Thread: Apron size for 2.4x1m table

I'd be inclined to bump the height up to around 120 if you can, you'll get better racking resistance having a taller rail in contact with the legs. 32mm thick will be fine.

Is there anything I can do to keep it at 90? Could I add a 3rd rail that runs the length down the centre or not really worth it when it comes to racking

When I made my dining table, the rails were 90x30 from memory. It’s a little smaller than yours at 2.1x1m but there haven’t been any issues. I added some rails across the width with half sliding dovetails for extra support.

Please excuse the chalk paint. I had to come up with a compromise with the wife. With the natural timber top, I don’t actually think it was too bad in the end.

Originally Posted by qwertyu

Is there anything I can do to keep it at 90? Could I add a 3rd rail that runs the length down the centre or not really worth it when it comes to racking

I don't think a third rail will do much, but as long as your joinery is tight and solid (mortise and tenon being ideal, but big dominoes or dowels will do) you'll probably be fine. Glue and screw some decent sized corner blocks in as well and that should do the trick.

...and don't let anyone dance on it.

It very much depends on the thickness of the table top. The thicker the top, the thinner the rail needs to be.

My aprons are 90 X 42, mortise and floating tenon, with solid corner blocks as Elan suggested. No problems

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Lappa - what’s with the groove around the top of the rail? For Z fasteners?

Yep!