Any Creative Ideas for Antique Dining Table Top?

18 years ago

I'm purchasing a fantastic antique workbench to use as dining table. It is 24" x 78". The top is not condusive, as is, to eating because there are holes in the top, an inset tray for tools and a vice.

My first idea was to have a half inch thick piece of glass made, 31" x 82", so that the glass hangs over 3" on three sides (leaving the vice end alone). The bottom, not to be outdone by the issues of the top, has a shelf so the overhang will allow for more leg room.

I'm concerned about the safety of this idea. While the table itself is very heavy, I'm concerned that my ninety pound dog may bump into the table and cause the glass to fall. He has epilepsy and has periods of blind panic where he runs through the house willy nilly.

Does anyone have any advice about securing the top or perhaps using a different material?

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Comments (3)

dcollie
18 years ago
Plexiglass is lighter and won't shatter.

Another option is to make a hardwood top, and simply fasten it over the existing unit. For example a 31" x 82" Tiger Maple top held in place with a series of maple hex pegs in rows driven through the top down into the workbench. Trim the pegs, and finish over them. Would work with the theme of the workbench and look very cool.

Duane Collie
pauldowns
18 years ago
Things to check before proceeding:

1. Height of the workbench. It is quite likely that it is higher than the standard 29-30" found on dining tables. This will make the table feel funny to sit at.

2. Clearance required for comfort. You should mock up the top size you intend to use and then sit at the bench to make sure that your knees aren't running into the bench structure. I would recommend at least 13" from the edge of the table to an obstruction.

Reality check: old workbenches are very cool looking, but they aren't dining tables. Your dining table should look good AND work well (if you intend to use it, not just look at it). Make sure you understand the functional compromises you are making if you proceed with this project. And that other stakeholders (significant other?) are on board.

Best of luck,

Paul Downs
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eksteven
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks for the responses. I'm hesitant to cover up the existing top because it has so much character, but I will look into the plexiglass.
I spoke to my glass people and they said they could anchor it into the piece, but it would add a few hundred dollars to the cost of the glass. I'm assuming that it would be removable as another option raised was gluing the glass to the top (I'm not sold on this as it would make it impossible to clean underneath).

The workbench is actually too short! It is an unusual one as it is much wider and a bit shorter than the usual antiques I see. It will be raised to be about 30 1/2" high including the glass before I bring it home. I would have actually preferred a tall one to put counter height bar stools with. My current standard height table is the perfect height for my dog to rest his head on and watch me eat.

I've sat at the workbench with a standard chair and the clearance to the shelf is only a little tight without the added 3". I'll measure again to see if it will meet 13" with the glass. The shelf can be removed with a little elbow grease, but for now I like it.

Thanks!