Trestle Table
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1 June 2017 at 5:35 am #312472
Hi there Everyone, I want to build a dining table. I’m wondering about wood species. I really like how clear Danish Oil looks on Ash, Red Oak and White Oak. I think either of these three would make a solid table. My Sweetie doesn’t want to go too dark, such as Walnut.
Also going to down-size the table to 37″ X 66″. That’s the size that fits our home. And, then of course, we’ll need six chairs.
I appreciate your thoughts and suggestions.
Thanks,AL .
What’s your budget, and what’s your question…exactly what are you wondering about wood species? It sounds like maybe you’re asking which wood to use?
If so, it’s a shame your sweetie doesn’t like darker woods — I think they’re the best for dining tables. Some options that come to mind (since you didn’t mention a budget I’ll assume you’re wealthier than Bill Gates and money is no object)
A not-too-dark-but-still-interesting wood option are the Hawaiians. Monkeypod and koa. Sure, a curly koa slab will cost you as much as a car, but I’m assuming you’re Bill Gates. We all know what it looks like, but if you’re not familiar with monkeypod, here’s a dining table done in Hawaiian monkeypod: https://www.custommade.com/hawaiian-monkey-pod-dining-table/by/customwoodworkingla/
Since it’s a trestle table, you might want a wood more suitable for something rustic or informal. Take a look at this black limba table: https://www.tehwoods.com/sites/default/files/great_color_and_figure_on_this_black_limba_tabletop_by_chastaincreations.jpg
and for a more affordable option, you can consider one of Paul Sellers’ favorite woods, mesquite, although that might be pushing the light / dark thing.Primavera is also known as the blond mahogany, here’s a surfboard fin made out of primavera by an expert fin-maker here in San Diego, John Cherry: https://www.tehwoods.com/sites/default/files/primaverfin.jpeg
and you can tone down the drama and get something much more Scandinavian-looking like this: https://www.tehwoods.com/sites/default/files/primavera_desk.jpgOn the off chance you’re not Bill Gates, and want to stick to more affordable woods but still want something special, you can always go conventional but kick it up a notch…for example, cherry is great, but you can buy curly cherry, which can be stunningly beautiful. Instead of maple, maybe ambrosia maple or birds-eye.
2 June 2017 at 4:13 am #312482Ed, Thanks for the links. I didn’t know such pretty wood exists. That monkeypod is striking.
Nope, don’t resemble Gates or his wallet. 🙂Yes I was thinking of Ash, Red Oak, or White oak, possibly quartersawn. I mentioned Danish oil because I have used it before and like the results. I just built twin Sofa tables with Cherry and like the Cherry alot as well.
Went to the where I’ve been buying wood to price out a couple choices. In Alberta, 5/4 X 4″-5″ Cherry will run me $9.60 BF. 5/4 X 4″-5″ White oak quartersawn cost $11.60 BF. These prices are very do-able.
I was wanting to confirm my thinking that the three woods I’ve picked, any one would make a fine table and chairs. Cherry is not out of the running, but sits in fourth place.
AL .
2 June 2017 at 10:35 am #312483All of them are fine for a table.
If you want some alternatives beech, elm, alder or if you want something more fancy chestnut, none of them very dark or bright.
Stains are another thing you can use for some variety. -
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