Replies

1. 
   hammer1 | Feb 09, 2011 11:00pm | #1

   Tables are normally around 30" to the top, chairs seats are 18", top of your knees when seated are 24" minimum and you need a couple more inches for clearance. A coffee table at 16" is OK.

2. 
   Ckenney | Feb 10, 2011 11:10am | #3

   What table?

   As others have been mentioning, we can't answer your question without more information. 7' x 20", that's awfully long and narrow. Is this a workbench? Its really too narrow to be a dining table. Is it a sofa table for a VEEERRRRRRRRYYYYYYY long sofa? In that case use the height of the sofa for the table height. Coffee table?  Hall table?

   Please, elaborate so we can elucidate.

3. 
   HowardAcheson | Feb 10, 2011 11:59am | #4

   Here is where you want to go for all sorts of furniture dimensional standards. 

   For tables:    http://www.woodbin.com/ref/furniture/tables.htm

4. 
   PSeverin | Feb 10, 2011 01:25pm | #5

   Coffee table anyone?

   It would seem that you are making a coffee table...or a table to be used when seated on pillows as at a Japanese restaurant.  Nothing wrong with that.

   Tables are functional.  So you need to figure out how you intend to use it.  What height would make it the most functional is probably more important than a few inches one way or the other aesthetically.   

   But since you are into aesthetics, I would suggest that you mock it up with the boards (top) sets at the different heights on boxes or chairs and see what you think.    There is no one way.

   Peter

5. 
   BruceS | Feb 10, 2011 02:26pm | #6

   Is this for Snow White and friends ?   Pretty short for legs.

   So much for fun  !    A lot in going to be dependant on the thickness of the lumber used.   Is the piece going to be elegant with 3/4" stock and slim tapered legs or chunky with bold with trestle style legs? 

   Need more info.

1. 
   SgianDubh | Feb 10, 2011 07:37am | #2

   You guys are making assumptions about the table's end use, naturally. It could be a coffee table, or some sort of table to carry items that he or she wants set low, eg, TV, stereo gear, etc. The trouble is, of course, that the OP didn't give any indication of the table's purpose, so responses are likely to be limited in usefulness until there is more information. Slainte.

2. 
   9619 | Feb 11, 2011 06:33pm | #8

   Bruce,

   You hit the nail on the head.

   You gotta talk to the wood and then you gotta listen to the wood.   Nakashima was right.

   I also talk and listen to the tools.  I have one moving fillister plane which really has an attitude.  

   Mel

6. 
   SteveSchoene | Feb 11, 2011 04:00pm | #7

   In addition to explaining the use of the table, can you comment on what it is expected to hold, and how you will support that weight, (and in some cases the weight of the 200 lb. guy that sits down on the middle).  That makes a big difference in the required depth of the apron (or middle legs)  and hence another element of proportions.    

7. 
   sapwood | Feb 12, 2011 12:42am | #9

   All those other guys just can't make a decision. I say make it 21" tall.