Comment from Laurent, creator of this superb custom-made table with modular oak top:
After the kitchen I am tackling the living room which needs a youthful look. First step: make a table, because we have not managed to find a model to our taste, in what is affordable.
We have chosen to do something square and wide enough (124 cm) so that it is original and practical. With a little more than 1m between each foot you can stand at 8 (with narrow chairs of 40-45 cm) or very comfortable at 4.
The frame is simple and economical: all made of a 10 cm side pine construction post, the pieces being assembled by lag screws and wood glue for a very rigid whole. We simply sanded it well and painted it white, avoiding covering the lag bolts whose stainless steel color reminds us of the chrome chairs we have chosen. We were keen on this "slightly raw" side of the chassis so that it didn't look industrial, and to highlight the style of the top.
For the top, the table being square I I wanted to avoid that the blades of wood are in one direction. So I ordered 4 oak top identical squares 1.8 cm thick, 62 x 62 cm. I assembled them in staggered rows, by gluing and screwing them on an 18 mm chipboard tray with the dimensions of the inside of the frame. I chose a fairly thin tray because the frame is already very thick.
Then we had the idea of putting a small square tops in the center of the table (a micro-cactus garden) . So that it does not protrude, I cut a square hole to the dimensions of the bin (43 cm on the side) in the middle of the table top and fixed a sort of basket below to the depth of our bin. So the edges of the tray are flush (I will still have to remake this tray which is a little twisted as it is).
At the same time, I ordered a 5th piece of oak tray 43cm aside to fill the gap when we need space on the table, and give it a more conventional appearance. We have the choice ! Besides, I'm thinking of making other squares like this: a white one like the frame and another with a turntable ... and we change according to our mood or the circumstance.
The plate has been oiled with 4 coats of oil colorless whose rendering and solidity are top.
