Fiddleback Maple Dining Table

My husband and I made our dining table after demolishing an awkwardly large, old oak table that was given to us. In a fit of frustration I stated that I was tired of squeezing between the sideboard and the table trying to move around in our very small dining area and it just had to go. My Dear Husband, promptly got out his tools and dismantled the table and put it curbside for pickup. He must have disliked that table also, as we lived for several months without a proper table. It was just a few weeks prior to Thanksgiving, so I got out of inviting people for dinner that year.

After researching options for a decent table that was 1) Attractive; 2) Sturdy (not made of pressboard); 3) Fit the small dining area; 4) We could afford. I did find a craftsman who would gladly custom make a table out of figured Maple for a Pretty Penny. We came upon the conclusion that we had to make one to get what we wanted. This prompted a trip to our local wood workshop supplier as we needed lumber and a planer.

We both fell in love with the Fiddleback Maple and found two types of stock to use. My husband created the design and the table top is made of 4/4 stock and the legs are 8/4 stock. The darker wood of the legs make a nice contrast to the lighter top piece. Although the design is modern, we kept the table somewhat rustic in the finish because I wanted a functional everyday piece of furniture that could be used without fear from scratches, dents or stains. It is protected with Tung Oil and spills should be wiped up ASAP, but otherwise we can readily use this and feel at ease.

I do try to refinish and oil it once a year or so, just to preserve and upkeep the beauty of the wood. Otherwise scratches and dents are just superficial and what I can not readily remove, are part of the history of our table. So, move the cat and let’s sit down and eat!

-- "They who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night." ~ Edgar Allan Poe