Customize Your Own Large Expanding Dining Table Seating 20

Having a large dining table that can comfortably seat up to 20 guests opens up so many possibilities for hosting dinner parties, family gatherings, and celebrations of all kinds. But finding the perfect ready-made 20 seater extending dining table can be a challenge. Why not take matters into your own hands and customize your own table tailored exactly to your needs and preferences?

Customizing allows you to make all the decisions on size, design, materials, and special features. The result is a one-of-a-kind table purpose-built for your home and lifestyle.

Determine Your Size Requirements

First and foremost, you need to decide the surface dimensions required to comfortably seat 20. As a general rule of thumb, plan on having at least 24 inches of dining space per person. For a table seating 20, that translates to a length of about 108 inches once extended. You'll also want ample table width - 42 to 48 inches is ideal - so people don't feel cramped from side-to-side, especially if placing food platters on the table.

Account for Seating Layout

Take into consideration how you will configure the seating around the table. Typical arrangements for large parties include all diners along the length of the table, U-shaped bench seating on three sides, or a hollow square layout if your space allows guests to sit on all four sides. Measure your room size and layout to ensure your expanded dining table dimensions and seating plans are feasible.

Allow Movement Space

Remember to leave adequate room for people to move around the table without bumping into walls or furnishings. At minimum, plan for 36 inches of clearance space along the edge(s) where diners will be sitting and getting up from the table. More space is preferable, especially if your layout requires access from multiple sides or for servers to move about pouring drinks and replenishing dishes.

Select Preferred Extension Type

For tables seating over a dozen guests, extension leaves are a must to provide the necessary expanded length and ample elbow room. There are two main options when it comes to integrating extension capabilities:

Self-Storing Extension Leaves

These specially designed leaves insert directly into the table frame to extend its reach and seat more people. When not in use, the additional table sections fold up and are concealed within the table's structure. This creates a more streamlined, integrated appearance but does limit space available inside the base for storage.

Removable Extension Leaves

Removable leaves offer the most versatility for customization as they can be designed in almost any size, shape or material. The main trade-off is the need to store the leaves safely and conveniently when not in use. Some custom dining tables incorporate built-in storage compartments specifically for this purpose.

Extension Placement

Decide whether you prefer extension leaves in the middle of the table or at the ends. Center leaves maintain a uniform appearance while end extensions emphasize the table's adaptability. Either can work beautifully depending on your overall design vision. You may also opt for a combination approach with multiple leaves at both central and end locations.

Choose Table Base Style

The base provides both structural support and aesthetic design for your custom expanding dining table. When specifying your base preference, first consider the style of legs you find most attractive, the shapes and materials that best complement your room, and functionality required.

Leg Design

Do you envision thick, turned legs or slender tapered ones? Simple straight square legs or arched cabriole legs? Substantial block feet or delicate disc feet? Crisscross shaped trestle bases and pedestal columns warrant consideration as well. Choosing a leg style that aligns with your preferred design era or motif will help the table feel cohesive.

Base Materials

Wood, metal, stone plus ultra-modern clear acrylic or concrete bases demonstrate the tremendous versatility possible. Match the base material and finish to other furnishings and architectural elements in your dining space for a coordinated, curated look rather than an arbitrary mishmash of mixed media.

Base Shapes

The shape of your dining table's base needn't be boring or predictable. Why not go for a circular, oval or octagonal base versus standard rectangular to make a unique stylistic statement? Unconventional curved or serpentine shaped bases can look especially elegant and graceful.

Pick Tabletop Material and Finish

Your choice of tabletop sets the tone for the dining experience with its texture, sheen, grain patterns and overall aesthetic. While wood tops are most common, don't overlook metals like brass or matte black steel. Durable surface materials like granite, marble or porcelain ceramic are also viable options.

Wood Types

Oak, walnut, cherry and mahogany tend to be preferable fine wood choices. Opt for durable hardwoods over softer woods like pine that dent and scratch easily. Woods with distinctive grains like ash burl or elm burled veneers create captivating visual depth.

Finish Options

The finishing processes applied impact the look, feel and durability of your wood tabletop. Stain provides opportunities for custom color tinting from ebony to whitewash. Painted finishes in bold hues are on trend. Or select natural, hand-rubbed oils to showcase the wood's inherent beauty.

