A folding table is a very convenient and useful item in everyday life. Many owners complain about the small area of their apartments, and accordingly, they do not have the opportunity to put a large table in the kitchen. This problem can be effectively solved by purchasing folding models. It is worth noting that they are ideal for trips and picnics in nature.
The folding table is lightweight and compact in size, which allows it to be easily folded into the trunk of a car.
Folding tables: what are they?
Folding tables have different designs, the customer makes a choice based on his preferences. It is necessary to decide in advance what exactly this or that product is needed for.
Even the weight varies depending on whether the tables are placed inside or outside. Protection against ground penetration by legs is a mandatory requirement.
Any tables consist of a table top made of legs. The customer can choose at his own discretion the complexity of the work and how the mechanism is put together.
An acceptable option is tabletops with legs that are screwed on. So-called threaded sockets are installed on the parts below. Each upper part is finished with studs. This is a simple design to which the legs are screwed only when needed.
Materials for modern countertops also vary:
- Aluminum sheet.
- Transparent plastic and its other varieties.
- Chipboard. You can often see pictures of a folding table made from these materials.
With thin bases, tabletops will become more durable if you add frames made of metal sheets.
Attention is paid to the type of products and the designer’s solutions used. The following form factors of countertops have become widespread:
- Squares.
- Rectangles.
- Circles.
- In the shape of an ellipse, and so on.
Country style table
This table is called by different names - country style table, retro style table, bar table - and presented in different ways. Furniture researchers usually describe it as a simple, low, oblong table on a massive base with turned legs and legs. This characterizes it quite accurately: a table with a drawstring belt and legs. Legs, especially those as strong as in the picture, significantly increase the durability and rigidity of the structure. With intensive daily use, the legs can increase the service life of the table by years. The terms "country" and "bar" are definitely associated with the 17th and 18th centuries, when such tables were widely used in hotels, taverns and bars in rural areas and towns. Surviving examples of such tables actually have massive legs - although they are heavily worn out by many feet. The table shown here is equipped with one middle leg instead of two longitudinal ones, to make it more comfortable to sit at the table. However, many early tables had pro-legs around the perimeter. The design is simple. The drawbars and legs are cut into the legs with spikes and reinforced with wedges, dowels, etc. The table cover is a wide panel “at the tip”.
Design options
The easiest way to change the design of a table is to change the legs. Our “original” table has round legs - turned - and the shape of the turning can be changed endlessly. Just remember that you will need a flat, rectangular surface for the frame-to-leg joints. On a country-style table, you can also change the legs - both in appearance and in their configuration, as shown in the figure below.
About legs and their designs
The design of the legs is often determined by the choice of folding mechanism. If there is unscrewing, choose the shapes of circles or rectangles.
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Indoors, you need slightly more elegant options - along the length in the form of cones, at the same time with a round section. A base with a small area rests on a hard floor.
Next, the instructions on how to make a folding table will be as simple as possible.
It is better to make the legs at the bottom more solid when installed on top of a hard floor and soil.
It is permissible to use rectangular bars with a cross section of 40 by 40 mm2. For metal rather than wooden legs, take a round plate with a 50 mm diameter. You don't have to worry about the table falling into the ground.
The use of hinges and hinges requires other solutions for arranging the legs. Beautiful products are obtained if wood and metal are combined in the same design.
Tourist table
The peculiarity of a small folding table for a backpacker is its weight and size. The product should be compact when folded and have a simple design.
You can use a folding chair with a fabric seat as a basis. A tabletop measuring 350 x 500 mm is fixed on it.
This table is convenient to carry with you.
The height can be increased by using leg inserts.
Making folding tables with your own hands
Making good designs yourself will not cause problems. Their Then such products are suitable both inside dachas and apartments. Only first they develop drawings of a folding table.
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Selecting the product type
A wooden extendable table can have a round (or oval when extended) shape or be made in the form of a book-table.
The choice of one option or another is individual, but a round sliding table is more practical and has a presentable appearance.
Drawings of sliding tables indicating the dimensions of the finished structure are easy to find on the Internet.
About materials and tools
When creating a structure, it is optimal to give preference to two sheets of chipboard, 650×300 mm. The thickness should be at the level of 20 mm. But the dimensions are not very critical; they are chosen individually depending on how the situation develops; the availability of materials matters.
