How we created an elegant dining table with a timeless design, using repurposed timber from an old bookcase.
A customer came to us with an exciting challenge: to use the timber from a bookshelf to make a round dining table with X-frame legs. The bookcase was made of mango timber and we calculated we had just enough to make a tabletop of a diameter of 104 cm. We then purchased some extra timber to create the legs.
![](https://artabellefurniture.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20230804_140731-768x1024.jpg)
After dismantling the bookshelf, we planned the boards obtained to get them all the same thickness.
![](https://artabellefurniture.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/IMG_20231201_103040-768x1024.jpg)
We created some tongues and grooves to assemble the boards and then we glued them together.
![](https://artabellefurniture.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/IMG_20231201_114911-768x1024.jpg)
We then created a trammel bar to cut a perfect circle.
![](https://artabellefurniture.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/WhatsApp-Image-2023-12-04-at-20.46.37_0ee93fdd-1024x768.jpg)
Because the boards were a little thin, we built up the thickness of the circumference by building a decagon consisting of ten blocks mitered at 72 degrees on each edge. We then trimmed the edging flush to the circumference.
![](https://artabellefurniture.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/collage-1.jpg)
Our customer wanted four legs crossed in their middle: an interesting challenge for our master furniture maker! He started by creating a template of a set of 2 legs, to calculate the height and angles needed to ensure the table’s stability.
![](https://artabellefurniture.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/WhatsApp-Image-2023-12-07-at-20.32.04_a30dc7cf-edited.jpg)
Using this template, he cut the 4 legs needed and then assembled them in 2 pairs of X frames, joined by cross-halves joints.
![](https://artabellefurniture.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/frame-unfinished-1-1-768x1024.jpg)
![](https://artabellefurniture.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/frame-unfinished-2-1-768x1024.jpg)
![](https://artabellefurniture.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/IMG_20231215_110141-768x1024.jpg)
![](https://artabellefurniture.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/IMG_20231215_110206-scaled.jpg)
The legs are then screwed to the top.
![](https://artabellefurniture.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/assembled-2-865x1024.jpg)
It is now time to glasspaper and prepare the surface for the finish.
![](https://artabellefurniture.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/assembled-1.jpg)
We then applied 4 coats of satin lacquer which enhanced the natural beauty of the timber. Once installed in the customer’s home, this beautiful and elegant table looked perfectly at home.
![](https://artabellefurniture.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/3-CROPPED-1024x890.jpg)
![](https://artabellefurniture.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/IMG_20231221_132809-1024x993.jpg)