I gradually tightened the clamps from one side to the other. Once 2 boards are securely tightened and level, I loosen the clamps and attach the other 2 boards.

I used a wood caul to keep the DIY walnut dining table level before I applied the final clamping pressure. I wrapped the bottom of the wood caul with packing tape to prevent the glue from sticking.

While I realize wood sanding is boring, it is vital to wood table projects.

After many hours of sanding and experimenting, I honed in on a sanding technique that works every time.

The main component of my sanding technique is the Festool RO125 combined with a vacuum to remove the dust at the source. Ultimately, this tool improved the quality of my projects more than any other tool in my shop. However, an orbital sander works as well with a bit more elbow grease.

I sand the surface with the following grits: 40 grit, 60 grit, 80 grit, 120 grit, 220 grit, and 320 grit. Also, I put my sander in rotary mode up to 120 grit and use random orbit mode for grits above 120.

My simple wood sanding technique consists of working in a 24″ x 24″ section at a time.

First, I sand from right to left beginning at the bottom. I work my way to the top of the section. Next, I sand the same section from top to bottom.

Ultimately, it reminds me of a tic-tac-toe pattern.

I use a damp rag to clean the surface and raise the grain. I sand the surface with 320 grit sandpaper again.

Since I used Rubio Monocoat as the finish for this table, I sanded back down to 120 grit as the final grit. I find sanding up to 220 or 320 then back down to the desired grit produces a smoother surface.

After I’m done sanding, I trim each end of the table to size. Then, I used my trim router with a 1/4″ roundover bit to roundover the DIY walnut dining table.

I chose Rubio Monocoat pure to finish this walnut dining table build.

First, I mixed the 2 parts according to the instructions: 2 parts A to 1 part B. Next, I poured the finish and spread it across the table with a plastic spreader. I didn’t pour too much in order to avoid waste.

Then, I poured a little more on the opposite end of the table and repeated the process. To cover the edges, I let a bead drip over the edge and spread it before it dripped.

It is vital to not leave any material on the table, so I used a lint free rag to wipe off the visible excess. Next, I used my festool RO125 with a buffing pad to remove the remaining material.

I buffed the table for about 10 minutes.

I hired a professional welder to build the table bottom. The welder is my brother-in-law’s close friend as well.

Although this is a skill I want to learn very soon, I don’t know how to weld as of now nor do I own a welder. As can be seen in the picture, he did a fantastic job.

I hope this instructable provided you with value. Please feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions - I'm happy to help.

Be sure to checkout my YouTube channel and my website for more DIY tutorials.