How many people do they seat?

These large tables commonly seat anywhere from ten up to twenty-eight people depending on the number of inserted leaves. Lengths often exceed six metres on the largest examples. Arranging chairs around pedestal versions remains straightforward because the vertical columns sit away from the corners, maximising leg room for every guest.

Are leaves original to the table?

Many extending tables retain their matching set of extra leaves, cut from the same timber plank during initial construction. This ensures the grain pattern flows continuously across the entire surface. Slight variations in fading can sometimes occur if extra leaves spent decades stored away in darkness while the main table sat in sunlight.

How do you date a pedestal table?

Cabinet makers altered pillar profiles, leg shapes, and timber choices across successive periods. Georgian and Regency pieces favour sabre legs with brass claw feet, whereas Victorian versions often display heavier carved scrolled bases. Internal runners, screw mechanisms, and secondary woods underneath the top offer further physical evidence for determining the exact manufacturing decade.

Can these tables be dismantled?

Large boardroom tables separate into manageable components for transport, usually dividing into independent pedestals and a multi-part top. The heavy timber leaves lift away from bearer rails once any wooden or brass clips are released. Professional installation is strongly advised due to the dense weight of the mahogany or walnut timbers involved in these oversized formats.