What you need to know about sliding table mechanisms
The sliding table mechanism allows you to turn a small dining table into a large piece of furniture for entertaining guests. The service life of the table depends on the quality of the fittings and its operational capabilities. There are different types of mechanisms - drawer, drawerless and others, but they have approximately the same function.
In some cases it is a neat table with a vase, in others it is a meeting place for a large company.
The essence of the mechanism is to expand the tabletop in order to insert an additional element into the resulting opening and thus increase the length of the table. Different people may find different mechanisms convenient, so it is advisable to familiarize yourself with them all before purchasing.
To anticipate possible life scenarios and be prepared for any options, it makes sense to purchase a folding table.
Design and principle of operation
The design of a sliding table consists of a table top, fastening elements and legs. The tabletop has two parts; a third part can be inserted between them. With the help of additional elements, the parts are moved apart, another component is inserted, the two side ones are pressed tightly against it and you get a long table at which you can seat guests. The table top can move, or the collet – the supporting part of the table – can move. This already depends on the type of mechanism.
The mechanism of such a table will allow you to turn a small table into a large one.
Before purchasing, you need to familiarize yourself with the parts and materials that were used to make the mechanisms. In this case, you need to take into account the purposes of purchase and use in everyday life.
Advantages and disadvantages
Extendable tables are widely popular among city residents, because it is not always possible to fit bulky furniture in an apartment. The advantages include:
- Durability, reliability and structural stability.
- Resistance to external factors.
- Ability to withstand fairly large loads.
- Large range of colors and tabletop materials.
When folding the tabletop multiple times, it is important to distribute the load symmetrically across all parts.
This is the key to long service life of furniture. There are also some disadvantages:
- Tables can look massive due to their size, so they are not very suitable for a minimalist interior.
- Some models are not very comfortable for tall people, because it is difficult to cross your legs.
- Due to the complexity of the design, the price may be high. But it meets the quality.
Dining room furniture must withstand heavy loads, because many plates of food, bottles and other utensils are stacked on it. That is why the fastening mechanisms must be as strong as possible.
The synchronous mechanism for sliding tables will allow you to balance the tension in one action and avoid jamming and distortion.
Unusual folding tables for a small kitchen
Above we talked about kitchen tables of traditional shape: legs, frame, tabletop. But in small rooms - an area of 4 meters or a little more - there is not always room for such furniture. It’s not always possible to set up even a small square table. There are special solutions for such cases. For example, there are folding tables that, when assembled, take up virtually no space.
Folding table for a small kitchen - miniature options
Essentially, it is a tabletop that is attached to a horizontal or vertical surface using hinges. To keep it open, a folding leg or side supports are made. As you can see, the tabletop can be attached with a long or short part, and can be of different sizes. The choice of mounting method and size depends on the layout, arrangement of furniture, and the number of people who need to be provided with seats.
A way to increase the number of seats
This solution is mainly individual, made independently or to order, so you decide on the dimensions locally. But don’t forget about the aisles and the fact that you still need to put up chairs or at least stools.
Chairs can also be folding
More variations on this theme: a folding table for a small kitchen attached to a bookcase. In this option, even the space under the stationary part of the tabletop does not “walk”, but serves to store utensils or food.
Folding table for a small kitchen attached to a cabinet
And for a snack - a version of the original folding table for the kitchen in the art deco style. A picture, photo, etc. is pasted/drawn on the back of the tabletop. The legs are made in the form of a frame. The folding/unfolding mechanism is still the same, only the design is different, but it is truly unusual. By the way, as an option, instead of a painting there can be a mirror.
Original folding table
Another tip: if possible, it is better to make the tabletop with rounded corners. And the more round the corners, the better. In a small space, there is always a risk of hitting a corner, and if it is round, the consequences will not be so painful.
Types of sliding mechanisms and their characteristics
Among the huge variety of mechanisms, there are tables with a drawer and a retractable middle, with a rotating central part, with a double tabletop and movable legs, as well as a drawerless mechanism. All of them have their advantages and disadvantages, and are used in a particular case.
An indispensable thing for such solutions has become a transformable sliding table, which is useful in any room and allows you to easily change the parameters of the table.
