| Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) about Farmhouse Tables |
What size dining table do I need?
The best sized table for you depends both on the number of people you plan to regularly sit at the table,
as well as the physical size of your room. As a reference: a 6 foot (72”) table will sit 6 people
comfortably and you can squeeze 8. Company board extensions can add 3 feet to a table for more
seating at special occasions. The minimum clearance around a table for pulling out chairs is
approximately 3 feet (36”). For banquette applications you will need to consider either a trestle or
pedestal table to avoid seating interference with a table leg.
Please check our Dining Table Seating Guide for specific seating capacities for a wide range of table
sizes.
The best sized table for you depends both on the number of people you plan to regularly sit at the table,
as well as the physical size of your room. As a reference: a 6 foot (72”) table will sit 6 people
comfortably and you can squeeze 8. Company board extensions can add 3 feet to a table for more
seating at special occasions. The minimum clearance around a table for pulling out chairs is
approximately 3 feet (36”). For banquette applications you will need to consider either a trestle or
pedestal table to avoid seating interference with a table leg.
Please check our Dining Table Seating Guide for specific seating capacities for a wide range of table
sizes.
Can you make tables in special dimensions?
Yes! We can make tables any length, width or height required, for a modest up charge, in almost any of
our collections. We can supply tables over 12’ long and 80” round. Special widths are no problem.
Please see our Custom Table Options page for more details.
Yes! We can make tables any length, width or height required, for a modest up charge, in almost any of
our collections. We can supply tables over 12’ long and 80” round. Special widths are no problem.
Please see our Custom Table Options page for more details.
What kind of wood is used to construct the table?
Our old wood tables (Barn Wood Tables, Old English Pine Tables) are usually made from old pine
reclaimed from old barns and buildings throughout the United States and/or Europe. Old pine is
harder than the new pine you find in today’s lumberyard. Old pine normally comes from older slow
growth (60-80 year) trees, which produce tighter grains, verses today’s fast growth (30 year) pine.
Because of age and wear old pine has also become a bit petrified due to exposure to the elements.
A rough guide to the hardness of different wood (higher number = harder wood):
New pine 350-400
Poplar 550-600
Old Pine 650-700
Cherry 900-950
Maple 900-950
Oak 1250-1300
Our new wood tables (Plank Top Tables, Architectural Tables) come standard in new pine, but both
lines offer different types of premium woods, including maple, alder, fir, oak, and cherry.
Our old wood tables (Barn Wood Tables, Old English Pine Tables) are usually made from old pine
reclaimed from old barns and buildings throughout the United States and/or Europe. Old pine is
harder than the new pine you find in today’s lumberyard. Old pine normally comes from older slow
growth (60-80 year) trees, which produce tighter grains, verses today’s fast growth (30 year) pine.
Because of age and wear old pine has also become a bit petrified due to exposure to the elements.
A rough guide to the hardness of different wood (higher number = harder wood):
New pine 350-400
Poplar 550-600
Old Pine 650-700
Cherry 900-950
Maple 900-950
Oak 1250-1300
Our new wood tables (Plank Top Tables, Architectural Tables) come standard in new pine, but both
lines offer different types of premium woods, including maple, alder, fir, oak, and cherry.
How do I choose the thickness of the top? Do I need breadboard ends?
A standard 1” table top (actual thickness =.75 -.875”) is structural strong enough for most tables.
Thicker tops are primarily for appearance's sake unless the table is very long and/or very wide.
Having breadboard ends (a contrasting piece of wood on each end) is a centuries-old technique which
was originally used to prevent warping of very wide planks. Today, breadboard ends are for aesthetics
alone and are completely optional, as construction techniques have changed.
A standard 1” table top (actual thickness =.75 -.875”) is structural strong enough for most tables.
Thicker tops are primarily for appearance's sake unless the table is very long and/or very wide.
Having breadboard ends (a contrasting piece of wood on each end) is a centuries-old technique which
was originally used to prevent warping of very wide planks. Today, breadboard ends are for aesthetics
alone and are completely optional, as construction techniques have changed.