These characteristics are obtained for additional 15 boards, which you cannot do without:
- 20mm thickness.
- 50 millimeters wide.
- 550mm length.
You can’t do without self-tapping screws, whose length will be 45 mm. With nuts and washers there should be bolts of the M10 series.
In most circumstances, drawings are not required; photographs are sufficiently clear.
How to make and assemble?
The dimensions of the finished table are determined by the number of people planned to be accommodated. The standard height is 72-75 cm .
Assembly diagram
The size of the tabletop is selected based on the condition - 60-65 cm per “eater”. Manufacturing and assembly is carried out in the following order:
- Making the base of the table .
The legs are made of wooden beams measuring at least 4x4 cm. The larger the size of the table, the more powerful the legs are needed. So, when the length of the table when extended is about 2 m, it is recommended to use 8x8 cm timber. The legs are strengthened and connected into a single structure by the base frame. Their connection is ensured by wooden collets made of boards about 20-25 mm thick and 9-11 cm wide. The collets are secured in the grooves. To increase strength, the joints are treated with glue and reinforced with self-tapping screws. If the table has significant weight, then “kerchiefs” or slopes are installed in the areas where the collets are attached. - Laying the base surface . The basis for attaching the sliding mechanism is a plywood sheet or chipboard with a thickness of at least 12 mm. The sheet is attached with self-tapping screws to the base frame. After laying it, a rough round table of a fixed structure is formed.
- Making a countertop . 2 identical semicircles are cut from the selected material. The straight end is processed, and 2 holes are drilled in it for inserting the insert pins. The hole diameter is 8-10 mm.
Manufacturing a U-shaped additional element .
It has the shape of a box and is made from a board 2 cm thick and 10-11 cm wide. You can use a similar strip of chipboard. The corners of the box are reinforced with aluminum furniture corners. Narrow guides are fixed on the inside of the box walls, raised to a height of 2-4 mm from the edge.- Fastening the box to the tabletop . In the middle of the semicircle of the tabletop, a box is fixed so that its free ends are adjacent to the straight cut of the semicircle. The box is secured with aluminum corners.
- Installation of guides . The bases for them are made of an aluminum profile (angle) with a height of more than 4 cm. The length of the guides is 5 cm. The guide strips themselves are attached to the corner. The distance between them must exactly match the distance between the guides on the tabletop box.
- Manufacturing of removable elements (inserts). Their size should correspond to the width of the gap when the tabletop halves are moved apart as much as possible. Each insert is made up of 2 identical rectangular plates with a length equal to half the diameter of the tabletop. Holes are drilled at their ends and connecting pins are inserted.
Final assembly involves inserting the tabletop guides into the grooves of the base guides. Next, if necessary, extension limiters are installed.
Step-by-step execution
The technology for making many tables remains the same, regardless of materials and varieties. Preparation of materials involves performing the following actions:
- Sawing.
- Planing.
- Grinding.
- Painting, if planned.
At the last stage, the entire structure is assembled. Don't forget about drilling holes and rounding existing ends. Bolts usually secure the corresponding parts to each other. Assembly depends on whether you choose folding tables made of wood or other materials.
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Care instructions
After assembly, it is necessary to remove the remaining markings with a solvent and dry the structure on the balcony or in the garage for one day .
Folding tables are easy to care for; just check the piano hinges and, if necessary, lubricate them with special oil.
Important! The surface of the chipboard is wiped with soap or alcohol solutions.
If scratches form on the table, they can be easily removed by burning (even the most ordinary lighter will do) or with furniture polish.
DIY transforming tables
Transformers got their name from their shape-changing feature. Pine boards will become the main materials, the main thing is to maintain the necessary dimensions:
- Width 150 mm.
- Length 900 mm.
- Thickness 25 mm.
A minimum of 20 boards are collected, taking into account just in case and unforeseen circumstances. You will definitely need 50 self-tapping screws per 50 mm. And bolts with nuts and washers.
Screwdrivers and hammers, drills and pliers are just some of the standard tools you'll need to get the job done. Making a folding table with your own hands is not difficult.
Requirements for folding tables
There are a few important things to consider when making a folding table.
