Harmony Cedar Amish Custom Furniture: Home > Dining Room / Kitchen > Dining Room Tables > Guide to Tables

Guide to Tables

A Guide to Our Amish Dining Tables

 table styles

This guide answers several common questions about our tables. Our tables are made from solid wood. The table top is made from 1.5" thick hardwood. The top of the table is generally 30 inches from the floor. We can customize and add details to make your table unique for you.

Several new options available include distressing, using reclaimed barnwood, and have lengthwise (rather than the standard horizontal) plank. We have even made tables from lumber from trees or an old table provided by the customer.

To help you decide on a wood and a finish, individual wood samples and wood sample color collections are available for purchase.

Please call us with any other questions, or for further clarification at 1-888-959-8899.

Commonly Asked Questions

Select a link below to move down the page to that question's answer.

What styles of dining tables do you have?

How do I choose the right size and table for my family?

How do I store my table leaves when they're not in use?

I want a very solid, sturdy table. What do you recommend?

What kind of custom work do you do?

Delivery Dates and Completion Times

100% Quality Guarantee

Warranty Information

What styles of dining tables do you have?

Colonial, Eastern, Farmhouse, Harvest, Lancaster, Mission, Montrose, Pedestal, Railroad, Serenity, Shaker, Trestle, Turin, Western, and Zen. You can see small photos of these table styles in the image to the top-right.

All of our tables can expand with additional leaves to seat your extended family during the holidays. As a rule of thumb (which is generally, but not always accurate), leaves be added to double the size of the tabletop. In other words, an 80" x 42" table can expand to around 160" x 42" with the addition of 12" or 18" leaves.

What are my table top shape options?

Table top profile options

What are my table edge options?

diagram of table edge designs

Table Edge Options

Table border option

table with border in another wood

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How do I choose the right size and table for my family?

Our dining tables are designed to be an heirloom that will become a part of your family. To make sure that they fit your needs both now and for generations to come, here are a few guidelines to help you make the right choice.

Mission: Mission tables have ample open space below the tabletop, the main limitation is the location of the two columns on either end (see measurements for several mission table sizes to the right). Mission tables smaller than around 50" x 42" will not self-store leaves, and will have limitations on seating on the ends when no leaves are added to the table.

Trestle: Trestle tables are very similar to mission tables in terms of available space in the undercarriage.

Pedestal: Pedestal table undercarriages are very non-intrusive. We recommend pedestal style tables if you anticipate any difficulty with legroom beneath the table. This is particularly true for square or rectangular tables under 50" long, and all sizes of round and oval tables.

Mixed Hardwood: This depends on the style of the table base used.

Oval and Round: Oval and round tables are generally created with a pedestal base, and have similar space and legroom characteristics. They can also be created with mission and trestle bases. Oval tables created with a mission or trestle base should be at least 48" X 42". Round tables created with a mission or trestle base should be at least 46" in diameter.

Lancaster: Lancaster tables are very open underneath the tabletop, but between the legs on either end is a low-hanging piece that covers the interior joinery and hardware. Lancaster tables smaller than 70" in length have difficulty seating anyone at the ends of the table until one or more leaves are added. Lancaster tables over 70" in length have no such limitation.

Harvest and Farmhouse: Harvest and farmhouse tables are very open underneath the tabletop and have ample legroom. Harvest and farmhouse tables ordered without leaves have four legs (for tables 80" or shorter) or six legs (for tables 81" or longer). Four-legged harvest and farmhouse tables ordered with leaves have a fifth leg in the center of the table to support the tabletop when leaves are added.

Western: Due to the curved legs, the western dining table style does not fit as many people as our other styles of dining table. Roughly speaking, a western table seats two less people than a mission or pedestal table of the same size.

Measuring Your Room for a Great Table Fit

When determining the size of table you need, it is helpful to measure out the room each person at the table will need. Each place-setting usually requires 22 inches wide by 14 inches deep to be generous. Sometimes, you can squeeze that to a tight 18 inches wide by 12 inches deep (which is a typical placemat, and the width of a typical chair).

You will also want to allow 30 inches of clearance around the table for chairs, with a minimum of 24 inches. This is what is necessary to be able to get in and out easily.

