Replies

1. 
   HWG | Mar 07, 2005 05:22pm | #1

   Scall,

   A breadboard edge would be approriate any time you have a single thickness of wood that is not supported by some type of substructure, such as a table apron or bracing beneath the top.  It is to keep the wood flat and not twist and warp, which is certainly a possibility with a tabletop this size if there is not support below the tabletop that comes out close to the ends of the boards.  Be certain that you use a design that allows for the wood expansion and contracton which you will certainly have.

   Woody

    

1. 
   SteveC | Mar 07, 2005 09:12pm | #5

   I was going to make a trestle base, and secure the top with 3 screws on each end with the 2 outside holes elongated to allow for movement.

   I see this design on our dining room table.  The dining table was professionally made by Jim Probst, and this was how he secured the top.  There are no breadboards and the top is made from cherry.

   STeve

2. 
   HowardAcheson | Mar 07, 2005 05:43pm | #2

   Breadboard ends are more of a appearence element than a structural element in most cases. They were originally used on country furniture made from wood that was not properly dried. With todays woods, they should not be required structurally.

   So if you are making an item of a style where they are appropriate, then go ahead and put them on. Personally, I don't like them when the field of the table doesn't match the length of the breadboard end. But, that's a personal thing.

   Howie.........
3. 
   RickL | Mar 07, 2005 08:29pm | #3

   Definitely a lot more work to make breadboard ends. It also functions as a design element. The best breadboard ends I've seen are on Green and Green where they made them wider than the top so it doesn't show with the expansion and contraction. Also Gart Knox Bennet's breadboard ends are innovative design wise as is most of his stuff but you have  to appreciate studio furniture.

4. 
   ktpowell54 | Mar 07, 2005 09:09pm | #4

   I recently faced the same decision. I did not have an issue with the design element, but was curious about what function breadboard ends actually perform. I would suggest that you look at Garrett Hack's article in the January/February 1995 issue of Fine Woodworking titled "Breadboard Ends Hold Panels Flat". He does an excellent job of discussing the issues and various methods to use. I chose to put a breadboard end on a 42"x62" kitchen table top made from heart pine. The top has stayed flat for three years.

   -ken