What are the different levels of distressing?
The level of distressing specified for each table is based on the final “look” desired. Each table is
unique and the patterns are different for each table. Most of the photos on our website are light or
medium which can vary from some distressing to more distressing. The other option is rustic or heavy
distressing which is much heavier distressing and can include a lot of saw marks, nail holes, knots,
etc. For old wood tables this is far from an exact science as the builder uses the boards available and
we can only order along these broad guidelines. Tables which are hand distressed, such as the Plank
Top tables, can provide a more controlled result.
The level of distressing specified for each table is based on the final “look” desired. Each table is
unique and the patterns are different for each table. Most of the photos on our website are light or
medium which can vary from some distressing to more distressing. The other option is rustic or heavy
distressing which is much heavier distressing and can include a lot of saw marks, nail holes, knots,
etc. For old wood tables this is far from an exact science as the builder uses the boards available and
we can only order along these broad guidelines. Tables which are hand distressed, such as the Plank
Top tables, can provide a more controlled result.
Do I want a waxed or stained & varnished table top?
Most of our tables are only available stained and varnished. We offer the Old English Pine Tables in a
either a waxed or stained & varnished finish.
There are pluses and minuses to both finishes. Since it is a wood table, both finishes require the use
of place mats, coasters and hot pads to keep from creating water or heat marks on the surface of the
table.
A waxed finish provides a rich, low luster, softer surface. The advantage of wax is you can re-wax the
surface to restore the finish and cover minor wear marks. Since the wood is already distressed, the wax
also tends to blend in any more significant scratches or damage. If something major happens the wax
can be removed, the surface sanded, and then re-waxed.
A stained and varnished surface is a tougher, more durable surface. Water marks take a lot longer to
form and, since we use a water based varnish, in most cases, water marks will disappear when they
dry. The disadvantage to this finish is, if the surface is scratched, it will require professional repair to
fix it. Of course, since the wood is distressed to begin with, minor marks just increase the character of
the table top and do not stand out.
Most of our tables are only available stained and varnished. We offer the Old English Pine Tables in a
either a waxed or stained & varnished finish.
There are pluses and minuses to both finishes. Since it is a wood table, both finishes require the use
of place mats, coasters and hot pads to keep from creating water or heat marks on the surface of the
table.
A waxed finish provides a rich, low luster, softer surface. The advantage of wax is you can re-wax the
surface to restore the finish and cover minor wear marks. Since the wood is already distressed, the wax
also tends to blend in any more significant scratches or damage. If something major happens the wax
can be removed, the surface sanded, and then re-waxed.
A stained and varnished surface is a tougher, more durable surface. Water marks take a lot longer to
form and, since we use a water based varnish, in most cases, water marks will disappear when they
dry. The disadvantage to this finish is, if the surface is scratched, it will require professional repair to
fix it. Of course, since the wood is distressed to begin with, minor marks just increase the character of
the table top and do not stand out.
Should I buy extensions for my table?
The rule of thumb we use is: if you do not plan to use the extensions more than once or twice a year
you may not want to invest in extensions. On the other hand, if you entertain often or have a growing
family, the extensions may prove to be invaluable!
Company board extensions are available for our Old English Pine, Plank Top and Barn Wood Tables.
These are two 18” boards which fit into notches in the apron at each end of the table. We also offer a
standard center split extension option (up to 24” wide) for our Architectural tables.
The rule of thumb we use is: if you do not plan to use the extensions more than once or twice a year
you may not want to invest in extensions. On the other hand, if you entertain often or have a growing
family, the extensions may prove to be invaluable!
Company board extensions are available for our Old English Pine, Plank Top and Barn Wood Tables.
These are two 18” boards which fit into notches in the apron at each end of the table. We also offer a
standard center split extension option (up to 24” wide) for our Architectural tables.
Can I use a farmhouse table on a covered outdoor porch?