Table with drawer and rotating central part
The drawer is the frame on which the tabletop will stand. It must be strong and massive in order to withstand the heavy weight of the tabletop itself and what lies on it. This design is similar to the one with a retractable middle, but the method of transformation is slightly different. The additional insert here is divided into two parts and hidden at the bottom.
It will be possible to completely remove the table for the period when it is not needed and free up space.
To expand the table, you need to pull the side components to the sides so that they move apart - this happens synchronously on both sides. Two inserts will be hidden under the tabletop, which are also connected to each other. They are turned 180 degrees and laid out in the opening. Then the side parts are connected until they click. The system seems simple, but it requires knowledge from specialists so that the furniture is as reliable as possible.
Such transformation systems and mechanisms for tables can be used for both cabinet and built-in furniture.
Extendable table with drawer and extendable center
When the table is assembled, there is a joint seam in the center, and under the tabletop there is a compartment where the pull-out part is located. It stays there until needed. To unfold the table, the two halves of the tabletop are pulled apart, the spare part is taken out and inserted into the resulting opening. The halves that were pulled apart are pushed back until the person hears the tabletop click. This means that all three components of the furniture are connected and the table is assembled.
Typically, with this option, the table becomes longer by about a third.
The advantages of this model are its high durability; in both possible states, the table can withstand any load placed on it. The only downside is the slightly rough appearance.
Transformation systems for tables are indispensable for small spaces and for those who prefer minimalism in the interior.
With double table top
Looking at such a table from above, it is impossible to notice that it can be folded out. It does not contain any joints, it just has a double tabletop. If you look at it from the side, it just seems thick. To increase the area of such a table, you need to do the following:
- Remove the top of the double tabletop and set it aside.
- Below it you will see the same one, but divided into two parts by a joining seam.
- They need to be moved apart in opposite directions until the opening is large enough to accommodate the top tabletop.
- The deferred part is inserted into the opening and the side parts are moved back.
The table transformation system is equipped with a special lightweight aluminum guide mechanism and, in some cases, there are options for supporting the edge of the tabletop.
In this case, the table becomes twice as large. The slight downsides to this table are that the sides are not supported enough, so the design is a bit flimsy. The upper removable tabletop has a lot of weight, so not every person can cope with the expansion of this table.
When choosing a table transformation system, it is important to consider the possible load on the surface.
With adjustable legs
This is the most modern mechanism. In previous models, only the tabletop moved, but here the table legs can also move. There are two types of mechanism:
- Sliding. If guests come, you need to take the drawer with your hands and pull it towards you. When it moves to the side, a spare tabletop will be located under it. It needs to either be simply pulled out, or lifted and deployed. The table becomes larger by as much as 50%.
- Folding. Here you also need to grab the drawer and pull it in your direction. When she has moved away, the double tabletop needs to be opened, as if turning the page of a book. Then the table area doubles. The seam between the parts will be located exactly in the middle.
The maximum you can count on is 100 kg.
In this case, it is necessary to choose a model with support on the edge of the table for stability and weight support. There are models that are equipped with additional lifting mechanisms to unfold the table without much effort. The disadvantage is that this type of mechanism is the least durable and the table itself does not look very aesthetically pleasing.
Such systems allow not only to increase the usable surface of the countertop, but also, in some cases, to increase functionality.
Tsargless mechanism
This table does not have a supporting part - a drawer, so it looks very elegant and attractive. The table top is often made of tempered glass, so this table has a very attractive appearance.
Transformable tables most often find their place in those rooms where it is necessary to combine functionality and ease of use with space saving.
The mechanism for a folding home table in this case is represented by metal guides that are fixed under the tabletop. Due to the fact that the tabletop is glass, the mechanism will be visible, but since the whole structure looks aesthetically pleasing, this will not spoil the appearance of such a table. The layout does not require much effort, the parts of the table top move apart very smoothly and synchronously - even a child can handle it.
A high-quality mechanism for a transforming dining table is made of steel or metal alloys that are resistant to temperature changes, damage, and heavy weight.
A small drawback is the high cost. Only high-quality materials are used for such furniture, so it is almost impossible to find a cheap table of this type.
Small dining tables
If your family is small and you don’t need more than two or three seats, then you can get by with a dining area in the form of the following options.
Small kitchen 6 sq.m. with dining table
Compact table for 3-4 seats.
Window sill table
In this case, the window sill is dismantled and a wide tabletop is installed. There is a heating radiator under the window sill, so it is important that the edge of the table is sufficiently distant from it to be comfortable.
