Custom Console Table Build and Design

Custom Console Table Build

Follow along with this custom console table build! This build needed to fit a specific design and space, like all our pieces we custom build.

It needed to fit behind an existing couch. It needed to tie in with the existing decor.

The living room and kitchen are all open and flow together. So there was an apparent need that arose real quick. Everyone was congregating right behind the couch without a space to sit at. People would pull chairs forward. The customer knew something would fit really well in that space.

The intention was simple- to provide a space people could set drinks down and sit at. As well as serve the family a space to sit at while watching tv and eating snacks or dinner.

Original Design Intent

The original concept was to design a console table to 12″ wide and about three quarters the length of the couch.

After reviewing the space and utilizing some simple design modeling concepts, we quickly realized that 16″ wide would be a better platform for what the customer was really wanting. We wanted to make a custom console table that would stand the test of time- not just in build integrity but in design quality.

This is the part of the build that is so crucial. Often time a client will bring a picture from a magazine or from Pinterest, wanting that specific piece. Before we begin each build, we carefully examine the intent and purpose of the furniture piece.

Taking into account all wants and needs is crucial to ending up with a custom furniture piece that delights and serves its purpose so well. This is one of the key benefits of a custom built piece of furniture- it fits your space and life so well that it almost feels like it came with the home and space!

A 16″ wide custom console table provided a much more spacious area for not only dining at but also for hosting and entertaining. All without sacrificing too much floor space in this heavily trafficked area.

Wood Selection

Then it was on to wood selections and finishes for this custom console table. One of the key elements and deciding what type of finish to use was the consul table serving drinks and food off of.

There are many finishes available for custom wood furniture with each one serving our unique design purpose.

We ended up going with a build up style protective finish. A polyurethane protective coating was the ticket to not only provide protection from spilled drinks but also from potential food stains.

The particular polyurethane finish that we used also had a UV inhibitor to protect the lighter colored wood that the customer went with.

A lighter colored wood is going to soak up the sun a lot quicker which will cause the wood to darken overtime. In many cases it even makes the wood look more dull; ultimately distracting from the beauty have a custom built furniture piece.

We chose to go with an ambrosia maple top. Ambrosia maple has a lot of unique character with it’s multi toned color streaking.

Maple itself is a very strong wood species and serves well for any sort of table top with a higher amount of traffic. There’s nothing worse than having a table top that dents and dings too easily causing you to have to baby the table.

For the legs we chose white ash for a variety of reasons. White Ash is a relatively affordable would but doesn’t compromise on strength or integrity. Additionally, white Ash has relatively low movement which was really crucial for this particular custom furniture build due to the lightness and airiness of the frame.

Originally, the intention was to paint the custom console table but after several deliberate design reviews, we decided it would be best to let the wood show through. White ash has a very subtle grain pattern that doesn’t distract from the overall piece. This was crucial as the top was the star of the show for this custom built furniture piece.

Because of the overall simplicity of this design, we designed a frame with a half inch reveal between the table top and the frame itself. This particular design element can be seen across many pieces built across the 70’s and 80’s. The intention is to allow the table top to almost “lift off” the frame and not feel so heavy. I think we really nailed it with this particular element.

 

We used specially designed washers that allow the table top to move with each season.

Winters can be tough on furniture as it tends to be really dry. Whereas summer months are naturally more humid.

The point is to afford the piece to move. All wood is an organic material that will soak up the surrounding environment. This is why things like sunlight and location are so important to take into consideration.

The frame itself was finished the same uv protective polyurethane finish. Multiple coats were applied to ensure long lasting and durable protection. This is not a corner to cut out on! And will save your investment many times over.

Careful consideration was given to stain choices for this custom console table build. But the client and I kept coming back to the natural wood color and grain patterns to not be altered. We reviewed oil based and penetrating stains that provide a warm softer glow. This allowed a clear path and direction for the finish stage.

Final Delivery

We installed commercial grade felt padding in the bottom of the frame because it sits on top of a wood floor. We didn’t want to scratch that surface! The end result has been a delight to see in service and in this part of the clients home.

At Mahogany house woodworks, we take great pride in each piece that we build and design. It is our intention that you end up with a custom furniture piece that not only delights but serves it’s purpose and function with ease and style.Reach out to us today to see what it would take to get your dream furniture piece built and designed by our expert craftsman.Our team of 2 is located in Nampa Idaho. We have been building custom furniture for over 15 years now. And we would love to build you a piece that your grandkids will be proud to own!

Feel free to drop us an email or shoot us a text- (208)941-4793

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