I need to build some sofa tables to wrap around an "L" shaped black leather sectional. Each leg is about ten feet long, floor to top in the 30"-34" range, top width 12-15". I'm planning to make them of mahogany, probably with honed black slate tile inserts in the top.
First of all do any of you have any experience with same and if so, what size would you suggest for the leg and rail widths? I'm thinking about 2
1/2" - 3", sound about right for visual appearance?Secondly is building the thing. Several possibilities...
- Build two tables angled to 45 degrees where they meet, bolt the two together thru aprons at the angle.
Problem 1: how to handle the legs where they join. Have legs at each end just before the angle and let the angled portion just hang? Suggestions? I'm trying to find a way to do it without a bunch of legs all clustered together.
Problem 2: there will be no appreciable weight on the tables but ten feet is still a pretty long span. It would be easy to simply add intermediate legs though. Still, ten foot tables are a bit of a pain to handle.
- Break down the ten feet into 2, maybe 3, sections.
Problem 1: same thing with the legs in problem 1 above but also where the sections meet. Ideally, a parson's table should flow...there should be symmetry. If I make multiple tables the legs would be double where the table ends meet. I could make each leg at the junction 1/2 the width but they would never line up to look like one legwhen the tables were set up. Maybe a slight bevel where they meet and cut a "V" quirk in the center of the full width legs?
Another possibility with two tables in each "L" is to make one table with four legs and the short apron on inside end set back behind the leg, make the other with no legs where it joins to the first and bolt the two aprons together.
Other thoughts?
As you can see, most of my concerns are with appearance...I want something simple with nice clean lines and minimal visible joints; all comments will be much appreciated.