This table is often designed for a maximum of 2 people.
Narrow wall table and bar counter
It is attached to the wall and is either an overhanging tabletop or a bar counter on a supporting leg.
Depending on the length and width of the surface, it can accommodate two, three or even four.
Examples of bar counters in a small kitchen are in a separate selection.
For more ideas, watch the video:
How to choose the right table with a transformation mechanism
A table with a folding mechanism can differ in many ways - material of manufacture, shape of the tabletop, style, model and features of the mechanism itself.
The reliable mechanism for the folding table is characterized by high performance guides.
Depending on the shape of the tabletop, tables should be chosen as follows:
- Square. Typically, these tables are small in size and are great for small spaces. On an unfolded tabletop you can accommodate 4 people, and on a double tabletop 6 or even 8. For a small family and people who do not like feasts, this is more than enough.
- Rectangular. It is logical that it is larger even when folded. Suitable for use in the kitchen, living room or dining room. Accommodates from 6 to 12 people.
- Round. Looks more original and aesthetically pleasing. It takes up little space, and the number of people that can sit at such a table may vary.
- Oval. It is similar to a rectangular one, because it is very roomy, but takes up a little less space.
- Octagonal. This is a rather original and rarely seen form. Despite the fact that the table has many angles, it is very comfortable and seats 8 people when folded.
When creating large massive dining options, you cannot do without a mechanism for an extendable table.
If we take into account the material of manufacture, the tables are:
- From chipboard. The most common material due to its cost. It is not very durable, but with careful use it can last for more than one year.
- From MDF. This material, of course, is stronger, moisture resistant, and has an attractive appearance.
- Made of plastic. Due to their ease of use, they are perfect for the kitchen. They have a lightweight design, but are quite durable and shock-resistant.
- Made from natural wood. Undoubtedly, this is the best option among all, because real wood is the strongest, most beautiful and durable. Natural beauty does not require any additional means to tidy up the table.
- From glass. Only the tabletop can be glass. It looks elegant, unusual, but also has an appropriate price.
When choosing a table, you should also consult with a specialist on the issue of fittings. Because everyone can choose a color or material, relying on their own tastes, but you need to understand the mechanisms. The durability of their use depends on the quality of the mechanism for sliding tables. You definitely shouldn’t skimp on this element, because it is the basis of the table.
The material must be durable and of high quality. Before purchasing, you can try the mechanism in action - laying out the table should not require much effort.
Choosing material
When it comes to choosing the material, you need to pay attention to the interior of the room. So, for a standard kitchen, a wooden folding table is suitable, while a glass version would look good in a smaller kitchen.
Practical, functional, decent material for the base, legs, tabletop - solid wood. For example, oak furniture gives the kitchen a rich look. But such material is not cheap. Not everyone can afford such pleasure.
But there is a good alternative to solid wood - MDF (fine fraction). This material is just as durable, but its price is lower, so it is quite affordable for everyone. In addition, MDF is tolerant of humidity and temperature changes.
Combined table models look good in the interior. Among them, massive models made of wood with a stone countertop are more popular. They look expensive and are the highlight of the kitchen.
Kitchen furniture that contains leatherette is also good. Such furniture will last a long time, since this material is tolerant of mechanical stress. But being in a cold room or outdoors, this furniture becomes cold.
Rules for operating sliding tables
When buying a table, it is important to familiarize yourself with some features for caring for it, especially if it is not cheap. There are some general tips for using individual tables, based on the material they are made of:
- Wooden tables should be wiped using polish and a soft cloth. Hard sponges and various cleaning products can damage the wood and ruin its elegant appearance.
- Glass countertops should be treated with special glass products specified in the instructions.
- Tables made of stone must be protected from mechanical stress so as not to break the coating. Wipe carefully using soft cloths.
- Plastic tables should not be exposed to high temperatures.
Such furniture is popular not only at home, but also in cafes and restaurants, especially during banquet service.
Sliding table mechanisms made from high quality materials should and can last a long time. Proper care and careful attitude contribute to this. Experts will help you choose a mechanism for a specific situation, but everyone will find something for their home.
When choosing a table lifting mechanism or other type of fittings, they pay attention to technical characteristics, endurance and prefer to buy products from well-known brands.