An old wood table, Barn Wood or Old English Pine, can be used on a covered porch. Though interior
old wood tables may also develop small cracks over time, old wood tables used outdoors have a higher
probability of doing so, due to higher temperature and humidity changes. This will not affect the
structural strength of the table, but over an extended period of time (7-10 years or more), it will start to
look more worn and may require refinishing and/or repair.
Our recommendations for an interior table that will be used on an exterior covered porch:
1. No extensions
2. No breadboard edge
3. 2" top or heavy top
4. Exterior varnish top and undersides
5. Bring table indoors for the winter to help extend the life of the table
(note: Barn wood tables have removable legs and are easier to move in and out)
6. Cover table with table cloth when not in use to protect surface
We can also construct Plank Top tables with tops made of outdoor wood.
An old wood table, Barn Wood or Old English Pine, can be used on a covered porch. Though interior
old wood tables may also develop small cracks over time, old wood tables used outdoors have a higher
probability of doing so, due to higher temperature and humidity changes. This will not affect the
structural strength of the table, but over an extended period of time (7-10 years or more), it will start to
look more worn and may require refinishing and/or repair.
Our recommendations for an interior table that will be used on an exterior covered porch:
1. No extensions
2. No breadboard edge
3. 2" top or heavy top
4. Exterior varnish top and undersides
5. Bring table indoors for the winter to help extend the life of the table
(note: Barn wood tables have removable legs and are easier to move in and out)
6. Cover table with table cloth when not in use to protect surface
We can also construct Plank Top tables with tops made of outdoor wood.
How do I know if the stain or paint colors I chose are right for me?
We always send out paint and stain colors to confirm selections after an order is placed. We have a
wide range of paint and stain colors, in addition to custom color options, so final color is not normally
a problem. We do not need the final color selection to start production of a table, so to keep final lead
times down, we usually start production and send out samples to confirm selection. We normally
suggest looking at a couple of color options close to what you think you want to make sure the final
choice is correct. For old wood tables, since wood color can vary, we send your specifically selected
sample to our finishing department to make sure we match the sample to your table.
We always send out paint and stain colors to confirm selections after an order is placed. We have a
wide range of paint and stain colors, in addition to custom color options, so final color is not normally
a problem. We do not need the final color selection to start production of a table, so to keep final lead
times down, we usually start production and send out samples to confirm selection. We normally
suggest looking at a couple of color options close to what you think you want to make sure the final
choice is correct. For old wood tables, since wood color can vary, we send your specifically selected
sample to our finishing department to make sure we match the sample to your table.
How much does it cost to ship a farmhouse table?
We ship to anywhere in the U.S. or Canada. Farmhouse tables are shipped by motor freight. For
curbside delivery, shipping is $120 + 7-12% of the invoice amount, based on location. We also offer in-
home “white glove” delivery service for an additional $150 to $200 per shipment. Please note: there is
no sales tax charged on shipments outside of Maine.
We ship to anywhere in the U.S. or Canada. Farmhouse tables are shipped by motor freight. For
curbside delivery, shipping is $120 + 7-12% of the invoice amount, based on location. We also offer in-
home “white glove” delivery service for an additional $150 to $200 per shipment. Please note: there is
no sales tax charged on shipments outside of Maine.
How long does it take to make a farmhouse table?
All of our farmhouse table are made to order, based on the specific requirements for your table. Lead
times vary between 6-10 weeks + transit time, depending on the collection. We may be able to
accommodate special shorter lead time requirements.
All of our farmhouse table are made to order, based on the specific requirements for your table. Lead
times vary between 6-10 weeks + transit time, depending on the collection. We may be able to
accommodate special shorter lead time requirements.
| Please feel free to contact us with any additional questions you may have! COTTAGE HOME 10 Mountain Road Cape Neddick, Maine 03902 tel: 866-223-2757 or 207.363.9799 fax: 207.363.3286 e-mail: cottage1@maine.rr.com web: www.cottagehomemaine.com |