Cherry Trestle Table
An abundance of traditional joinery and elegant lines characterize this hearty table. The 1 1/4" thick top features breadboard ends that allow for seasonal movement of the wood. The trestle cross-beam is joined with keyed through-tenons that are visually simple yet remarkably strong—easily as solid as a bolted joint. All exposed edges are hand-planed to a gentle curve, inviting to both the hand and the stockinged foot.
The breadboard end detail shows how the end is left slightly proud of the table top, allowing the main field to expand and contract through the seasons. Notice the softly rounded ends and edges, which add a visual lightness and a pleasant tactile quality.
The foot detail shows the consistent rounded shaping found throughout the base. These curves are hand-planed, then scraped and sanded to achieve a silky smooth finish. Shown above is also a version with a milk-painted base, assembled with bolted joinery similar to my beds rather than keyed tenons.