Easy To Make DIY Farmhouse Table Riser

If you’d like an Easy to Make DIY Farmhouse Table Riser, check out this tutorial.

I used new wood but added a rustic appearance by distressing the wood and using a dry brush chalk paint technique.

I’ve wanted a long table riser for a couple of years, and when Allison at American School of Charm asked me to join a DIY Blogger’s Challenge, I knew it was finally time to make one for our Christmas Holiday Party. Be sure to see all the other creative DIY Table Risers at the end of this post.

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What Is A Table Riser?

A table riser creates visual interest to table centerpieces, vignettes and bookshelves by elevating certain items at varying heights.

You can use a table riser to add height to candlesticks, floral arrangements, centerpiece items, and more.

What are Table Risers Made From?

You will find that table risers can be made from various materials, including wood, metal, glass, ceramic, and plastic.

To create table risers, you can use a wooden slice, stacked plates, books, and cake plates.

We are building the table riser from new wood for today’s project. You can see all the materials and tools listed at the end of this post.

How To Build The Wood Table Riser

Begin by cutting your 4′ board down to 40″ long. Due to the width of the board, a table saw is the easiest method. However, if you are purchasing from Lowes Home Improvement or Home Depot, they will usually cut the board to size at the store.

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Attach Smaller Board

Adding a second board to the farmhouse style riser, gives it added dimension and more character.

It is easy to attach the board with wood glue. Begin by placing the smaller board in the exact center of the larger board and use a pencil to mark the placement. Then turn the board over and apply a very thin layer of glue over the surface of the backside. You don’t want the glue to seep out from under the top board because your stain will not adhere to the glue properly. Should this occur, be sure to wipe away the excess glue quickly and thoroughly.

Clamp and Wait Until Dry

Next clamp the two boards together until the glue is dry. In addition, place a protective layer between the top board and the clamp to prevent bruising of the delicate pine wood.

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Add Feet to the DIY Farmhouse Riser

Now that the glue has dried, you can add the feet to the bottom board.

Begin by determining the location of the feet. I decided to place them just inside the corners of the top board. Then drill a 3/16″ hole, using a cordless drill, approx. 1″ deep, allowing the hole to go through the 1″ board and slightly into the 1/4″ board. .

Next, cut the dowel rod into 4 – 1 1/2 inch pieces.

Note: the length of the dowel rod pieces may need to be adjusted depending on the depth of the hole in the ball knobs.

Add a drop of wood glue to both ends of the dowel rod and insert in the ball knob as well as the drilled hole in the bottom of the riser. Also, add a drop of glue to the flat area of the ball knob and be sure that it is pressed tight against the bottom of the riser.

Allow to Dry

In order to allow the glue to dry, I placed the riser on a level surface (the floor LOL) and placed heavy books on top. This will assure that the ball knobs don’t shift and become uneven.

Rudy doesn’t understand what’s going on!!

The DIY Farmhouse Riser is Built

The options to finish your DIY Farmhouse Riser are unlimited. However, here is how I decided to finish my riser.

First, in order to make the edges less sharp, use a mouse sander to round of all the edges, including the top board edges.

In addition, you distress the wood more by using a hammer, nails and screws to make dings and dents in the wood. This will make the wood have a reclaimed wood appearance if that is the look you desire. Here is a great tutorial on making new wood appear old.

Stain the Riser

Now you can choose to stain the riser any color of your choice. For this step, I used Antique Walnut Gel Stain, which can be applied with a clean cloth.

Note: If you plan to paint your riser, you may still want to apply a base of stain to achieve a reclaimed wood appearance.

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Paint the DIY Riser

Next, I choose to use a dry brush technique to create an aged looking Farmhouse Style Riser. You can see this post for the Dry Brush Technique.

White Chalk Paint with a Clear Wax Finish was chosen because most of my tables are darker wood and I wanted the table riser to shine.

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I used a similar technique to make our wood ceilings look like reclaimed wood. See the step by step tutorial here.

Perfect Table Riser for Holiday Events

This larger table riser will be perfect for the any party and the upcoming holidays especially.

The DIY Napkins tutorial was shared on this previous post.

Antique Candle Company – Tree Farm is perfect for the holidays!

Materials Needed For DIY Farmhouse Table Riser

• 1 – Select Pine Board – 1x10x4
• 1 – Select Pine Board – 1/4x6x3
• 4 – Unfinished Ball Knob – 2 1/2 “
• 1 – Dowel Rod 3/16″ x 12″
• Wood Glue
• Stain
• Chalk Paint

Tools Needed For Table Riser

• Cordless Drill
• Mouse Sander
• Table Saw
• Clamps

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See how beautiful the table riser is on this Christmas Tablescape.

See More DIY Table Riser Inspiration – Click on Below Links

Suzanne – Shop at Blue

Jayne – Chalking Up Success

Rene – MTB Home Living

Kimberly – From Farmhouse to Florida

Allison – American School of Charm

Mrs. Coleman

Jennifer – J Dub by Design

Donna – Modern on Monticello

Sydney and Co. Blog

Jennifer – Cottage on Bunkerhill

Kim – Cottage in the Mitten

Sonya Burgess

Leslie – Feet Under My Table

Thanks for stopping by today.

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