Pecan Harvest Table...

[steve_g]

A Question here for some of the more experienced furniture/table builders…
How far do the pedestals need to be mounted in from the ends of the table to allow an adult to comfortably sit at the ends of the table?
Thanks!
SG

[dmidkiff]

When my customer wanted an overhang on the countertop for eating space I used 9" for leg room. I think 9" would be minimum.

[jTr]

We have a "costume" furniture dining table at my home. They placed cross-brace leg stretcher at knee height on the table ends- probably about 9-10" in. I cannot sit there without adding more discoloration to my shins. (Yes, of course a "real" table is on the honey-do list....)

Meanwhile, the benefits of the trestle style you've got going is the single post. In most cases, knees will straddle it. Bear in mind, as you push them in from the ends, the people on the sides will now have it as an obstacle. However, based on the single post, you should easily be able to determine the sweet spot for placement.

Grab a chair and sit down. How far do your knees protrude from your belly when seated upright with feet flat on the floor (18" seat height) or on first rung if they're bar stools ? (depends on the size of your belly, but lets assume you're fairly trim....)
I would peg that at a minimum 12", with 14" being maximum required clearance. As long as table width is 32 or better, your guests on the table sides should be in good shape as well.

But that's just how I'd go about it....

Good luck- you have a good looking table there!

Jeff

[steve_g]

Architectural standards on the web were all over the place, anywhere from 6” to 18”!
I still remember, as a child, I watched someone at a church picnic lean too hard on the end of a table. What a hilarious mess! I didn’t want that possibility with this table… I settled on 12”. It appears to be a good choice; I can sit on the end without flipping the table. My stretcher tenons are knee knockers and I’ll need to trim them back a bit…
Thanks for your input… it helped confirm what my gut was telling me!
SG

[guitarwes]

Beautiful table. Those tenons remind me of the hitch sticking out on the back of my truck. Ouchy shin.

[Ajcoholic]

Depends upon the overall size. On a large top ( like the 48" x 100" walnut top) I'll leave 16". On a smaller top 10" minimum to 12".

On a related note, on an eating counter I'll leave between 10" and preferably 12".

[steve_g]

Thought I’d wrap up this thread… Here’s the table with about six coats of Tung oil… I was going to put a few more on as it looked better with each coat, but it sold before I could.
SG

[dmidkiff]

Nice looking table. Six must have been the magic number.

[jTr]

... but it sold before I could.

Steve,
How did you sell it - showroom, craft show, local gallery, word of mouth?

Jeff

[steve_g]

It was in the shop waiting for a slow time for us to finish it… someone saw it and had to have it!
That’s the best way to sell, no commissions, no travel, no customer demands! He saw it and wanted it…
SG