Add Special Customizations

Personalize your expandable dining table's form and functionality by incorporating specialty features tailored to your lifestyle needs. Convenient customizations elevate your table from merely ordinary to truly extraordinary.

Integrated Storage

Incorporate drawers, cabinets and cubbies to stash dining essentials like linens, cutlery and serving equipment. Concealed storage keeps items out of sight but close at hand when setting your dining room table for big gatherings.

Electrical Components

Charging stations, pop-up power outlets, full cable raceways with USB ports or even wireless charging pads embedded in the table edge prove useful for household gadget-lovers.

Adjustable Height

Raise and lower mechanisms allow you to tailor the table height for everything from casual family meals to formal multi-course dining. Kids feel more involved at their ideal height. Standing heights facilitate convenient buffet-style potlucks or craft workshops too.

Define Your Budget

Custom furniture commissions understandably command higher prices than mass-manufactured factory pieces. Set realistic expectations when budgeting for a custom dining table seating up to 20 people.

Quality Craftsmanship Costs

Factor premium rates for skilled woodworkers and specialty hardware. Be prepared to spend several thousand dollars to have your luxury table custom-built properly from fine materials by master artisans. Cheaper may be false economy for cut-rate work.

Compare Builder Price Ranges

Request bids from several reputable furniture builders and designers to compare and contract competitive market prices. Be sure to share the same detailed specifications with each so you receive equivalent cost quotes.

Big Tables Mean Bigger Budgets

In general, larger custom pieces will command appropriately higher prices due to greater materials, labor, shipping and installation costs. But creative solutions like modular tabletop sections, knockdown bases, and local assembly help lessen expenses.

Select Reputable Furniture Builder

Doing due diligence when selecting the builder entrusted to manifest your custom furnishings vision pays dividends. Target makers specializing in dining tables or expandable furniture to avail decades of specialized expertise.

Check Examples of Previous Works

Examining photos of earlier completed projects found in designer portfolios reveals the diversity of options feasible for customization. It also verifies skill level around previous intricate assignments tackled.

Confirm Ability to Meet Specs

Validate upfront that the designer/shop possesses the technical capabilities, equipment and staff needed to fulfill your detailed specifications before signing any agreements. Custom means tailored to your distinct specifications.

Plan Delivery and Installation

Streamline the last critical steps of safely transporting your expansive 20 seat dining table to its new home and positioning it perfectly inside your interior space.

Measure Access Points

Check stairwells, hallway widths, door sizes and ceiling heights throughout the delivery route to guarantee ample clearance. Impossible-to-maneuver pieces prove profoundly frustrating.

Prepare the Installation Space

Get your dining room ready to receive the table by clearing out furniture and belongings from the designated position. Protect flooring along the installation path too. Having helpers on hand to assist comes in extremely handy.

Schedule Convenient Timing

Coordinating acceptable delivery date ranges well in advance provides flexibility to meet transportation schedules. Allow sufficient time post-delivery for assembly, adjustments and inspection before first use.

Care and Maintenance

Preserve your investment with regular upkeep. Proactively caring for and maintaining your custom-crafted wood table ensures it stays gorgeous for generations while avoiding preventable damage.

Establish Cleaning Protocol

Use coasters under all glasses, pots, vases and serving dishes. Wipe spills immediately to prevent stains. Dust frequently with soft lint-free cloths. Protect the surface between gatherings if needed.

Store Leaves Properly

Lay removable leaves flat if possible - never vertical on their edges. Wrap in soft blankets or slipcovers to prevent dings, scratches and fading color. Control light exposure and humidity where stored.

Apply Protective Finishes

Nourish, restore and shield wood dining tabletops by periodically reapplying food-safe penetrating oils specially formulated to clean, polish and safeguard.

Custom-tailoring your own luxury dining table designed specifically for hosting large dinner parties with up to 20 seats delivers superior form, function and flexible usability. Spend time upfront making considered decisions around size, style, integrated amenities and quality construction. Then for years to come, you'll reap wonderful rewards breaking bread together surrounded by family and friends at your one-of-a-kind custom expanding table masterpiece.