Extendable solid wood table: how to choose the right one?
An extendable solid wood table comes down to three choices: the closed size, the open size and how the extension is stored. The rest (wood species, legs, finish) is then chosen to suit your home. At VitaDeco, your table is made to measure and the extension system is added to the top of your choice.
In short
An extendable solid wood table gives you an everyday table of a reasonable size, plus a few extra seats when you have guests. The easiest approach is to start from the space you have, then choose a steel extension system suited to the thickness of the top. At VitaDeco, each extension adds 50 to 60 cm, on one side or on both sides, on a top at least 4 cm thick. Dimensions, wood species and legs are all your choice, with guidance at the workshop, by phone or by video call.
How does an extendable solid wood table work?
Le principe est simple : le plateau est équipé de coulisses qui permettent de faire sortir une ou deux rallonges, puis de les ranger sous la table quand vous n’en avez plus besoin.
A top, slides and one or two extensions
On a VitaDeco table, the extension system relies on two 85 cm steel slides fixed under the top. Each extension adds 50 to 60 cm in length. You can choose one, on a single side, or one on each side if you want to gain more space.
What top thickness do you need?
Le mécanisme se monte sur un plateau d’au moins 4 cm d’épaisseur. C’est une bonne nouvelle pour le bois massif : un plateau épais reste stable, et il garde toute sa présence sur la table.
Want to understand the mechanism in detail?
For installation, fixing and care of the system, our article how to extend your dining table explains each step.
What size should you choose for an extendable table?
La bonne question n’est pas « quelle est la plus grande table possible ? », mais « quelle table pour 90 % de mes repas ? ». C’est cette taille qui doit s’intégrer confortablement dans la pièce. La rallonge couvre les 10 % restants.
The closed size: your everyday table
Measure the available space, then leave room to walk around the table and pull out the chairs. Our article on choosing the size of a dining table helps you work out this starting point.
The open size: for big gatherings
Ajoutez la longueur de la ou des rallonges à la taille fermée. Une table de 160 cm avec une rallonge de 50 cm d’un côté passe à 210 cm. Avec une rallonge de chaque côté, elle approche 260 cm. Vérifiez que la pièce supporte cette longueur, car c’est elle qui compte les jours de fête.
Is an extendable table for 10 or 12 people possible?
Oui, à condition que la pièce le permette. Les plateaux VitaDeco se font de 80 à 300 cm : on peut donc partir d’un plateau déjà généreux et lui ajouter une rallonge. Pour savoir combien de personnes tiennent à table, comptez environ 60 cm de longueur par convive.
Which wood species for an extendable table?
Le choix de l’essence est avant tout esthétique : c’est elle qui donne à la table sa teinte, son veinage et son caractère.
Oak, acacia, mango or reclaimed wood
Oak brings a light, understated colour. Acacia has a more pronounced grain. Mango offers varied tones from one top to the next. Reclaimed wood has character, with its marks and irregularities. To compare colours and grains, the easiest way is to discover our solid wood tops.
A finish that stands up to daily use
Une table de salle à manger sert tous les jours : repas, devoirs, apéros. Nos plateaux sont proposés avec un vitrificateur, ou bruts si vous préférez traiter le bois vous-même. En cas de doute, l’équipe vous conseille en atelier.
Which legs go with an extendable table?
The legs must leave room for the extension and the chairs. They should therefore be chosen at the same time as the extension system, not afterwards.
Wooden, metal or cast iron legs
Les pieds VitaDeco existent en bois, en métal et en fonte, pour un style contemporain, industriel ou plus sculptural. Avec une table extensible, mieux vaut éviter un pied qui gêne l’ouverture des rallonges : en atelier, on vérifie la compatibilité avant de valider la commande.
Central leg or four legs?
Open leg room makes it easier to seat guests, especially when the table is extended. It is worth looking at closely when choosing the model. You can browse our table legs and our dining tables to get an idea.
Made-to-measure or standard extendable table?
Un modèle standard impose ses dimensions : la table est parfois trop grande fermée, ou trop courte ouverte. En sur mesure, vous fixez la taille de départ, le nombre de rallonges, l’essence, les pieds et la finition.
What you design yourself
- the dimensions of the top (from 80 to 300 cm)
- l’essence : chêne, acacia, manguier ou vieux bois
- the legs: wood, metal or cast iron
- the number of extensions: one, or one on each side
- the finish
Lead times and personal guidance
If the elements are in stock at the workshop, the table can be ready within 24 hours. Otherwise, allow 4 to 6 weeks for a made-to-measure table. You can come and choose your top and legs at the workshop, near Lyon, or be guided by phone or video call.
Comparison: fixed table, extension on one side or extension on both sides
Criterion
Fixed table
Extension on one side
Extension on both sides
Length gained
None
50 to 60 cm
Around 100 to 120 cm
Adaptée à
A specific space, regular meals
Everyday use with occasional guests
Regular large gatherings
Footprint when closed
Size of the top
Size of the top
Size of the top
Top
From 80 cm
At least 4 cm thick
At least 4 cm thick
Point to check
Single size, no flexibility
Space available on the extension side
Space available on both sides
A table that grows when you need it to?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best extendable solid wood table?
The best table is the one whose closed size suits your daily life and whose open size suits your gatherings. At VitaDeco, you design both: top dimensions, number of extensions, wood species and legs.
How much can an extendable table be extended?
At VitaDeco, each extension adds 50 to 60 cm. With an extension on each side, you gain around 100 to 120 cm.
Can you add an extension to a solid wood table?
Yes, as long as the top is at least 4 cm thick. The extension system is offered at €200 and is fixed under the top with 8 screws. The details are on the extension system page. Extension system.
Which wood species should you choose for an extendable table?
Oak, acacia, mango and reclaimed wood all work well. The choice depends on the style you want: a light, understated colour for oak, a pronounced grain for acacia, varied tones for mango, character for reclaimed wood.
How much does a made-to-measure extendable table cost?
VitaDeco tables range from €1,170 to €3,190 depending on dimensions, wood species, thickness, legs, extension and finish.
What is the lead time for a made-to-measure extendable table?
Allow 24 hours if the elements are in stock at the workshop, otherwise 4 to 6 weeks.
Can you see a table before ordering?
Yes, by appointment at our workshop-showroom near Lyon. If you live far away, a video appointment is possible.
Create your custom-made table
1 – Appointment
We are making an appointment at the workshop.
58 Pasteur Street
69780 Saint Pierre de Chandieu
2 – Dimensions
We advise and assist you
to choose the best size
for your future table
3 – Wood selection
We advise you
on the choice of wood type
for your tray
4 - Base selection
What type of foot will accompany
your tray to complete
the table of your dreams
5 - Finishes
Once the table is created,
we are preparing it for you so that it is
absolutely perfect
6 - Delivery
We are delivering your table
at home, or you can pick it up
to the workshop directly
Book an appointment at the workshop for your custom-made solid wood table
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