Occasionally need bigger table
by
Nancy B
+18
I have a small trestle dining table 60" x 33". When I entertain I need a larger table. Any ideas on how to get more seating space for a dinner party?
10 answers
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Get a sheet of plywood, shape to size wanted and place on top of existing table. Cover with pad and table cloth. I did this years ago when I had a small table except I did not use a table pad.
Sandra Miller
on Dec 26, 2014
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@Nancy B we had this problem as well. We also got a piece of plywood, used quarter round around the edges - stained the whole thing, then had seating for about 6 extra people. We only used the plywood when we had extra people coming over, otherwise it was stored in the garage against the wall. It would require extra large table cloths as well as your regular size, if you use them. We also used this outdoors when doing a lot of entertaining. We set the plywood on two work horses, I usually used sheets at those occasions so the work horses were hidden and used paper clamps to secure them. Hope this helps.
Gail Salminen
on Dec 27, 2014
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If you have another table about same width and height, just butt it up. Once it has a table cloth, who cares - it's what is being served on it that's the thing! If your table is 60 inches long, the only plywood length I'm familiar with is 8 ft long so you only get an extra foot.
Marion Nesbitt
on Dec 27, 2014
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Thank you Linda.
Nancy B
on Dec 27, 2014
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Entertaining more than 6, use existing table as your serving or buffet and invest in a oval or oblong folding table for your sit down dinner then save for other future gatherings
Augustina
on Dec 27, 2014
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An easy way to anchor the table is to add molding in an "L" shape at each corner. Just place the 1/2" plywood centered over your existing table. Use a pencil to outline each corner. Cut out lengths of the molding at least 4-5" long. To attach the molding to the plywood use screws and make sure to pre-drill the molding so it does not split when attaching it to the plywood. This keeps the plywood from shifting while being used. Also attach the molding a bit on outside of the pencil lines so it will lift off your table top. It is a good idea to use screen molding to finish the edges of the plywood so it won't snag your table linens. I use wood glue and finish nails to attach the molding. You can make a simple toggle that will swivel to hold the plywood with a piece of the same molding loosely screwed down to the "L" shaped molding. Just make sure the molding and tabletop are the same thickness. Using both the "L" molding and toggle secures your table top from moving or tipping when in use.
Enjb
on Dec 27, 2014
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You could look for an expanding table with the leaf that opens out - either at the ends or the middle and keep it small size when not having company. Checkout Craigslist - lots of tables seem to go quite cheap on these type of sites, or ebay if you have it. If you can find one locally, it won't cost much to transport it to your home. Sell your old table on same site or use it elsewhere in the house. If you don't like the brown look wood on the new to you table, you can always paint it or decorate it to match your home décor.
Carole
on Dec 27, 2014
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I had the exact same problem...my table was even the same size as yours. I bought an inexpensive table (the same width as mine) at a thrift store. We added very small wood "feet" to it to bring it up to the same height as my table. When company came I put the tables end-to-end and covered them with one long table cloth. When not needed, the table was used in my bedroom as a desk.
Sandy
on Dec 27, 2014
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I made a similar plywood top a few years ago, but I attached long strips on the underside to 'frame' the outside of the existing table, to keep it from moving (similar to the corner idea above). I did put towels on the table before placing the top on. I didn't stain or anything - just used a large tablecloth. It worked great!
Barb
on Dec 27, 2014
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Depending on how much the plywood extends at both ends of your table, might I suggest NOT putting anything too heavy (like 2-gallon drink servers) at the ends. That can have disastrous results, trust me!
Mary
on Dec 27, 2014
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