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Are you looking to invest in a new dining room table for your living room? Choosing the right size table that suits your needs, and your room are the most important factors to consider when you’re looking for a new table. The following article aims to help guide you in the right direction so that you pick the perfect dining table for your house and are not left with buyer’s regret.
What should I consider?
Table size ultimately depends on two factors and the most important factor to consider is your room size.
The size of your room will determine the maximum size of the table that you can have, but it is equally as important to think about the spacing around the table for everyone’s comfort. Simple things such as whether there would be space to easily pull your chair in/out can get overlooked, or whether there would be space to walk around the table to serve.
You would not want to spend money on a new rustic industrial dining table and have your family and friends cramped for space or comfort, so considering the surrounding area of where your new table would be placed is important to consider.
A good rule of thumb is to allow at least 2 foot from table edge to back of chair and another foot to allow someone to comfortably move behind a seated person.
You should also consider how many people you would need to sit around the table on a regular basis. For example, a 5-foot table would comfortably sit six people, but could also sit up to eight people (but with less comfort). Please look at our table layout diagram below to see the number of people in relation to the size of table.
Another important criterion is the shape of a table. For example:
- A square 2-foot x 2-foot table can sit two people (at a minimum), whilst a 4-foot x 4-foot table can comfortably sit four people.
- A rectangular table (for example, approx 6-foot x 4-foot) tends to be able to comfortably seat one person at either end of the table, increasing the seating capacity from four people to six people.
- A round table can be economical in a tighter, square-shaped room and can seat more people than a square table.
Another important factor to consider is the width of your table. Chunk Monkey offers two standard widths:
- Three Boards – 660mm wide.
- Four Boards – 880mm wide.
The width of your table would depend on the size of your room and the amount of space you would require for plates, cutlery and any centrepieces as well as the space around the table for chairs and accessibility.
Summary
There are several things that you should consider before purchasing a table (or any furniture in general!) Make sure you measure up and consider the surroundings of where your furniture will be placed. The last thing you want is to feel that your new piece of furniture is not right for you.
There is often some confusion or misunderstanding about the differences between a jointed rustic table and an unjointed rustic table. Which is why we at Chunk Monkey have made a little guide to help you understand the differences between the two and how it can be a benefit for your table.
What is a jointed table?
Chunk Monkey makes our jointed rustic tables by planing the individual boards to ensure they are straight and square. These boards are then joined using biscuit joints and glued together to form a solid slab of wood, which serves as the tabletop. This traditional process enhances the table’s strength and durability.
We do offer this service on our rustic industrial coffee tables and dining tables, but this service costs more due to the extra time and labour involved in making the final product. If you would like to have a look at our jointing service, please click here.
What is an unjointed table?
Tables can also be made by holding the individual planed and squared boards together. To achieve this, you screw the boards tightly together with the table legs and fixings. At Chunk Monkey, this is the method that we choose to use as standard for several money-saving reasons that we pass onto you, the customers.
This method lowers the cost of labour and reduces the amount of time that it takes to create our final product. It also helps to lower the cost on delivery and makes it easier to deliver.
These are key factors that help make our handmade rustic industrial furniture affordable and with the lifetime guarantee that we have on all our products, you can rest assured that your purchase will be made to the highest quality.
Another benefit of purchasing the unjointed tables is that it can ease potential accessibility issues to properties with narrow spaces or tight corners. It makes it easier for you to bring the individual boards and legs into their desired room for assembly.
Over time, the wood will acclimatise to its new surroundings in your home and may slightly shrink or expand (depending on the relative humidity of its new environment). With individual boards, the top can be adjusted to remove any gaps in the rustic tabletop that may develop.
Summary
There are benefits for both jointed tables and unjointed tables. Jointed tables do add that extra strength and will remove the possible need to adjust the timber over time. Alternatively, they are not as easy to adjust and come at an extra cost. Unjointed boards offer more accessibility and reduce the cost of your new coffee or dining table. Ultimately, it’s up to you! Take a look at our selection of unjointed rustic industrial dining tables by clicking the image below.
Wood has been a staple in furniture-making for centuries but finding a durable and effective finish to protect and enhance its beauty has always been a challenge. Various finishes have been developed over time, each offering different levels of protection, sheen, and character.
Types of Wood Finishes
There are several types of wood furniture finishes, including:
- Lacquer – Provides a strong, glossy, and protective coating.
- Varnish – Offers a durable, clear finish that enhances the wood grain.
- Oil – Penetrates the wood to nourish and protect from within.
- Hard Wax Oil – Combines the benefits of oil and wax for durability and a natural feel.
- Wax – Provides a soft, low-sheen finish that enhances the wood’s natural look.
Chunk Monkey’s Finishing Process
At Chunk Monkey, we take pride in crafting high-quality rustic furniture with a smooth and refined finish. Our process begins with carefully planing the timber to remove twists and imperfections. We then hand-sand each piece to achieve a smooth surface, rounding off all edges for a comfortable, user-friendly feel.
To seal and protect the wood, we use premium Fiddes Hard Wax Oil, applying multiple coats with light sanding in between. This process ensures a durable yet natural-looking finish that highlights the beauty of the wood grain. For added protection and a soft, smooth texture, we finish with Fiddes Supreme Wax, which enhances the furniture’s rustic appeal.
Our Standard Stains
We offer four distinct stains, each bringing its own unique character to our furniture:
- Walnut Stain – A rich, deep brown finish that is currently trending, adding warmth and sophistication to any space.
- Farmhouse Stain – A lighter, natural tone that closely resembles raw scaffold boards, perfect for a more rustic aesthetic.
- Light Oak Stain – An excellent choice for those looking to match existing light oak furniture while maintaining a bright, airy feel.
- Charcoal Stain – A bold, modern finish that adds a contemporary edge to our rustic furniture.
Choosing the Right Finish for Your Home
The right finish depends on your style preference and functional needs. Whether you love the deep tones of walnut, the modern appeal of charcoal, or the natural look of farmhouse and light oak stains, each option enhances the wood’s beauty while providing lasting protection.
At Chunk Monkey, we are committed to delivering high-quality, handcrafted furniture with finishes that stand the test of time. Explore our range and find the perfect piece to complement your home.
