The Mitchell Trestle Table

[ Click here for a larger image of the trestle table shown above.  This will take some time to load on a dial-up connection, but does provide more detail of the wood, the fit, and the finish. ]

The Mitchell Trestle Table makes a memorable dining table and is my interpretation of this basic structure — boards spanning a gap between platforms.  The top boards are selected from our 2" thick stock, stiff enough to bridge the span.  (See Our Dining Furniture for an explanation of how we select wood for a dining table top.)

These beautiful tops don't need elaboration.  We curve the ends to soften the outline.  We shape the edge to visually lighten the top and to please the hand that grips it.

The "platforms" at each end aren't elaborate either.  But curves and contours are demanding and "clean and simple" is difficult.  The three uprights at each end are mortised through their intersecting rails.  The cross member tying and bracing the ends is mortised through the center upright and wedged.

The "stock" or catalogued size for a Mitchell Trestle Table is 40" wide by 84" long by 30" high.  This size accommodates six very comfortably and eight cozily.  The 84" length overhangs the trestle 16" at each end.  This provides knee room and room to tuck a chair most of the way under between meals.

We can change the width and length of the Mitchell Trestle Table to suit — given certain limitations.  36" wide is as narrow as is practical for service.  80" long is as short as is practical for two chairs to fit between the platforms on the sides and for someone to sit at each end.

To further benefit those sitting at the ends, we provide room for toes under the arch of the base.  This helps.

Choices for the Mitchell Trestle Table:

• Kind of wood.  We stock and catalogue cherry, walnut, and maple, but we can build a dining set (table and chairs) of any available wood.
• Size of top.  The 40" wide by 84" long tabletop is comfortable for six and cozy for eight.  To seat eight comfortably, and ten cozily, I would recommend 42" wide by 108" long.  118" is the max.
• Preparation and finish of the top.  (See Options for Finishing Dining Tabletops.)