- The table must be durable, stable and safe for humans.
- The design should be convenient to use.
- The mobile table must have the optimal overall size and weight.
- Materials that are safe for the human body are used to make the table.
- It is recommended to treat the product to improve its hygienic properties and service life.
An easy-to-make folding table is a convenient household item. You can make it without much prior experience.
You can get ideas for work by looking at photos of folding tables made by yourself.
Book tables
One of the simplest varieties, which still remains in demand. The models were popular in Soviet times, but are still on the market, although in a slightly modified form. In this case, part of the tabletop will hang on hinges. When necessary, an additional leg is pulled out so that the hanging part becomes a full-fledged addition to the table.
Tabletops of this type were widespread during the USSR, when their folding appearance was more reminiscent of bedside tables. The whole structure turned out to be quite narrow, the unfolded parts hung on the sides. The furniture remained in this shape until guests arrived.
Today's lineup differs from the old one in a large number of options. The main thing is to think in advance about whether folding picnic tables are needed and what functions they will have.
Varieties
In this regard, everything depends more on the physical dimensions of the tables and their area of application. One way or another, the moving part should be at least a little shorter than the height of the entire table. Otherwise, your design simply will not be able to come together. There are many ideas for folding tables that can be complemented with your own options for the exterior decoration of an interior or exterior piece.
It’s no secret that the most popular places for using tables of this type are public catering places, in particular outdoor sections, trade, picnics; you shouldn’t discount the option of placing a similar item in your apartment. As for the last option, you can pay most of the attention to the external decoration of the table.
The main differences between folding tables are concentrated in the tabletops. They can come in a variety of different and unusual shapes, although this is limited to simple geometric shapes.
If you doubt their versatility, you can look on the Internet or in magazines for photos of folding tables of various shapes. Here everything depends more on the taste of the owner and the purpose of the table. The most practical are rectangular tabletops, which are most often found in folding tables.
Folding models with rotating tabletops
The solution is interesting because the tabletop can easily be expanded when required. They take wood - pieces with the same parameters, which are connected with special loops.
When unfolding, the product is simply rotated 90 degrees. Half of the frame will become a support. The second part unfolds in the free space.
A reliable and simple mechanism that can work for many years. When lowering, careful and slow actions are required. It is recommended to remember the direction of travel immediately.
Tools for work
It is worth understanding that assembling such furniture can take you quite a lot of time. To understand the process more broadly, watch the video on how to do it step by step with detailed explanations. You can learn something important from there and add something new to your table model.
In order for all the work to go smoothly, you should prepare all the necessary tools in advance. Today this is not too much of a problem; almost everyone has a similar set in their home:
- screwdriver;
- drill;
- jigsaw;
- Sander;
- building level and tape measure;
- construction adhesive.
In addition, you should buy in advance the mechanisms for sliding kitchen tables, which will simply need to be installed later.
Extendable kitchen tables
It is assumed that the tabletops will be divided into two parts. It is enough to pull the parts of the structure to achieve a displacement to the sides. Additional parts are placed in the freed space.
Manual installation of expanders is acceptable, but manufacturers will also offer additional mechanisms. Drawings of a folding wooden table will help you understand the features and practical implementation.
There are several nuances to consider here.
- One board increasing the area by 1/3 is a common option for the USSR.
- The modern market suggests the presence of models with two boards. But you can choose your option only when working with simple structures without additional mechanisms.
- There are folding tables that are designed specifically for small spaces. Their folding mechanisms will also be different.
Features of round shape
For small spaces where a dining table is installed (kitchen, living room or separate dining room), the round design looks practical and attractive . It takes up less space and allows you to comfortably fit around.
Problems begin when a significant number of family members and guests gather around the dinner table. Oversized furniture simply does not fit in a cramped room.
The sliding design eliminates the problem . Its essence is as follows. In its normal state it looks like a small round table for 3-4 people. It is easy to move and install in a new location.
If necessary, the table top is transformed - it moves apart, taking on an oval shape.
Inserts help create a significantly larger surface area. Help : this table can already accommodate 8-10 people.
The simplest system has a tabletop divided in half, the halves of which can move along guide elements in opposite directions.
