Replies

1. 
   Rich14 | Aug 30, 2006 09:46pm | #1

   tarsalas,

   Trestle tables are among my favorite designs and despite their simplicity can be very elegant. I assume you have breadboard ends in mind?

   But they generally don't have extensions as part of the design. The table is fully "open" all the time. You could design extensions by running rails under the top which slide through the horizontal support members. The rails when extended would hold the extensions, which would have to be stored away from the table when not in use.

   Rich

2. 
   cscwem | Aug 30, 2006 11:12pm | #2

   one way of dealing with this is to add the extensions to the ends instead of adding to the middle. 

   glue up the table top the full length of the desired "expanded" size say 8' or whatever then cut 12-18" off of each end to make the "unexpanded" size either 6' or 5' respectively... by doing this the grain runs all the way through the table when expanded.

   i've used a pair of runners under each of the wings that slide into mating pockets under the body of the main table, but there are any number of ways to attach the extensions...

   biggest problem is the storage of the extensions, not nearly as convienent as a traditional leaf table that stores the leaves under the main top....also not conducive to breadboard ends...

    

1. 
   tarsalas | Sep 01, 2006 09:41pm | #3

   Thanks.  I had not thought of the extensions on the end, with sliding runners underneath.

3. 
   Jamie_Buxton | Sep 03, 2006 06:08am | #4

   I solved the problem a slightly different way.   I built the trestle table the traditional way -- without leaves.   (Leaves just don't belong on trestle table, IMHO!)  I also built a side table in the same height, style, and wood as the trestle table.   The side table has one drop leaf.   The side table usually sits against a wall with the drop leaf down, and functions as a sideboard.   To add two seats to the dining table, the side table gets moved to the end of the dining table.  To add four seats to the dining table, the drop leaf gets deployed.   

1. 
   imcfo | Sep 03, 2006 05:55pm | #5

   That was my solution, too. I built two and use one as a credenza until it is needed for extra seating. Then the two tables are placed end to end.

4. 
   cadiddlehopper | Sep 04, 2006 06:04am | #6

   Tage Frid described a method for extending a tabletop in a very old issue of FWW. It involved "leaves" which stored under the center tabletop. If you are interested, I'll hunt down the issue for you unless you can do it for yourself. Hinged end leaves would be easy, but they probably can't meet the aesthetic requirements. LOL!!

   Cadiddlehopper

1. 
   SAyotte | Nov 10, 2020 08:51pm | #7

   I would be interested in knowing what issue it was in. Thanks