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October 8, 2009
Source for Old Table?
Can anyone recommend a source for old Victorian kitchen tables? Could be in Brooklyn, Pennsylvania, etc. We need a hugely sturdy workhouse that can take tons of chopping and pounding, because we are actually going to be using it as the Victorians would, as a kitchen island, because we have zero counters in our kitchen. And of course cheaper is always better.
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mopar- there is a guy here in brooklyn who builds farmhouse type tables - I think using recycled wood. I'll try to google him for you.
Posted by: bxgrl at October 8, 2009 11:55 PM
http://www.brooklynfarmtable.com/products/
Posted by: bxgrl at October 8, 2009 11:57 PM
Also check out Silver fox on the Bklyn flea vendor list.
Posted by: bxgrl at October 9, 2009 12:01 AM
You may want to consider rigging something up with found parts. One drawback of a standard table is that it's low to use as an island. Your back will not appreciate it if you're doing lots of prep.
Definitely check out Eddies at the corner of Grand and Greene in Clinton Hill on a regular basis. There was a great table base there just last week ($20!!) but it's gone. If you want to send me your e-mail I'll keep an eye out as I go by there daily--tinarina60 at gmail.com.
Posted by: tinarina at October 9, 2009 10:14 AM
You'll probably have to check repeatedly, but Craig's List has always been a great furniture source for me. The comment above about the table vs. counter height and your back is spot on for chopping, less so for mixing. What size (length and width) are you looking for? If I come across a match in the near future, I'd be happy to let you know.
Posted by: bessie2 at October 9, 2009 10:34 AM
Yeah, we were kind of debating the whole height issue too. I had an idea: I was thinking a regular table for the center of the room, since it would be nice to eat at it too, and then maybe a counter-height type table-counter furniture thing between the windows. Those seem a little easier to find (Remodelista has some links, for example).
Posted by: mopar at October 9, 2009 12:05 PM
Tinarina, I'm moparbrownstoner at gmail. That would be great if you see something. Thanks so much!
Posted by: mopar at October 9, 2009 12:06 PM
Great idea. I'm doing something similar but using a table that came with my house. And my kitchen isnt large enough to have it in the middle as an island. One idea--they often put oil cloth over the top of the table tacked down under the edges, so you could do that if you found a table that would work size-wise but the top was crappy. Also if you're using it for chopping and/or cooking, it would be best to finish it with food grade oil. You might need to give the top a good sanding before finishing with the oil or otherwise remove any varnish if you're going that route.
Posted by: BHS at October 9, 2009 4:05 PM
mopar, on the height thing, you could easily get a smaller chopping block and hold it up with a few soup cans to the right height...
Posted by: denton at October 9, 2009 4:30 PM
mopar- check your email. I send you a message.
Posted by: bxgrl at October 9, 2009 5:59 PM
Where does one find a small chopping block? I'm sure the soup cans would add a perfect Andy Warhol note.
Posted by: mopar at October 11, 2009 12:00 AM
BHS, that is a great idea about oil and oil cloth. Thanks.
Posted by: mopar at October 11, 2009 12:01 AM
I used to use an early 19th cen farm table in my kitchen as you described. The height killed my back. So when I renovated the kitchen I built a 36" high island with a cherry wood top and turned cherry legs on the corners. It looks great, I can eat at it with 24" counter stools and my back is much happier.
Posted by: hancockone at October 12, 2009 10:41 AM
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