About The Project
This racetrack oval table was built for the customer’s formal dining room. The major design theme for the table was clean, soft, contemporary lines. This was achieved by the oval shape of the top and the two gently curved solid legs. The concave curves of the legs provide a harmonious visual contrast to the convex curves of the table ends.
The table is veneered in quarter sliced European white oak. European white oak has a warmer honey tone color and wavier grain pattern than North American white oak. The veneer was harvested from a very old growth tree. This resulted in very wide veneer slices; wide enough to surface the top with only three slices.
The color was achieved by exposing the table to industrial ammonia fumes. The fumes cause the tannic acid in the wood to darken. After assembly and sanding, the table was placed in a box trailer along with an open pan of ammonia. The longer the exposure to the fumes, the darker the color. This process highlights the wood’s natural color striations, curly grain waves, and ray flecks. Unlike staining, which is most often used on commercial furniture, fuming accents the natural components of the wood, and doesn’t cover them up.
This project included building an accompanying buffet, which can be seen against the wall behind the table. The room photos show off the skills of the interior designer who artfully encompassed a variety of design styles to create a beautifully eclectic decor.
Photo Gallery
