Because you really want a farm table that will seat 8, this table may not be the one for you.

plus when its extended like in the photo, the legs look too close together. And way too spiral.

ML

It sure seems like a steal, but it's not if it's not what you really want....keep looking.

That is not a farm table and it will not seat 8.
While a good price, if it is not what your envision... will you be happy with it?

Only you know if you can compromise to that extent.

You are right. I'll keep on looking.

What about this? I'm not sure about the apron being too far down.

Here is a link that might be useful: farm table

I saw that on CL also-- I like it and it seems like a good price but it's not the look you are seeking. How set are you on the farm table look? The ebay table is closer to what you are looking for but it won't seat 8 either. I see long farm tables pretty regularly here in south central PA. I'd hold out for what you want... unless you aren't married to the idea.

The apron on the ebay table looks like a normal apron. i just measured the apron on our dining table (29" tall w/3" apron) and our breakfast table (31.5 " tall on casters w/3" apron).

We are not tiny people and the aprons have never caused us problems.

ML

funkyart,
do you see the farm tables on CL?

My DH is 6'4", and it never occurred to me that he has problems getting his knees under the apron, but my last purchase didn't work too well for him .

I think I do want a farm table, or at least something rustic and able to seat 8. Now, with extension would be great, but I guess then we're not really talking farm table anymore.

Other possibilities are a place in Sperryville, VA, that does reproductions or reproductions made in KY or AZ. I just would like to see the table in person.
Az below link,
KY here: http://knoxville.craigslist.org/atq/3911439548.html

Here is a link that might be useful: example

Maybe worth a call? Not sure if the farm tables are new, however.

Here is a link that might be useful: farm tables/vintage dining

Wow! I don't know for sure why you wouldn't go for this table or one like it. The company arcadiancottage.com is who makes it and they seem to make custom styles. They also have pretty impressive feedback on Etsy.com
I studied furniture design and these guys nail it when it comes to reproducing the classic French, English and American farm table. It seems they have lots of styles to choose from and can customize tables to fit taller people.

I know: the arcadiancottage.com tables look great as does the one below; maybe even more so. However, I really want to see the table in person.
The Frederick link looks interesting, too. Thanks so much!

Here is a link that might be useful: Harvest table reproductions

WOW! Those on the CL ad that you just posted are GORGEOUS! I wish Knoxville wasn't so far from Maine. The built-in patina of the old wood means any future dings that may happen will just blend right in.

His are my favs to far, but I'll admit that I really like the barley twist one you first posted. I do wonder why all the pics show it covered with that runner, but barley twist is something that I really like and there are sets of 'BT' candlesticks on eBay that cost close to or more than they are asking for that table.

Here is a link that might be useful: Tall Elegant Pair of Oak Barley Twist Candlesticks

Yes, the KY table would be perfect because I wouldn't care if my kids or DH add a bunch of nicks and dents. I just want to see it in person. Maybe a trip to KY?
You think I should take a look at the oak table after all?

The legs of the oak table at the shorter end are only 18" apart --- which means it won't fit my dining chairs. Ugh!

I'm glad you asked about it, In the first pic it looked tight, but in their second one it looked like there was more space, so I wondered, too...

I don't want to talk you into anything you don't want; I just personally love barley twist and know how pricey it is. :-)

Don't know how far you are from Knoxville, TN, but David Grant Howard's tables are my favorite so far for the look of authenticity. The price would need to be checked on the size you want, but it's $850 on one shown vs. $1300 with the monogram carved in AZ. Personally I think the monogram is a bit rough, and if buying from them, would choose a table without it.

Well, I figured out that DGH is in Knoxville, TN, not Knoxville, KY, i.e. a bit closer but still a day's drive. I'll keep on looking, or maybe make it to TN. Agree that his tables are my favorite so far, although I'm not madly in love with the apron and legs.

But remember, his ad on CL says 'I can make just about anything.' I'm betting that you could email him photos of a style you like and the dimensions you want, and tell him which finish in his CL ad is your favorite, and he could work up an estimate for you.

Yes, you're right. Still sometimes, a table surface looks really great online, and when one sees it in person, it has this weird plasticy kind of finish on it. I suppose I could ask what kind of finish he uses and also whether he can make the apron a little bit more elaborate, for lack of a better description.

I know exactly what you mean by that plastic look; icky!

When I read this, 'Because most of my tables are used in a modern kitchen setting I am using a urethane finish so they can be cleaned easily. I can use wax and oils on something I make special order but these have urethane on them. I mix my own urethane so I can get a really FLAT look which is a big help in achieving an antique waxed look.' I knew that this guy knows what the correct finish is for a reproduction of an antique table.

I keep going back to his ad to look at that beautiful photography.

Wow, that guy's work is beautiful.

Oh, thanks for reading the small print, 3dogs. My kid just suggested this table below. Totally different look, but it supposedly weighs 300 lbs.
It's cast iron and a solid wood top. On sale for under 600 incl shipping.