Dining Room Table Types and Shapes

When we refer to 'square and rectangular tables', we mean tables of all designs (mission, trestle, harvest, etc) that do not fit into any of the other categories. This includes most of our tables.

Square and Rectangular Tables: See below for detailed seating charts.

Tables With Large Cut or Rounded Corners: These cut down a bit on available seating space, but this difference is not very significant.

Oval Tables: Oval tables are similar to rectangular tables, as the slightly smaller tabletop is moderated by rounded corners (which provide more space for seating).

Western Tables: Roughly speaking, a western table seats two less people than a mission or pedestal table of the same size.

Round Tables: A 36" round table seats 4 people, a 48" round table seats 6 to 8, a 60" round table seats 8 to 10, and a 72" round table seats 10-12.

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Adding Leaves

12" or 18" tables leaves can be added to all of our tables. When adding leaves, keep in mind that most chairs are 18" wide and a comfortable amount of space per person is 22".

Please read down farther on this page for information on how to store the table leaves when not in use.

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Table Seating Chart with 12" Leaves - Square and Rectangular Tables

  • The smaller number in the range in each column is for a gracious-sized setting (14"x22") .
  • The larger number in the range in each column is is for a tight setting (12"x18").
  • "n/a" means that this number of leaves is not recommended for this table
Number of People You Can Seat
(gracious space to tight fit)
Number of 12 inch Leaves
Table Size 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
36x36 2 - 4 2 - 6 4 - 8 6 - 8 n/a n/a n/a
48x48 4 - 6 6 - 8 8 - 8 8 - 10 10 - 12 n/a n/a
50x42 4 - 6 6 - 6 6 - 8 8 - 10 8 - 10 n/a n/a
58x58 6 - 8 6 - 10 8 - 12 10 - 12 10 - 14 n/a n/a
60x42 4 - 8 6 - 8 6 - 10 8 - 12 8 - 12 n/a n/a
68x68 8 - 10 10 - 12 10 - 12 12 - 14 14 - 16 14 - 16 n/a
70x46 6 - 8 8 - 8 8 - 10 10 - 12 12 - 12 12 - 14 14 - 16
80x46 6 - 10 8 - 10 8 - 12 10 - 14 12 - 14 12 - 16 14 - 18
90x46 8 - 12 10 - 12 10 - 14 12 - 16 14 - 16 14 - 18 16 - 20
100x46 8 - 12 10 - 12 10 - 14 12 - 16 14 - 16 14 - 18 16 - 20
110x46 10 - 14 12 - 14 12 - 16 14 - 18 16 - 18 16 - 20 18 - 22
120x46 10 - 14 12 - 14 12 - 16 14 - 18 16 - 18 16 - 20 18 - 22

Table Seating Chart with 18" Leaves - Square and Rectangular Tables

  • The smaller number in the range in each column is for a gracious-sized setting (14"x22") .
  • The larger number in the range in each column is is for a tight setting (12"x18").
  • "n/a" means that this number of leaves is not recommended for this table.
Number of People You Can Seat
(gracious space to tight fit)
Number of 18 inch Leaves
Table Size 0 1 2 3 4
36x36 2 - 4 4 - 6 6 - 8 n/a n/a
48x48 4 - 6 6 - 8 8 - 10 n/a n/a
50x42 4 - 6 6 - 8 8 - 10 n/a n/a
58x58 6 - 8 8 - 10 10 - 12 10 - 14 n/a
60x42 4 - 8 6 - 10 8 - 12 10 - 14 n/a
68x68 8 - 10 10 - 12 12 - 14 14 - 16 16 - 18
70x46 6 - 8 8 - 10 10 - 12 12 - 14 14 - 16
80x46 6 - 10 8 - 12 10 - 14 12 - 16 14 - 18
90x46 8 - 12 10 - 14 12 - 16 14 - 18 16 - 20
100x46 8 - 12 10 - 14 12 - 16 14 - 18 16 - 20
110x46 10 - 14 12 - 16 14 - 18 16 - 20 18 - 22
120x46 10 - 14 12 - 16 14 - 18 16 - 20 18 - 22

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How do I store my table leaves when they're not in use?

table square leaf

Table leaves can be stored inside many of our tables when they are not in use. This self-storage ability is available on the following tables:

Rectangular tables 42" wide or larger, between 50" to 80" long, created from our standard 1.5" thick hardwood: All designs can self-store two 12" leaves. Trestle, Pedestal, Colonial, Farmhouse, Shaker and Harvest tables can self-store one 18" leaf.

