So You Want a Lazy Susan. But which one?

 It's dinnertime! You have everything on the table, neatly arranged. You call everyone to the table to eat. When everyone arrives... Boom! Instant chaos. People constantly reaching over each other to get more of their favorite part of the meal; drinks are spilled, food is flying, and nobody can find the salt.

 A dramatic picture, yes; but, to some degree, this is what happens when you don't keep your dining table organized. It is times like these that you realize you need a Lazy Susan for your table. So you look online and you find the best place on the web to buy your Lazy Susan (wink, wink). However, you are now faced with a dilemma: which Lazy Susan to get. This article will explain the three main things to consider when shopping for a solid wood Lazy Susan: the wood, the size, and the finish. Each has its own level of importance depending on your specific needs and tastes, so this is to be consider as a guideline.

 The first thing to look at when shopping for a Lazy Susan is what type of wood you want your Lazy Susan to be made out of. Now if you are not too particular about the grain of your Lazy Susan matching with the grain of your table, then this point won't matter too much. But if you do, then it is best to know what wood your table top is made of in order to match it. The grain pattern is the key here. Each type of wood has a distinct grain pattern. Many wood tables on the market today are made of a hardwood on the top, due to most hardwoods having a uniform, clear grain. This includes, but is not limited to, maple, oak, walnut, and mahogany. Farmhouse-style dining tables, like the ones I have made for clients in the past, are usually made of more economical woods like pine, spruce, or fir. These wood species tend to have a more unique look, characterized by knots and a bold grain pattern. This Lazy Susan illustrates the typical grain pattern of pine wood.

Farmhouse-style dining tables are usually made of more economical woods like pine, spruce, or fir. This table I made is constructed of pine wood with a Golden Pecan finish on the top and whitewashed legs. Note: I did not make the chairs.

 If you are unsure of what type of wood your table has, try looking on the bottom side of the table for the manufacturer's information. This should help you determine exactly what type of wood was used.

 The second thing to consider is what size Lazy Susan to get. This is especially important because you want a size that will fully utilize the space available while maintaining enough room for each person to eat at the table comfortably. Each place at the table typically requires about 18 inches of space to accommodate a plate, drinking glass, and silverware.

 To determine what size Lazy Susan you will need, first determine the size of your table. For round tables, measure across the center of the table to determine the diameter. For square tables, measure across opposite sides to determine the table size. We will cover oval and rectangular tables in a second. Once you've figured out the size of your table, subtract the space needed for two places at the table. The number left over will be the optimal diameter for your Lazy Susan.

 Here is an example: You have a round table that is 60 inches in diameter. You know that each guest needs 18 inches of space to eat comfortably. Take 60 inches and subtract 18 inches twice (18*2=36). This leaves you with 24 inches, so you will need a 24 inch Lazy Susan.

 Now that you have determined the wood and the size, you must now decide what finish you would like. There are many options to choose from here, from natural stained wood to distressed paints, from dark grains to whitewash. This is where personal preference comes into play again. Most customers will choose a finish that either matches ,or is close to, the finish of their table, or a finish that provides a nice contrast to the table. Some will choose a finish that goes well with another aspect of the room, such as the color of the trim or the finish of the kitchen cabinets. The possibilities are endless!

 So remember: when picking out a Lazy Susan, consider the wood you want, the size you need, and the finish that works for you. At JPD Wood Products, we offer a wide variety of options for solid wood Lazy Susans. That being said, if you do not see one that will work for you, let us know and we will make one custom just for you!