Pros and Cons of Pedestal Tables

One of the most frequent questions we get asked is, “What’s better for the table, legs or a pedestal?” The answer is, it depends. To help you decide, we are doing a two-part blog post. One will focus on the pros and cons of pedestal tables and the other, the pros and cons of harvest tables (with legs).

Contempo Pedestal Table + Sideboard in Buxton Allspice on Cherry

Our first post will focus on the pros and cons of pedestal tables. Solid wood dining tables with a pedestal base have been around for centuries. As the name suggests, a pedestal, either single or double, supports the table top instead of legs. A single pedestal is the base for round or square tables from 36” to 60” in diameter. For rectangular or oval tables 72” in length or longer, a double pedestal supports the table top. Let’s look at the pros and cons of pedestal tables, as compared to a harvest table with legs.

Pros of Pedestal Dining Tables

The biggest advantage of a pedestal table is the seating gained because there are no legs on the corners. The standard 3.5” legs on our harvest tables are inset 3” at the corners, so you “lose” almost a foot of usable space on the table. Pedestals leave the corners free so you can get more chairs around the same sized table. For this reason, pedestal tables are a good choice for those who often host family and friends for dinner.

Benchmark Dining Table, Bench and Timber Chairs in Royal Dark/Charcoal on Rough Sawn Wormy Maple

The second pro of a pedestal table is that the base is more luxurious than the legs on a harvest table. When you want to make a statement with your table, then a pedestal is the right choice. Handcrafted by Mennonite builders, a solid wood pedestal table is more than a table, it’s a work of art.

Outback Dining Table in New Hazelnut/Goudey Golden Oak on Rough Cut Wormy Maple

Finally, there is a large selection of solid wood pedestal bases to choose from. Our Mennonite builders create a wide variety of bases, so that you can create the look you desire. Are you looking for something formal like the Contempo table? If you seek an industrial look, then the Yukon Turnbuckle table may be the one for you. What about something rustic like the Outback table? Whichever look you are trying to create, there is a solid wood pedestal that will suit your needs.

Cons of Pedestal Dining Tables

Pedestal tables, despite all of their advantages, also come with some cons. The first is that pedestal tables are more expensive than harvest tables. Pedestals are bigger and take more time and effort to build which leads to extra costs. On average, pedestal tables will be at least $600 more than the same sized harvest table. Depending on the wood and the type of pedestal, the price difference could be more.

The second con of a pedestal table is that the support is in the centre of the table as opposed to the corners. This is more of an issue on round or square tables than rectangular or oval tables, but the same applies to both. If you push down on the end of a pedestal table, it will feel less stable than when you do the same to a harvest table.  Even though each pedestal gives proper support to its top, it will not have the same stability as a harvest table.

Finally, pedestals can get in the way of chairs and feet. Consider shape of the pedestal when looking for your table. Some come out far enough where they don’t allow you to tuck chairs in all the way. Others could cause your guests to bump their knees or get in the way of your feet when you are sitting around the table.

Summary

Solid wood pedestal tables are an excellent addition to any dining room or kitchen. There are many things to consider when deciding between a pedestal or harvest table. See below for a summary of the pros and cons of pedestal tables. Our next post will look at the pros and cons of harvest tables.