Building A Drop Leaf Table in Walnut

The company received an order for one of our favorite designs, the “Drop Leaf Gorgeous.” New England is abundant with drop leaf tables. They are characterized by their unique ability to transform from a narrow table, easily pushed against a wall, to a wider table suitable for eating, working, or any other small-table activity. Part of the drop leaf's allure lies in its unique joinery, which allows two legs to swing out and support the leaves. To reconfigure the table, one must reach underneath and swing the leg out—an engaging interaction that's quite rare with furniture. We open drawers or close cabinet doors, routine tasks that offer little excitement, unless, of course, a door or drawer is poorly fitted, bringing up frustrations and promises of future repairs. But the drop leaf presents a different experience. The table transforms, becoming more useful, fulfilling its intended purpose. It's a unique opportunity to engage with the table and appreciate the hours invested in its creation. A glimpse into the craftsman's mind, revealed by the moving joinery. Does it function correctly? How does it work? Oh, I see—it folds here, and the leg swings out, perfect. This interaction, I believe, is why we find the drop leaf so intriguing. The joinery can be executed in numerous ways, and it’s fascinating to observe different approaches to the problem.

The order we received was for a “Drop Leaf Gorgeous” in walnut, along with four Lydia side chairs. (More about the chairs later.) It’s not uncommon for us to build things in pairs—why make one when you can make two? The second table was destined for the showroom. After consulting with our store manager and examining the lumber rack, we decided to build the second one in walnut as well. This was slightly unusual for us, as most of our showroom furniture is cherry. Walnut tends to be a bit more formal and is also more expensive. We were delighted. Two drop leaf tables in walnut! A fun project to practice some interesting joinery. The fruits of our shop manager Shea’s labor on the beautiful drop leaf table can be seen below!