Extension tables are a wonderful thing. They add a lot more space to a table when you need but the table is still a smaller size for smaller gatherings. The flexibility of it cannot be matched and a center extension is a great choice.
The two types of extensions we make at Loewen Design Studios are Center and End, they each have their own unique benefits.
For this blog, we’re going to talk about center extension, which have a lot of unique benefits, but aren’t the right fit in every space.
Center Extension tables add more space from the middle of the table. The table is split in the middle and can be pulled apart and more leaves added in. Once the leaves are added in the table can be slid back closed, and the table is back to being a solid table. Because of the nature of a center extension table, the grain will run across the table, as well as the extension. This means that when the table is closed it looks very consistent, it’s hard to tell the table has extensions in it without looking closely.
One benefit of this is that the table can have an extension in it all the time if the size table you need is frequently larger than the base table size. This will still look like a fairly standard table even with an extension in. It also allows you to add only the number of extensions you need at a time without any awkwardness. It can have one extension comfortably, which an end extension can struggle with.
One benefit of this is that the table can have an extension in it all the time if the size table you need is frequently larger than the base table size. This will still look like a fairly standard table even with an extension in. It also allows you to add only the number of extensions you need at a time without any awkwardness. It can have one extension comfortably, which an end extension can struggle with.
A center extension table is also well suited for shapes like racetrack ovals or circles. Because the extension is done from the middle of the table it is possible to add length without needing the ends of the table to be square. This is wonderful and allows a full new range of extension tables.
One downside to a center extension is that it often requires 2 people to do the extending. It is possible for someone to do it on their own, however it is rather difficult. An end extension is much easier to extend for one person alone.
The center extension really is a wonderful option if you intend to frequently use the extensions in the table, as it hides them in the table better than the end extension. However, without extensions the center extension table will still look like an extension table, whereas the end extension looks like a regular table without the extension in.
This is some of what makes the center extension a wonderful option for an extendable table, as well as some of why an end extension can be a better fit for some situations.
