Custom Tables, Options, And What to Know

Custom tables. What does this phrase entail? Are there limitations? Options? Templates to follow? There are a myriad of questions that pop up and are asked throughout the table design process. We’ve dedicated a whole page going over our table options, but why not dig in a little further? Couldn’t hurt, right? To help gain a better understanding of our custom tables and what we mean, let’s look more closely and walk through the table design options.

To begin, there are a variety of ways to approach building custom tables with us. As some commit to a fully custom piece, this process begins with examples of the desired look of the custom table. After further discussion, the table design is sketched, and if needed, adjustments are made, and once the sketch is approved, we’re a go! Simple as that. To gain a deeper understanding of a true “custom” table process and read about a real life example, click here! The other option for creating custom tables would be tweaking a combination of styles and details we offer. You might be surprised how small details can alter the look of a table. Let’s take a closer peak at these variations.

SIZE

When designing with us, whether over the phone, e-mail, or in our showroom, size is the first detail to nail down. Seating charts will vary depending on the table style, but standard pedestal tables will allow seating as such: 42”x72” (seats 6-8), 42”x84” (seats 8), 42”x96” (seats 8-10), 42”x108” (seats 10). Size can be adjusted down to the inch, which is yet another perk of custom furniture.

BASE/LEG OPTIONS: WHAT WE USE TO HOLD IT UP

The chosen pedestal design will have a direct effect on the style or feel of the table. If the desired look is formal, rustic, modern, etc., the pedestal will be chosen accordingly. We offer ten pedestal/table design options, not including our metal base designs. Some of these range from the flush leg design to dozens of turned four-leg tables. There’s no shortage of options! Click here to see!

DETAILS: THE LOOK OF IT

Details can really determine the overall style of the custom tables. The choices range from top thickness, grooves, edge style, and level of distress. For top thickness we offer three sizes: 1.25”, 1.75”, and 2.25”. These size variations are subtle, but visibly alter the “mass” of the table. Grooves are simple – tables can be made with or without – they’re simply a matter of preference. Distressing ranges from a 0-10 scale. Zero is the lowest level with a fully smooth, unadulterated top. As the numbers on the scale climb, we add more nicks, dents, nail holes, and other small batterings. The more heavily distressed, the more informal the table becomes. The final detail is the table’s edge. We offer a clean edge, tumbled edge, and natural wavy edge. Self-explanatory, a clean edge is kept smooth, sharp, and crisp. A tumbled edge is battered throughout adding larger dents and depth variations in the wood. Finally, the natural wavy edge adds a more raw, curvaceous feel.

COLOR/FINISH

Color and finish are often more heavily debated table choices. We offer a large variety of stain colors, ranging from gold, red, and true browns to the simplest of grays. As always, if needed we can customize a stain color. Flat and satin are the sheens we offer. Flat, being a dull finish, while satin offers a glazed look resulting in formal custom tables.

WOOD SPECIES

For some, choosing a wood species can be difficult. Our wood species of choice are: ash, hickory, walnut, and quarter sawn red and white oak. Often our choice between these is dictated by color. However, the reasoning behind choosing these wood species is their durability and hard structure. We could go on and on about each wood species, but to keep it simple, here’s a brief explanation of each. Hickory has a smaller wood grain but offers much more color variation in its grain. Ash is blonder but has a larger wood grain. Walnut, a wood species that often needs no introduction, is naturally very rich in tone. If you ask us to stain walnut, you may find us abiding, but kicking and screaming in the process. Finally, quarter sawn red oak has a reddish undertone, while quarter sawn white oak can have a hint of a gold/white undertone. Both of these species’ wood grains are tight and small with a unique look that is due to its cut.

There’s not much to go into when discussing cross braces, benches, and table extensions, but they are options available to all.

Head spinning? Curious? Want to know what it all looks like in reality? Check out our showroom, showcasing many of these options or contact us!