A Custom Made Version of the Ellipse II Dining Table

Some time ago we received an inquiry to build a custom version of our Ellipse II Table. Apparently this client had seen and LOVED the elliptical version of our design, but asked if they could make some changes.

They asked if they could change the species of wood, the grain pattern of the top, the shape of the top, the overall size, the design of the base, the edge profile, and the finish. Oh, and could they also have this table made with extension leaves?

The answers to the questions were: Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, and yes.


The first step in the process was to make a drawing of the proposed custom design, to clarify the proportions and give a clearer sense of what the finished table would look like.


After approval of drawings a finish sample was made to verify the wood and sheen. For this particular project we made the finish sample into a scale mock-up of the table edge profile, to give a better sense of what it would look like.


Upon approval of drawings and finish sample it was time to build the table.

The first step was to lay up the panels that would be made into the top, leaves and pedestal base.


With the table top cut top size it was time to glue on the 3" built-up edge. As you can see, there's truth to the saying that there are never enough clamps in a wood shop.


With the table edges clamped for the glue to dry it was time to make some interlocking ribs as a jig for the inside of the pedestal base.


Compound mitres were used to cut the plywood panels for the pedestal sides. These panels were then fitted around the jig to create the finished profile.


Applying the hardwood trim. More glue, and more clamps.


Additional hardwood ribs were secured to the underside of the top to give added rigidity to the cantilevered design. The dadoed cross rib shown here creates the pocket that will hold the extenders for the extension leaves.


The underside of the table, showing subtop and extender for leaf.


More clamps....


The woodwork is now complete. This view shows the extender closed.


The extender open.


The leaf set onto the extender.


The completed table, now ready for sanding and finishing.


The table base set into the dining room of the client's home.


The finished table, shown in plain sliced walnut with natural satin finish.

Ruhlmann Dining Table

The Ruhlmann Table is one of the oldest pieces in our furniture collection. Although it was designed and first prototyped in 1988, true credit for its inspiration must be given to Art Deco master Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann.

At the time we first made this table we were working with a New York based designer by the name of Ron Seff. Ron shared our love for Ruhlmann's classic lines, and he specifically deserves credit for fine tuning the actual shape of the elliptically curved legs.

By no means is this design an attempt to copy anything ever created by Ruhlmann. In fact, any such effort could never amount to anything more than a copy of the original anyway. But given the influence it is only fair that Ruhlmann be acknowledged.

The dining table as shown measures 84" long x 44" wide x 29" overall height. It is crafted from Curly English Sycamore, and inlaid with ebonized line details and medallions. The ebonized ends extend to receive 24" leaves, making this table ideal for hosting large gatherings.

Custom sizes and shapes, as well as alternative woods and finishes, are readily available.

The Clock Table - A Blast From the Past

A woman in Calgary emailed me recently asking for an appraisal and some background information on a custom dining table we made over 16 years ago. I recognized the table immediately from some photos she sent along.

Thankfully we have invested a good deal of time and effort over the years to create an extensive database of our many custom furniture projects, so it was not difficult to find the original job card, specifications and drawings for this table.

This particular design was a customized version of our "Clock Table". It was ordered on September 26, 1994 and shipped in February 1995. This project was assigned W.O. #0142, which means that it was created shortly after our changeover from an older, less efficient job tracking system that was in place since the company's beginnings in 1967.

This dining table measures 96" long x 48" wide x 29" high, and has extending ends that can receive 2 massive 30" leaves. The top was finished in a combination of gold and silver leaf which was variously oxidized, washed and glazed to create a faux finish effect of an antique clock face. The table was then coated in a protective high gloss automotive polyurethane.

The top is supported by dual pedestal bases with plinths finished in matching gold and silver leaf treatments. The tapered column pedestals are high gloss stained mahogany.

This table was ordered through a gallery in Miami called Carriage House, and shipped to a nearby warehouse. That was as much as I knew about the table.

From the current owner I learned that the table stayed in Miami area for a few years before being moved to a new home in Vancouver. Four years ago that table was moved yet again, this time from Vancouver to Calgary.

Considering that this table is over 16 years old and has experienced at least two major moves, I am amazed that it looks as good as it does. Assuming that it is still in near mint condition I am certain that this table has at least held its value over the years.

The dining chairs were made separately by Donghia, and upholstered to complement the table.

This table is now being offered for sale, and I've been asked to share a phone # and email address to help market this piece. The current owner can be reached by phone at (403)-681-2500 or email at sonia@fitx.ca