Six-legged table bases are easy and very economical to build. Importantly, they are easy to disassemble, which is helpful in getting giant tables delivered and installed with ease.
Please reference a previous article called
Table Design Basics for a discussion of room
dimensions and seating dynamics.
Build the Base in Two Sections
The key to portability is building the base in two sections that can be
easily joined and separated as need requires. We do this by building a
four-legged base onto which a U-shaped two-legged section can be joined.
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| Jeff assembles the four legged section of the base. Note the mortise slots on the legs to the right that will accept the tenons on the second U-shaped base section. |
Jeff and Mark are stabilizing the four-
legged base section while aligning the
two-legged section for fastening |
Choose the Legs
Consider that with a big table, you want to use a big leg to keep the base
in visual scale with the expansive top and large room. I would say that a
leg with a 3 ½" square size is a good size for tables up to 10 feet long.
The table in these photos shows the 700-L dining leg.
Decide on Mortising & a Base Size
We will mortise your six legs for you when you order a six-legged base
kit, contact our sales team for a custom quote. If you want to mortise
your own, you can check the mortising standards we use.
Joining the Sections
Glue and screw a simple wood cleat to the inside faces of the apron end for the U-shaped section. Slide the tenons into the mortises and fasten the sections together with the screws. Don't use glue on these joints or you defeat the whole purpose of the two-piece base!
Moulding Detail Adds Interest
Note how the applied bead moulding adds a visual highlight to the apron edge. This is a good trick for all larger tables, not just the six-legged ones.
Finishing Up
We were going for a country look. Here Jenn paints the black over red milk paint on the base, which we've distressed.
Topping It Off
We chose pine for the top. It makes for a lighter overall weight and goes with the country theme. The top received an oil finish, which the owner will occasionally renew.
Paul, Jeff, Jenn & Heather demonstrate the proper way to move a big table. Don't let it sag in the middle when transporting an assembled six-legger, or the middle joints may break!
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Paul, Jeff, Jenn & Heather demonstrate the proper way to move a big table. Don't let it sag in the middle when transporting an assembled six-legger, or the middle joints may break! |