Hi All. This is my first time to post a question here. I am building a 60″ x 20″ maple table which has enclosed ends. The table is for a kitchen area and the construction is a hybrid style with a cabinet. The front and and back are open and there is a full width/length bottom shelf and a 10″ wide x full length middle shelf. The ends of the table are constructed with stiles & rails and two stacked raised panels, each 11″ wide and 9″ tall. My Question: which grain direction is appropriate for the raised panels – horizontal (11″ wide direction) or vertical (9″ tall direction)? Horizontal direction may visually help the table look wider and vertical grain direction may help the table appear to be taller (the table is only 30″ tall). Structurally, the grain direction does not make a difference in the strength of the table. One last consideration is the width of my stock. I’m using 1×4 and 1×6 sfs maple, so a vertical grain would require two glue joints whereas a horizontal grain panel would only have one glue joint. Thanks for your time and consideration with your replies. Steve
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Replies
Table would look better if the grain on the raised panels is running in the same direction as the longest dimension. Just my thought.
Are you referring to the longest direction of the raised panel (which would place the grain horizontal) or longest dimension of the table end (which would have the panels verital grain)? Thank for your reply.
How much of the table ‘end’ is visible? Does it simply look like a cabinet frame, or is there a large expanse of visible grain? I’m guessing former, but not sure. This is where a photo mock-up could be helpful, using some cut-and-paste of grain images in both directions on panels and their surrounds. Layers in photo editing/illustration software are your friend here, along with border/edge recognition. Don’t ask me for details, though, as I’m no pro with that stuff. (But I know a guy....)
To my eye vertical grain panels look "correct" ang horizontal looks "wrong". Totally subjective though.
Same as MJ. It's just whatever looks best to you.
My rule is that grain on a raised panel runs the same direction as the longest dimension of said panel. But that and $1.00 only gets you a coffee with your breakfast at McDonald’s. [Edit: This rule is open to exceptions based on everything from carcass dimensions to type of wood to weather forecasts and which party holds the governor’s office.]
Longest direction of the raised panel.
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