The gap in the area where the halves diverge is filled with special inserts to preserve the integrity of the tabletop. When assembled, the inserts are located inside and are invisible to others .
Important : the final capacity of the extended table depends on the distance by which the elements can be moved without compromising its stability.
In order for the design in question to work reliably, the following requirements :
- sufficient strength of the tabletop with maximum expansion;
- ensuring the required capacity and ease of use;
- assembly and disassembly without unnecessary effort by one person;
- the possibility of practical use of the entire surface of the extended tabletop;
- mobility;
- ease of making with your own hands;
- low cost;
- external attractiveness.
About folding tables with different mechanisms
The main materials for the manufacture of such mechanisms are aluminum or galvanized steel. Over time, galvanizing rusts, although it cannot be said that this is a serious destruction that completely spoils the structure.
Most models use one or two additional elements. Folding table legs are added to them if necessary.
Dimensions
Most often, the dimensions of an extendable table are selected based on the area of the room in which it will be used. In addition, the expected number of guests who will sit at it is taken into account (it is optimal if there is approximately 60-70 cm of table space per person).
The standard height of the dining table is 73 cm, but if necessary, you can slightly change this parameter to suit the individual needs of the family.
Additional tips for choosing a form
Inside the kitchen, ovals, circles, and squares fit equally. The second option is preferable for very small areas. Otherwise, the space will not be used rationally. In terms of seating, oval ones are more profitable. But such furniture will also need space.
An acceptable option is to choose countertops divided into two parts. One of them is semicircular, and the second remains straight. The models are convenient because, if necessary, they can be easily placed against the wall.
Home folding tables
It is also convenient to use folding tables for living spaces.
The peculiarity of home folding tables is that they can be built into the main furniture. For example, a retractable tabletop can be easily hidden in a furniture set.
If necessary, we make a folding table on the balcony. It can be equipped with a support leg and swivel hinges so that you can lower and raise the tabletop if necessary.
Another version of a simple design is a small tabletop, to which U-shaped legs are screwed on hinges from below.
If necessary, the legs are removed inside the tabletop. This model will not require much storage space.
Small kitchens and unusual folding tables
Arranging furniture over an area of 4 meters or a little more is a common situation. Then you can use options for folding tables that do not clog up the free space.
Usually we mean models attached to one of the surfaces with loops. A folding leg or stops are created to support the product when unfolded. These countertops come in different sizes and are attached to the walls with long or short sides.
When choosing specific dimensions and features, you must rely on the following factors:
- Layout.
- Furniture arrangement.
- Number of people for whom seating is required.
It is better to decide on the sizes on the spot, and then place an individual order. The main thing is not to forget the importance of ensuring free access from different sides.
Some companies produce round transformable tables with metal mechanisms. They are quite expensive, but they will last as long as possible due to their characteristics.
Recent developments include block tables. Their main feature is the presence of compartments of different sizes inside. It resembles puzzles that perform not only decorative, but also practical functions. Such folding tables easily fit on the balcony.
Folding tables can be called universal solutions for any environment. They will be relevant not only in a suburban area, but also for an ordinary apartment.
The main thing is to take care in advance about the correct choice of materials and components. They largely determine what the design will turn out to be in the future.
The operating conditions can be any; now even wood and plastic can be easily protected from harmful influences. You just need to choose compounds that successfully resist the effects of certain factors.
Finishing
The table should have an attractive appearance, which is ensured by the finishing. First of all, the end is processed . To avoid scratching on a sharp edge, it is recommended to remove a small chamfer.
The end itself is ground to eliminate the risk of splinters. The entire surface of the tabletop is also processed. It should be perfectly flat, horizontal and smooth.
Important : the most common finishing methods are painting and varnishing.
After sanding the surface, the wood can be impregnated with tinting compounds that will create a specific shade and emphasize the wood structure. A layer of varnish will seal the finish. With the help of alkyd paints, you can provide almost any color of furniture for combination with other interior elements .
Another common option is self-adhesive film. It is often used to finish chipboard countertops. With its help, you can imitate various natural materials - wood, natural stone, marble, metal, etc. Inlay or veneering adds special sophistication to the table.
Advice : if the issue of free space is acute for you, also take a closer look at the designs of a folding table, a laptop table, a coffee table and a children's table.
