Last week, we looked at a few decisions to think about when it comes to purchasing a dining table – width and length, expandable or solid, and the thickness of the top. In this part, we are going to look at some other details you will want to decide before you make the final purchase.
Beyond Bases: The thickness of your table top may depend on the base of your Mennonite table. The options are endless, and not always practical! With a rectangular table, you always have the option of simply four legs, one at each corner. This is more minimalist in style, and creates a simple presentation. You do lose, however, a little seating space, as no one can be seated comfortably at the corner of your table. Trestle bases have become quite popular, with a beam in the center, and two cross pieces at each end of the beam. Some of these bases work well with expandable tables, while others do not – be sure to check with your custom Mennonite furniture shop before purchasing. You do have the added advantage of being able to use every side and corner of your table, but one recommendation is check on how far the base feet come out to the edge of your table top. You may have a problem with your chairs not being able to tuck in under the table, or company having to put their feet up on the base in order to sit at your solid wood table. Trestle bases can also be chunkier or finer – choose the style the best suits the vibe of your home. If you have a chunky, solid looking x-base, then you may want a thicker top. If you are more of a minimalist in style, then a tapered leg basic table with a thinner top would likely suit you best. Metal bases are also making a statement, often in black, with a lighter wood top. If you are going with a metal base, you may also want a thicker top – it lends flair to your table. For a round table, you also have the option of a pedestal – and again, the options seem endless. A simple pedestal is modern, paired with a grey stain. A round pedestal, such as our Lakehouse table, also has a unique look and will suit any home. Metal bases also work with round tables, with unique leg placement – and you can still have four legs on a round table as well, if you would rather stick to the minimal style.
Which wood would a woodchuck…: Another detail you will want to decide is which type of wood you are looking for in a table. Again, the choices are many, and you will need to likely decide on your budget before you choose your wood. Wormy, or ambrosia, maple is a popular and practical choice now – it is maple with extra grain coloring and also the unique holes that add character. If you are concerned about food getting in the holes, as some people are, then a custom Mennonite furniture shop should be able to fill the holes so that the graining still exists. Walnut works well in live edge tables, as does spalted maple. However, they are not as budget friendly as other woods. Pine can be beautiful, but it is soft, and marks and dents easily. Ash will also run a little higher in price, due to the nature of the wood, and the difficulty working it into something beautiful and of quality. Whichever wood you choose, make sure that the furniture shop of your choice is using a solid product, and not veneer.
Traditionally Unique: Another option that comes with a table is the choice of top detailing. A smooth, traditional edge table may fit your dining area with style, especially if you looking for minimalist options. However, choices are available to have something a little more unique. Live edge tables were already mentioned and can be a beautiful addition to any décor, especially with colored epoxy added. These tables cannot be made expandable, however.
An option available for expandable tables is “sawcut.” These are more rustic in look, with sawcut marks across the top of the table. Another feature is “wirebrush” rustic, which has smaller marks in the table top, but a smooth feel. The possibilities are endless, but don’t despair. As you have worked through each of these details step by step, the next one becomes easier to navigate because you have already decided some details, so the next decision needs to fit what you've already chosen. Working with a custom Mennonite furniture store also makes the decisions easier!
Stain your Statement: Keep in mind that color matters! Since you are working with a custom furniture store that makes solid wood furniture, you will need to choose your stain. Again, options abound, and the samples you will see will not always turn out exactly as shown. A stain sample on maple versus wormy maple will be slightly lighter. Oak has more grain and will have more variation than a clear maple sample. The sanding also makes a difference as to how light or dark the stain is. However, the basic tones and shades should still be the same, and you will still have a beautiful table to dine at! Keep in mind how much light is in your dining area – if you have a lot of light, a dark table may be great. If your area is darker, you may want to lighten your space with a lighter table. One amazing look is to have a light table with dark chairs – which can be either black or dark brown. Bear in mind that if you simply clear coat your table, it will yellow over time. While warm, if that is not a tone you care for, using a natural stain, or a Minwax Simply White stain, will give you the look you want without the danger of yellowing. Sawcut tables look really good with a warm
brown stain and dark chairs. Basic tables suit the lighter tones. Looking at a live edge table? The choice is yours! Go unique, and stand out of the crowd! Any custom Mennonite furniture store should be able to take the time to help you decide which color suits you and your room. While you may be tempted to match your flooring or the cabinets in your open concept kitchen, usually it is best to deliberately choose something complementary but not matching. Unless the pieces are finished at the same time in the same finishing room, they will not be the same – and then you will be left with having looked like you tried to match and failed. Better to go for flair rather than failure!
As any Mennonite custom shop should, we are happy to take time with you and help you work through every detail of your dining table decision. When you are happy, then we are happy, too! Contact us with your questions and inspirational photos anytime.
~ Katherine
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