Expert: Eileen Cronk - 5/25/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi Eileen,
We have a single pedestal oak table which pulls apart in middle for an optional leaf. We recently moved to a much dryer climate and now the table will barely pull apart. It is currently stuck open but not enough to put the leaf in. I suspect the wood is warped due to the difference in humidity. The top of the table is finished but underneath the table top is not. Are there any solutions to this or am I out of luck. Thanks.

ANSWER: Hi Scott
Nice to hear from you.
Is this an antique table with wooden sliders?
If it is, that could be the problem rather than the actual top warping.
If the table skirt is well secured to the top, it should not warp.
I see what you are thinking about the underside being unfinished, but most tables are not finished on the underside if they have a skirt around them, but the top could most certainly warp if it had no skirt, and the underside was unfinished. Its a thing of moisture absorption as you are aware.
So could you get back to me?
Let me know the type of sliders (wood or metal)
If this is an antique.
If the table has a skirt.
And I don't think you need to throw away the table just yet LOL
Regards
Eileen




---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for getting back to me Eileen. The table is not an antique, it's from a furniture store and is about five years old. It has a skirt and wooden sliders with a metal track and gear in each slider. I think you might be right about the sliders being the problem rather than the table top as it's not visibly warped. It used to slide open and closed quite easily but now it won't budge. Thanks again.

Answer
Hi again Scott
Actually if you are fairly sure its the sliders, I would not trash the table but simply replace the sliders.
Not much needed for tools either.
Just a drill and whatever screw drivers to fit the screws.
Here is just one site where the slides are available.
http://www.vandykes.com/subcategory/59/
Good Luck and I hope this has helped.
Regards
Eileen