Rectangular tables 42" wide or larger, between 81" to 107" long: Cannot self-store any leaves.

Rectangular tables 42" wide or larger, between 108" to 120" long: Can self-store two 12" leaves. Trestle, Pedestal, Farmhouse, Shaker and Harvest tables can store one 18" leaf.

Square tables 42" or larger in width and depth: A square table without any leaves added is not capable of leaf self-storage, as the leaves are the same size as the table.

Oval Tables: Cannot self-store any leaves.

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Leaf Storage in a Sideboard

Medium Oak Amish Mission Sideboard

Our sideboards are designed to store table leaves. They can be created to any size, but need to be a bit larger than the leaves they are designed to store. It is best to decide on the size and number of leaves you need for your table, and then decide on the size of the sideboard that will store these leaves.

A sideboard will safely store away the table leaves when your family is not using them. Simply open the cabinet door and the leaves are slide off the pegs they rest on, ready to expand your table to seat the whole extended family.

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I want a very solid, sturdy table. What do you recommend?

Harmony Cedar tables are individually handcrafted by Amish craftsmen with decades of experience. Creating a beautiful, durable tabletop requires this level of expertise. Our tables are created from solid hardwood, the tabletops are created from 1.5" thick hardwood. We use high quality hardware in our mission tables. The interior leaf mechanism (click here for a photo) is created from solid hard maple, and the metal gears are mechanized to ensure stability. This assures a very strong, sturdy table base.

Our tables are designed to be very strong and solid, but we also offer several ways to make them even more durable:

Thicker Tabletops: We can also create your table from even thicker hardwood stock, using 2" thick hardwood instead of 1.5" thick wood.

Janka Rating: Our wood sample section includes details on the relative hardness of all of our hardwoods. For an exceptionally solid tabletop, Maple and Hickory are excelent choices.

Wood Finish: Our standard finish is rated to protect against common houehold spills and abrasions.

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What kind of custom work do you do?

We can accommodate most custom requests that do not change the overall character of the design, or compromise its strength and integrity. For example -- we can remove slats from a mission table for aesthetic purposes, or make the table more narrow to fit into your . But we cannot remove a structural element, nor can we make a table so narrow that it becomes unstable.

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100% Quality Guarantee

We offer a 100% quality guarantee on all of our tables. We will refund all of your money, including your original shipping charges, under the following conditions:

1. The piece is not of high quality or does not match the product description, and we are unable to resolve this issue to your satisfaction,

AND

2. Your order is returned to us in new condition within 30 days of delivery, with no evidence of use or damage.

Please note that we cannot offer this 100% quality guarantee for the following reasons: natural variations in wood grain or sapwood, the color not matching the photographs on the website (please order a wood sample prior to choosing a wood or stain), the furniture not being the right size for your needs, or minor imperfections in the finished piece. Handcrafted furniture created from natural wood products will display a small degree of variation in the finished product.

Other Returns

We will accept returns for any other reason under the following conditions:

1. Your order is returned to us in new condition within 30 days of delivery, with no evidence of use or damage.

2. Upon receipt in good condition, a 25% restocking fee plus any shipping charges will be assessed. The rest of your money will be refunded promptly.

Inspection of All Returns

Returned items will be inspected. Harmony Cedar reserves the right to reject returns of merchandise that shows signs of use or customer damage.

Order Modifications and Cancellations

If you need to modify or cancel your order for whatever reason, please do so within 3 business days (Monday-Saturday) of placing your order. Our craftsmen will begin work on your piece shortly after receiving your order.

Orders canceled after this 3 business day window are subject to a 25% restocking fee.

Printed plaque orders cannot be canceled or modified, they are sent to the printer shop electronically shortly after the order is placed.

