Choosing leg frames for your wood slab dining table can be an overwhelming task, but it's an important one as it can affect the look and feel of your table. The right leg frames can elevate your table and make it a focal point in your dining area.
Having delivered over 1000 tables to as many different styles of homes in Singapore, we've learnt a thing or two about picking a set you won't regret. Here are four tips to help you choose the perfect leg frames for your wood slab dining table:
- Consider the style of your table
The style of your table will influence the type of leg frames you choose. If you're looking to infuse more nature in your space with an earthy, rustic table, then wood leg frames may fit well for you. Generally made from Suar or Oak (depending on the structure required), The Table Guy offers a range of wood leg options, from default frames to bespoke designs, that can be stained to match your table top.
On the other hand, if you'd like to keep an overall contemporary, modern look, our steel options are great! With 6 colour finishes to pick from and bespoke design capabilities, steel is by far the most popular material choice at The Table Guy for leg frames.
- Think about the weight of your table
The weight of your wood slab dining table will also play a role in the type of leg frame that fits your table. If you're using steel, like many of our clients, a heavier table top will require the use of thicker steel material so as to minimise flex (how bendy the leg gets when pressure is applied). For some design styles, this can significantly increase the price of your leg frame, as the technical requirements to execute the build get more difficult.
In addition, we do get many requests from clients to build bespoke leg frames inspired by Pinterest... leg frames that weren't engineered to support the weight of solid wood! In these cases, we often suggest adjustments to the leg frame design you're looking for, and provide you with as much information as possible so you can make an informed decision on whether to proceed with your chosen leg style.
If you're looking to strike an economical balance, The Table Guy provides simpler, clean leg frame styles that minimise your cost without compromising on structural support.
- Consider the height of your table
With our leg frame customisation capabilities, many clients tailor the surface height of their tables to optimise functional value and the comfort of their experience. Here's what you need to consider if you're customising the height of your table:
(i) Thinking of getting your dining table to multi task as a bar table (100-120cm)? As solid wood slabs are top heavy, the taller you get the more you'll have to add reinforcements to the leg structure below, to counterbalance the weight of the table top and prevent toppling. Many clients opt to add a beam that doubles as a foot rest, or a simpler solution is to opt for a leg frame style that angles outward (like an A frame) instead of one that goes straight down.
(ii) Double check your knee space! Dining tables (and chairs) are typically available in relatively constant specifications across the furniture industry, as there are ergonomic limitations to a human adult's use. If you lower your dining table but keep the same dining chair height, you will find yourself with less knee space than you might like. In such cases, look out for table frames that can do away with beams or additional material under the table surface, so that you can enjoy the maximum knee space and comfort.
- Think about your particular space
Last but not least, many of us choose leg frames for practical reasons. One of our most popular upgrades, the 4 Point, takes up the least amount of space under your table, and allows you to slide your chairs in and out without hassle, while our number one upgrade, the Stag Leg, allows you squeeze more people around the table when needed as its bulk is concentrated in the center.
2 piece leg frames are great options for keeping things clean and simple, creating a timeless look that won't go out of trend. Bonus points: they're easy to flat pack, making any furniture moves a breeze!
Choosing the right leg frames for your wood slab dining table is an important decision that can affect the overall look and feel of your dining area. Speak to our showroom advisers for more specific advice to match your table top of choice, and shop our leg frames here.
