Happy New Year! Have you made all your New Year’s resolutions yet? Perhaps you’ve already broken one or two. If one of your resolutions is to purchase a new dining table, there’s no need to fail. A Mennonite dining table that is solid wood is not easily broken! However, as you are choosing the style of table you would enjoy most, the details may seem endless. Every style exists, from several different materials, and in many different finish options. Don’t despair yet! Here’s some tips to help you navigate to a perfect purchase.
Measure your space: How heartbreaking it is to think you are coming home with your perfect table, only to find that it takes up too much space! Take the time to measure where your table will be, and consider both the width and length that would work best, including chairs, for your dining room or eating area. As you are coming up with your measurements, remember that a rectangular table that is wider than 42 inches will make passing across the table a challenge. While a little extra width may seem like a good idea in order to add room for dishes and food, the trouble reaching across to the other person will not. A round table larger than 48 inches can also have the same problem. While it may seem unique, and better for allowing more people to fit around the table, you will find yourself passing everything around the table rather than across, which may become tedious. Whatever dimensions you decide on, should you need a narrower than normal table, or one that is longer, a custom Mennonite furniture store is the place to go. While you will have to wait for your table to be crafted, the time taken will be more than made up in a solid wood table that fits your home perfectly!
To “leaf” or not to “leaf”: Now that you have measured your space and calculated the dimensions that are best for you, what do you do about the length? Most tables can be made with a solid top, or an expandable top – where the top has a slide mechanism underneath it, and “leaves” can be placed in to give extra length. Both rectangular tables and round tables can be made expandable – a round table with leaves simply becomes more oval. There’s more to this decision than what simply meets the eye, not that looks don’t matter. Solid top Mennonite tables are made with the wood grain lengthwise – this gives visual appeal, and with extensive length, prevents warping. An expandable table top must be made with the
grain crosswise so the leaves will fit the grain visually, and also prevent warping in the leaves. While the lengthwise grain may be more visually appealing, a solid top table can only be one size. With an expandable table, the option is there to have a smaller table for normal meals, and then a larger table when company is dining as well. Another consideration is whether you want a “skirt” on your table – the piece of trim that is under the table top. With a solid top, you can have one or not as you choose. With an expandable table, you will need a “skirt”, otherwise the expanding mechanism will show. Take the time to decide which “visual” makes you happy, but also which makes the most sense for
your lifestyle and your space.
Thinking thickness: How thick do you want your table top? If you haven’t thought of this detail before, not to worry! You’re not alone. Most shoppers for a Mennonite table would simply take what they see, without considering that there might be a different option. Working with a custom Mennonite furniture store gives you the choice – do you like a chunky, rustic look or a sleek, modern look? Which vibe fits your home, or which width fits the grip of your hand better? Table tops can range from 7/8 inch to 1 3/4 inches thick – the standard thicknesses being 7/8, 1 1/4, and 1 3/4 inches. Purchasing your table from a custom Mennonite furniture store also gives you the benefit of a solid wood table – whichever thickness you choose, it will be solid wood...no particle core, no sawdust and glue with veneer on top...just strong, lasting, stained real wood! Of course, the thickness of your top will depend on the base you choose. Look for those tips, and more, in my next blog: Dining Delight, Part II.
While we pause our discussion for now, we are always available to help, and will try to answer any questions you might have. Contact us - we love our “custom”ers!
As always, Jesus Christ is the most important Person you will ever know. Faith in Him is solid and sure – better than any solid wood table you can find! Check out my blog post, “The True Tableland”, and think about making this new year the best you’ve had with God.
~ Katherine
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