How To Order a Custom Dining Table
Custom dining tables are one of our specialties. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to go about designing your own one-of-a-kind piece.
Table SHAPE
We build rectangular, oval and round dining tables. We've never built an L-shaped table, but there's a first time for everything.
The SIZE
Determine the size of your table. We've made them as small as 27" round as so far up to 140" long. Determine your size and shape.
Table BASE
Our Captain's Compass Base (bottom left in blue) can be ordered with a top up to 40" round. Capstan Bases (with the horizontal ribbing) can hold tops as large as 72" round. These bases can also be paired with rectangular tops or can be doubled depending on the size you desire. We have added two larger pedestal bases since this post was written that can hold even larger rounds and rectangles. These are not pictured here but you can find our Chunky Captain’s Compass and Super Capstan bases on our instagram.
Table Legs
Of course there are also regular table legs which we turn out of maple or white oak. Here are our different leg styles. From left to right are our Chappy, Tiki, Edgartown and Octo legs. The far right photo on the table is our new Vero leg that is almost 5" in diameter.
TOP/FINISH
Think about how you and your family are going to use this table. Is it going to serve as homework central after school, breakfast every morning or only holidays?
Knowing how you're going to use it will help you choose the right finish.
Limed oak, fumed oak stained or glass—very durable, will hardly ever show wear and tear within reason. You can leave a glass on it overnight and it's not going to be damaged because of the final clear coat we spray on it. I recommend this finish to households with small children, vacation rentals and anyone who thinks they are going to be rough on it. Here are some samples.
Lacquered Finished
If you love lacquer it can also be a durable option. Our own breakfast table is white lacquer and even after traveling to a dozen trade shows and being beaten up by teenage boys, it still looks great. I simply wipe it down with a wet rag and it's ready for the next meal. We typically recommend that if you're choosing lacquer you go with white or our Swedish Gray because they will show fewer scratches and marks in the lighter colors.
our Colors
The lighter colors are of course safer, but people know us for our lacquer and our colors and want to add that look to their own home. When we do these darker, brighter, wilder colors we take extra care to make them as durable as possible. So far, the reports are good!
You'll see throughout that there are sometimes some variations in the finish. Some are super glossy, some show grain and even a few look matte. These are all options. You'll also see some with marble tops or custom stains. These are also options. When in doubt, talk to a design professional! They really know what they're doing and are able to foresee things that most homeowners would miss such as, "Will this table go through a doorway?" Most of these tables are shipped with the legs off, but it's always good to check!
For more information, email me at duchy@dunesandduchess.com.