I love the table you just showed, can you share the link with me. I'm very interested to know more about it.

It's on West Elm, for sale, plus an extra 20% off with a discount code at check out July20). They also have it with a glass top and a metal top. However, they told me that you can't see it in the store, and the sale is final. I'm just worried that it has this artificial plastic finish. They have other tables on sale with glass top or metal top, e.g.

If you somehow can see the table IRL, can you let me know what it looks like?

Here is a link that might be useful: West Elm table

That one is very nice, but I don't think that you can seat 8 there unless they are very friendly guests.
Diane

Do you like this one? It's been up since June-- maybe they'd come down in price if you like it?

Here is a link that might be useful: CL table

Yes, seating 8 may be a problem, especially since my chairs are a whopping 21" wide.

Anele, thanks so much for posting that link. I had seen the table but it's too long at 95".

I figured you'd seen it!

Are you married to your chairs, or can they change? If you are open to something a little smaller, it might open up some options for you.

Not really married to the chairs, but they are new, and I like them. (Ikea Henriksdaal. I still have the old Windsor chairs, too, so right now I'm swimming in chairs :)

Going for something like this:

Although I could also use the slipcovered chairs at the head and paint my Windsor chairs black or dark navy.

Oooh, Iove both options! I missed it- what is your max table size?

Maybe something like this, with the legs painted?

Here is a link that might be useful: table

Anele, I think you should hire yourself out as a Craigslist searcher!

I'd LOVE to have that table you just found! Pine 'farm tables' on Maine's CL go for a heck of a lot more than that when you can find them, and that's without chairs.

YES! Thanks so much, Anele. I missed that one. I just emailed them. Only problem is that my DH is going to flip out if I get six more chairs. I already have too many...
Ideally, the table would be about 6 feet and can be expanded to seat 8, so about 7 feet.

How about this one, an Irish Coast table with a nifty expansion mechanism? Again, I wouldn't be able to see one in person. I already checked with local furniture stores.

Here is a link that might be useful: Irish Coast table

My current table extends to 90", which is the longest the table could be. (It could be a tad longer if extended, but not when in regular use.)

My honest opinion (reflecting my taste) is that the one anele found on CL for less than half the price of the Irish coast one, appears to have much prettier legs, as I liked the turned ones.
You could list the chairs that come with it, or ones you have now on eBay and recoup some of that money.

But, that is MY taste, and only you can decide what is best for you!

However, you got ME looking at antique tables on CL, and I just made arrangements to have this picked up by a friend this evening. The seller grew up in England, and is now in Maine, and sells antiques on Ruby Lane. This table is 18" square on top and 29" tall. I'll just re-do the top, freshen up the rest, and I LOVE barley twist! $21, and I'll enjoy re-doing it, and thinking I didn't have to pay $350 with $65 shipping like the similar one linked below. Yay!

Here is a link that might be useful: English Antique Solid Oak Barley Twist Side Table

Wow, I like the proportions of your find much better than the one on Ebay.
I'm waiting for a reply on the CL table Anele suggested. You got me into looking at barley twist side tables now, too.

Got a reply regarding the table linked to by anele. They bought it 8 years ago at Marlo. Am I a snob, or does Marlo have any decent furniture?

I'm not sure if any of these appeal to you but we bought our table here about 7 years ago. I love it. Ours is 6' with painted black base. It has held up extremely well to my family of six, with four kids eating all their meals here, as well as using it for homework, arts and crafts, etc. We have six chairs but only use four, with two one one side, one on either end, and a bench on the other side. However, when necessary, we can easily add a third chair to the one side and seat three on the opposite bench. Eventually I will replace the bench and only have chairs.

Not sure how far you are from Annapolis, but it would make a lovely day trip. The shop is right on the main street into town, with loads of other shops and restaurants in walking distance so if you have time, it would be a nice outing for the day. Maine Cottage is a few blocks away, and though pricey, has some really nice furniture as well.

Here is a link that might be useful: Annapolis Furniture Company

Thanks so much for the tip. I can easily make Annapolis a day trip, which I have been planning already for a while.

Any feedback on Marlo furniture?

I don't have any personal experience with Marlo other than that it is a chain that seems to sell mass market furniture. Having grown up in this area, I have a vague recollection of seeing their commercials on TV all the time as a kid. In terms of quality, it is probably one of those, "you get what you pay for" kind of things kind of like The Room Store.

Annapolis Furniture is not that big of a store and I'm not sure how much they keep in stock on the floor (for a while they had a facility on the Eastern Shore, but for some reason I think they may have gotten rid of it). You may want to call ahead if you have specific tables in mind to make sure that they have one on the floor that you can see (and take home with you if not having it delivered). I bought my own kitchen table there as well as my TV console/hutch and have been very pleased with the quality. It's not too expensive but both pieces have held up very well to my family.

M3D, that would be a fun job!

Nosoccer, if you like the look of the table and it's close, why not take a look? Since it is already 8 years old, you'll be able to get a good idea of how it holds up. I would not let a brand stop me.