What to Know When Configuring a Custom Dining Table
A custom dining table is more than just a place to eat—it's the centerpiece of your dining room, a gathering space for family and friends, and a piece of furniture that can last for generations. At Tarpley Woodworks, we specialize in creating custom dining tables that perfectly blend form, function, and style. Whether you're building a table for everyday use or a showpiece for special occasions, there are several important factors to consider before finalizing your design.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the essential things you should know when configuring your custom dining table to ensure that it’s the perfect fit for your home, needs, and lifestyle.
- Table Size and Shape
Consider the Space: The first thing to consider when designing your custom dining table is how much space you have in your dining room or eating area. You’ll need to measure the space carefully to ensure that your table fits comfortably while allowing enough room for chairs and people to move around.
- Standard Dimensions: A typical dining table for 4-6 people is around 60-72 inches long and 36-42 inches wide. For 6-8 people, a table that's 72-84 inches long is ideal. The width can vary depending on your style, but around 40-48 inches is common.
- Comfortable Seating: You’ll need about 24-30 inches of space per person along the sides of the table. The space between the edge of the table and the wall or any other furniture should be at least 36 inches to allow for easy movement.
Shape Choices:
- Rectangular: The most traditional and versatile shape. It works well in most rooms and can accommodate more guests.
- Round: Ideal for smaller spaces or for a more casual, intimate dining experience. A round table also promotes easier conversation.
- Square: Works well for small dining rooms or in modern spaces. It’s great for 4 people but may feel a bit cramped for larger groups.
- Oval: A more contemporary option that gives you the length of a rectangular table but with rounded edges that are easier to navigate in tight spaces.
- Wood Selection
The type of wood you choose will influence the look, feel, and durability of your table. At Tarpley Woodworks, we offer a range of beautiful hardwoods that are perfect for custom dining tables. Each type of wood has its own characteristics, and understanding these differences will help you choose the best option for your needs.
- Oak: Known for its durability and classic appeal, oak is an excellent choice for families or people who need a hard-wearing surface.
- Walnut: If you're looking for luxury and elegance, walnut's rich, dark tones and beautiful grain make it a standout option.
- Cherry: Over time, cherry darkens and gains a rich patina, making it perfect for a timeless, heirloom-quality table.
- Maple: A versatile and durable hardwood, maple is a great choice for contemporary, minimalist tables with a smooth, even grain.
- Pine: If you’re after a more rustic, country-style table, pine offers a lighter, more casual aesthetic with natural knots and grain variations.
The wood selection will also impact the cost of the table, as hardwoods like walnut and cherry tend to be more expensive than pine or maple. If you're on a budget but still want a high-end look, consider choosing a more affordable wood like maple or alder and customizing it with a rich stain or finish.
- Finish and Staining
The finish you choose will not only affect the appearance of the table but also its durability and ease of maintenance. A high-quality finish will protect your table from spills, scratches, and stains, while also enhancing the natural beauty of the wood.
- Natural/Oiled Finish:A simple, natural finish preserves the wood’s texture and color, giving it a soft, matte look. This finish is often used on rustic or farmhouse-style tables to highlight the natural grain and character of the wood.
- Stain and Lacquer:Staining your table can dramatically change its appearance, allowing you to match the wood to the rest of your decor. Dark stains can give lighter woods like oak or maple a rich, luxurious appearance, while lighter stains can brighten up the room and create a more airy feel. Once stained, applying lacquer will give the table a durable, glossy finish that’s resistant to wear and moisture. Lacquer is a popular choice because it creates a strong, smooth surface that’s easy to clean and maintain, making it ideal for high-use surfaces like dining tables.
Consider the level of upkeep you’re willing to commit to when selecting a finish. Oil finishes require periodic reapplication to maintain their beauty, whereas lacquer finishes are more durable and require less maintenance over time, though they may be harder to repair if scratched. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer a more natural, matte look (oil) or a glossy, high-shine finish (lacquer).
- Leg Style and Base Design
The base of your custom dining table is just as important as the tabletop itself. The style of the legs and base can drastically change the overall look and feel of the piece. Here are some common base options:
- Pedestal Base: A single, central support base that allows for more flexibility in seating arrangements since there are no legs at the corners. Ideal for smaller spaces or round tables.
- Trestle Base: Two large supports on either side with a beam connecting them. This style often gives a rustic or traditional feel and works well for longer tables.
- Four Legs: The classic table design with legs at each corner, perfect for a more formal or traditional dining setting.
- Metal: For a modern-industrial look, metal table legs or bases are a good option. There are plenty of styles of metal legs on the market to fit almost any aesthetic.
The style of the base will also affect the table's stability and how easily it can be moved. Some bases, like trestle or pedestal styles, provide a bit more flexibility and strength, while four-legged tables can offer a more traditional look.
- Edge Profile
The edge profile refers to the shape of the outer edge of the table’s top. While many custom dining tables feature clean, straight edges, there are a variety of profiles you can choose from, depending on your aesthetic preferences:
- Straight Edge: A clean, minimalist look that works well for modern or contemporary styles.
- Rounded Edge: Softens the overall look and adds a bit of elegance to the design, making it great for both traditional and transitional spaces.
- Live Edge: If you’re going for a rustic or natural look, live-edge tables with raw, unrefined edges bring the beauty of the wood’s natural shape into the design.
- Beveled Edge: Offers a more refined, sophisticated look that’s perfect for formal or classic dining rooms.
- Seating Capacity
It’s important to think about how many people you typically entertain and what kind of gatherings you plan to host. Here are some general guidelines for seating:
- 4-6 people: A table that’s 60-72 inches long should comfortably seat 4-6 people.
- 6-8 people: A table that’s 72-84 inches long will be a better fit for 6-8 people, especially if you plan to host larger dinners.
- 10+ people: For large families or regular entertainers, you may want to consider a table that’s 90 inches long or more.
Make sure to account for enough space for chairs and for people to move around comfortably. If you plan on having frequent guests, consider adding extendable leaves to your table so you can easily adjust the size when needed.
- Budget
Custom dining tables are an investment, and the cost can vary significantly depending on the materials, size, complexity, and finish. While we specialize in high-quality custom furniture that is built to last, it’s important to establish a budget early in the process. This will help guide your decisions regarding wood choice, table size, and design features.
Generally, the cost of a custom dining table will depend on:
- Wood type: Premium hardwoods like walnut or cherry will cost more than pine or oak.
- Size: Larger tables require more material, which can increase the cost.
- Finish and detailing: Custom finishes, intricate edge work, or unique base designs will add to the overall price.
At Tarpley Woodworks, we work closely with our clients to create tables that fit both their vision and their budget. We’ll help you make choices that balance beauty and function while ensuring that you get the most value for your investment.
Final Thoughts
Designing a custom dining table is an exciting opportunity to create a piece that reflects your unique style and meets your functional needs. By considering the size, wood type, finish, base design, and seating requirements, you can build a table that perfectly complements your home and lifestyle.
At Tarpley Woodworks, we specialize in crafting beautiful, high-quality custom dining tables that will be the centerpiece of your home for years to come. Ready to get started? Contact us today to discuss your vision, and let’s build the perfect table for your space!