Bench seating dining table size

123imp

Hi,

Bit of a strange question. I'm building bench seating into an alcove, to look a little like the attached image, and I have an existing elm dining table I was thinking of upcycling. The table length is 150cm, and the alcove is 210cm wide. So centring the table between the benching in the alcove would leave me with 30cm either side. My question is basically would this work for seating - enough space to get in and out? I'm working on the assumption that the seats themselves would need 40cm (?) depth, and might need an extra 10cm for backrest.

Thanks.

Bigphil1474

I did a lengthy response but I think I've worked out what you mean so most of that was unnecessary.

No, I think it would be a bit tight based on what you've said. As above, the table top needs to be roughly the same width as the gap between the front of the seats on both sides, although you might get away with a bit of overhang. As you've said, I think at least 40cm for the seats front to back, maybe a bit more for comfort. Depends on your family as well (unfortunately I'd probably need more than 45cm!) My chairs are around 45cm front to back, but obviously they can be pulled out.

Personally, I'd build your alcove how you want it, then cut the table to fit, and upcycle from their.   

sew_what

Don;t forget you'll need a table with a central pedestal or certainly no legs at the corners, otherwise you won't be able to scoot round the seating !

123imp

Bigphil1474 said:

I did a lengthy response but I think I've worked out what you mean so most of that was unnecessary.

No, I think it would be a bit tight based on what you've said. As above, the table top needs to be roughly the same width as the gap between the front of the seats on both sides, although you might get away with a bit of overhang. As you've said, I think at least 40cm for the seats front to back, maybe a bit more for comfort. Depends on your family as well (unfortunately I'd probably need more than 45cm!) My chairs are around 45cm front to back, but obviously they can be pulled out.

Personally, I'd build your alcove how you want it, then cut the table to fit, and upcycle from their.   

I didn't even think of cutting the table, that makes more sense than just hoping it fits.

sew_what said:

Don;t forget you'll need a table with a central pedestal or certainly no legs at the corners, otherwise you won't be able to scoot round the seating !

Thanks for this, another thing I didn't think about. The way the legs are sat there's a good chance they will be a problem if you sit at either end of the table. Especially if I have to cut the length down. potentially new table needed then. Appreciate the response.