How to Overcome Challenges with the Latest Table Build and Delivery?

Eric Adams
Aug 7, 2024
2 min read

Updated: Sep 29

Lessons Learned from Building a Custom Maple Bar-Height Table

Custom projects often begin with a client’s inspiration photo and dimensions, and this Maple bar-height table was no exception. The request called for a table measuring 4 feet wide by 8 feet long, with an overall height of 40–42 inches to pair with bar stools.

This project offered some valuable takeaways on proportion, finishing techniques, and even delivery logistics—lessons that may help anyone tackling a similar build.

1. Finding the Right Proportions

One of the biggest challenges with oversized furniture is proportion. The table base must feel balanced—not too bulky to overwhelm the top, yet not so light that it looks fragile. There isn’t a strict formula for this; experience plays a big role. A few guidelines that help:

Leg size matters. Larger tops require thicker legs for both strength and visual balance.
Spacing is key. Allow enough room between legs for seating, but avoid leaving too much open space where the top feels unsupported.
Mockups help. Even a simple sketch or cardboard template can give a sense of scale before cutting into wood.

2. Staining Maple the Right Way

Maple is notorious for absorbing stain unevenly, which can leave blotchy or streaky results. To achieve a smooth, consistent finish:

Always use a pre-stain conditioner. This evens out absorption and creates a more uniform look.
Test first. Apply stain on a scrap piece from the same board to preview how it reacts.
Work in thin coats. Rushing the process often leads to uneven color.

In this case, I also learned the hard way not to experiment with unfamiliar finishes at the wrong time. A new brand of polyurethane left a cloudy haze instead of drying clear. The only solution was sanding back to bare wood and starting over. The lesson? Stick with products you know and trust when working on client projects.

3. Double-Check Delivery Logistics

Even after perfecting the design and finish, there’s one last step that can cause headaches: delivery. Large pieces may not fit through standard doors, stairways, or hallways.

Some tips to avoid surprises:

Measure openings early. Compare the piece dimensions to the narrowest doorway or hallway.
Design for assembly. When possible, build bases that can be detached or knocked down for easier transport.
Be ready with tools. In this case, we ended up temporarily removing a door and frame to maneuver the table into a renovated basement. Planning ahead can save time and stress.

Final Thoughts

This Maple bar-height table presented challenges at every stage—proportions, finishing, and delivery—but each one reinforced important woodworking lessons. Custom furniture isn’t just about building something beautiful; it’s also about problem-solving, planning, and learning as you go. The clients were thrilled with their new table, and I walked away with new insights that will carry into future projects. That’s one of the best parts of woodworking—the craft keeps teaching you, one piece at a time. If you are looking into a custom project feel free to contact me to get your discussion started.