Grand Marble/Granite Table

[tbloh]

I've really appreciated all the help that I've recieved from previous posts. That being said I am truly lost and I know you guys can definitely straighten me out. I have a client who wants a large dining room table (160x72) in an eliptical shape with a middle that bellies out. We would most likely attach a plywood substrate to the underside of the table to which we can attach the base supports. I have two major concerns. The first is about material and shows just how green I am. Should I only consider using granite or are other materials an option? I'm assuming 3cm is the best way to go for something of this scope. I realize the additional weight could be a problem but my reasoning was that 2cm wouldn't hold up. The second issue is about support for the table. I have provided the customer with renderings of three different configurations the we know will work. She has inquired about the possibility of securing the table at all four corners and having a larger base supporting the seam in the middle of the table. Is this even something we should entertain or should we just stick to the supports we know will work? I am not a proud man so please feel free to offer any criticism. I prefer to learn from my mistake instead of repeating them.

-Tom Bloh

[Dan R.]

Supporting at the corners and the seam may be an issue for some (most stones). The shear weight of the the table over a span from the end to the center would probably end up sagging the stone over time. A safer bet may to put in a long base down the center and use support arms projecting out in both directions. This would also call for feet projecting from each side of the base.

[Kowboy]

We would most likely attach a plywood substrate to the underside of the table to which we can attach the base supports.

Tom:
I don't like plywood for underlayment on stone or solid surface; the materials are too dissimilar. I'd go with steel.

Should I only consider using granite or are other materials an option?

Yes, there is solid surface, engineered stone and a boatload of other interesting surfaces out there although I get yelled at every time I suggest granite isn't the be-all and end-all of the surfacing universe.

I'm assuming 3cm is the best way to go for something of this scope. I realize the additional weight could be a problem but my reasoning was that 2cm wouldn't hold up.[

Properly fabricated and supported 2cm should be fine.

The second issue is about support for the table. I have provided the customer with renderings of three different configurations the we know will work. She has inquired about the possibility of securing the table at all four corners and having a larger base supporting the seam in the middle of the table. Is this even something we should entertain or should we just stick to the supports we know will work?

If my name and responsibility were on this project, I would have complete confidence in the design. If my design met the approval of the customer, fine. If not, that's fine too.

Joe

[Nick]

Tom, if I follow it is an elipse, so it is an oval. You could do a base like so:

xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx
xxxxx xxxxx
xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx

Also, 2cm with a laminated edge and cabinet grade plywood underneath and invisible behing the edge is a perfect way to go on something like this. Steel could not be more uneccessaery for a piece of furnature in a climate controlled residence. I would venture to say that we have literally 10s oth thousdands of ft. of wood attatched to our tops and no failures or phone calls with problems. A 4cm buildup edge is perfect for this application. As far as materials I would think that marble or an interesting granite is why the client wants to do this, Engineered stone if it is contemporary only, and solid surface couldn't look more tacky on a piece of furnature IMHO.

[Kowboy]

As far as materials I would think that marble or an interesting granite is why the client wants to do this, Engineered stone if it is contemporary only, and solid surface couldn't look more tacky on a piece of furnature IMHO.

Nick:

I looked in my dining room and found some of that "tacky" furniture you're talking about:

Steel could not be more uneccessaery for a piece of furnature in a climate controlled residence. I would venture to say that we have literally 10s oth thousdands of ft. of wood attatched to our tops and no failures or phone calls with problems.

I never said I didn't use plywood, in this case ripped Laminated Veneer Lumber, I just said I didn't like it for this application.

Joe

[Brian_Stone]

I don't like plywood for underlayment on stone or solid surface; the materials are too dissimilar. I'd go with steel.

I never said I didn't use plywood, in this case ripped Laminated Veneer Lumber, I just said I didn't like it for this application.

You didn't say anything about not liking it for this application. You said that you don't like it. Period.

[Kowboy]

I don't like plywood for underlayment on stone or solid surface; the materials are too dissimilar. I'd go with steel.

I never said I didn't use plywood, in this case ripped Laminated Veneer Lumber, I just said I didn't like it for this application.

You didn't say anything about not liking it for this application. You said that you don't like it. Period.

Brian:

Fair enough. I should have been more clear.

Joe

[Nick]

Ummmmmm, I can't continue this thread without coming off like a snob, but I am just giving an honest opinion. That kinda really proves my point. That table is the epitomy of tacky, it is 80's out and probably goes really well with lucite furnature. I think my physical therepist had the same color on his patient room desk, I am not even joking. If that were in Travertine it would look a million times better. I couldn't imagine a client wanting a statement dining room table and being excited with something that looks like it was $700 at Rooms To Go. I am not knocking your work as it looks very nice, just my honest opinion from a design aspect.

If you have wood across the entirey and epoxied steel is not neccessary at all, and that little bit of steel is not what I had in mind when you said it.

[dustinbraudway]

Kowboy we are gonna have to help you find some style. That is one tacky table! But I am sure it works just fine! Maybe someone can hook you up with a proper table out of stone or crete or metal.

[Paul Evans]

If you have wood across the entirey and epoxied steel is not neccessary at all, and that little bit of steel is not what I had in mind when you said it.[/quote]



I think what you see as steel is actually solid surface. It is glued on seams to add support. The only steel I see in the pic are the legs.

[Kowboy]

I think what you see as steel is actually solid surface. It is glued on seams to add support. The only steel I see in the pic are the legs.

Paul:

You are correct.

Joe

[Kowboy]

Kowboy we are gonna have to help you find some style. That is one tacky table! But I am sure it works just fine! Maybe someone can hook you up with a proper table out of stone or crete or metal.

Dustin:

Post a picture of one of your concrete tables, please. One that's been in use for four or five years or so as has this one.

Thanks,

Joe

[CustomMarbleGraniteToo]

Doesnt Briggs & Christina have a large Brunello table? And Antonio too?