2m x 2m Dining Room Table

[RicB]

I have been approached by a work mate to see if I was interested to make him a 2m x 2m :o dining room table.

I asked him why he wanted such a big table and he replied that he built his dining room to accomodate such a large table and that's what he wants.

So my question to the all knowing is.......will I need to reinfocre this table above and beyond what a normal sized table needs? I was thinking of using a recycled hard wood as he wants the distressed look.

Any pointers or tips would be appreaciated as I have never built such a large table before.

[AlexS]

If the table has 4 legs and rails, here shouldn't be any problems. Just remember to allow for cross-grain expansion of the top. I'd do it by attaching the top using buttons but you could use figure 8 clips.
For a top that size, I'd alternate the direction of the growth rings, but keep the grain direction the same for all the boards. Use biscuits to align the boards, and clean them up with a plane & scraper later.

[RicB]

Thanks for the info Alex. So you don't think it will require extra support across the middle?

BTW, I clicked on your website link, very nice work.......

[AlexS]

Thanks Soredust.

Shouldn't imagine it would need any support, assuming it's about 20mm or more thick, and has rails supporting it on all four sides. Mortice the rails into the legs, or better still, use dovetail tenons.

The major problem with a table that size is if the legs rack, so you could put diagonal braces about half way down (or lower), or use deep rails, say 150mm. You can put an arch in the underside, you need the depth at the ends.

[Wongo]

It is a big table. Make sure you have no problem getting the table to its final destination; doors, hall ways and tight corners, etc.

It should be a fun project.:2tsup:

[Harry72]

Yep Wongy tis correct a 2m square table will a PITA to move about in a house, remember a standard door is 2040 high.
You'll definitely need the top detachable, which it will be if you take Alex's advice:)

[bsrlee]

From experience with a 2100 x 900 -ish heavy Tassie Oak table - the metal connectors won't hold the top to the under frame if they try to move it by lifting the top. Use wooden blocks cut to an inverted 'L' that lodge in rebates/dados cut into the frame & are screwed to the underside of the top with #12 all tread screws. This gives plenty of room for cross grain movement and should hold up to a fair of abuse if made solidly.

You may also need to consider making the top in 2 pieces like an expanding table, just to be able to get it into the room without taking out a window or wall. If the 'customer' is willing to consider it, maybe a single leaf expanding table is what he really needs - it would give him more room to move when he is not in entertainment mode.

A 2000x2000 table is going to need a train set to move the salt & pepper around too :U A basic 'home' train table is around 1800x1200.

[RicB]

Yes, the size could be a problem when it comes to delivery. I had allways planned on using buttons to attach the top so removing the top for transport would be a no brainer. Still, a framework to support a 2m x 2m top will be a handfull, but I'm sure it will be doable:2tsup:

[Different]

Sounds like a once in a lifetime opportunity to make a big arsed table on a central pedestal something that to my mind does not work on smaller tables as everybody has a leg right in front of them but one this size it is a great idea.

I would try to talk the guy into a round or oval top you get more seating places on a round table.
Both Sam Maloof and George Nakashima have made some excellent large size tables so it might be worth while looking at their work.


Ross