Orders modified after this 3 business day window may require additional charges, depending on whether the changes affect the progression of work on your piece. This may also delay the completion of, and delivery of your piece.

Shipping Damage

We package all of our shipments exceptional care to reduce the possibility of damage. Still, accidents happen -- and even the best packaging cannot prevent all damage from occurring.

When a piece arrives damaged, we may ask for photos or a description of the damage to assist us in resolving the problem. We will make a determination to repair or replace the piece.

Please click here for more details on our shipping policies.

We offer a 100% quality guarantee on all of our dining room tables. We will refund all of your money, including your original shipping charges; please see above for details.

Delivery Dates and Completion Times

The 'time to complete' and 'delivery times' listed on our website are good-faith estimates. Please let us know if there is an important holiday or event we should be aware of when you place your order, and we will do our best to get it there on time.

Warranty Information

We offer a one year guarantee against defects in materials and workmanship on all of our handcrafted furniture.

Warranty Summary

Our warranty covers all consequential defects in materials and workmanship for one full year.

We will pay for all costs (including all repair costs, and all shipping costs) to repair or replace any piece with a defect within 30 days of delivery.

We will pay for most costs (including all repair costs, and half of the shipping costs) to repair or replace any piece with a defect within 1 year of delivery.

Warranty Details

This warranty applies only to goods purchased directly from Harmony Cedar, and applies only under conditions of normal indoor residential use. This warranty applies only to consumer purchasers purchasing directly from Harmony Cedar. Any resale, rental or lease of warranted goods voids the warranty except as specified separately under a reseller agreement. Modification of the merchandise voids all warranties.

Harmony Cedar warrants to the original purchaser that within 1 year of delivery, it will repair or replace any piece of furniture which is defective in structure or workmanship. The decision to replace or repair the item is at the sole discretion of Harmony Cedar. If Harmony Cedar determines that repair is impractical, it may furnish you with a substitute piece of the same or similar color, design, style, and quality. These are your exclusive remedies under our warranty.

If you notice a manufacturing defect, you must notify Harmony Cedar within 1 year of delivery at:

Harmony Cedar, Inc.
1007 15th Avenue North
South Saint Paul, MN 55075

OR

[email protected]

After notification, Harmony Cedar will contact you regarding your concern and arrange for any photographs or inspection needed to determine whether a manufacturing defect exists.

Not Covered Under Warranty:

Please note that handcrafted wood furniture will have natural variations in grain, color, and material characteristics such as knots, insect markings, pitch pockets, and mineral streaks. These are not considered defects, and are therefore not covered by the warranty.

Because of the use of natural materials and the handcrafted nature of our products, this warranty does not cover minor differences or variations between illustrations or floor samples and your furniture.

Your product is also not warranted against:

  • Normal wear and tear.
  • Damage or appearance changes from improper care or storage after delivery.
  • Slight variations in appearance (normal shrinkage, swelling, hairline cracks, minor warping, etc.) which result from normal expansion and contraction of wood as it responds to climate changes within the home.
  • Slight variations in appearance and craftsmanship which result from the pieces being individually handcrafted.
  • Damage from exposure to extremely high or low humidity, or rapid temperature changes, after delivery.
  • Damage resulting from accidents, abuse, improper use, or negligence after delivery, including but not limited to burns, scuffs, watermarks, scratches, pet damage, or damage from cleaning products.
  • Damage resulting from commercial or outdoor use.
  • Repairs not performed or authorized by Harmony Cedar.

Implied Warranties, and Consequential and Incidental Damages:

THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. HARMONY CEDAR MAKES NO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THESE AND ALL OTHER IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMED. "Implied warranties" mean any warranties that the law sometimes implies to have been given by the seller even though they are not set out in writing.

HARMONY CEDAR WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR INDIRECT DAMAGES, EVEN IF IT HAS REASON TO KNOW IN ADVANCE THAT THEY ARE POSSIBLE. "Consequential or incidental damages" mean any loss, expense, or damage other than to the furniture itself that may result from a defect in the furniture.

Harmony Cedar does not authorize anyone, including any authorized resellers, to create for it any other warranty, obligations, or liability in connection with any of its products.

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