Recrafted Dining Table & Bench Set

Concept & Approach

Rather than replacing the table, the intention was to respect what already existed.
The original top carried history, so the intervention was about supporting it—structurally and visually.

The new elements were designed to feel quiet but intentional.
A symmetrical composition, anchored by vertical wedges, brings stability and rhythm to the piece.

Materials

Three different woods were selected, each with its own role:

• Japanese Chestnut (栗) — Bench tops
  Durable, warm, and expressive grain that softens the overall presence
• Bog Wood — Table legs
  Dense, dark, and grounded, giving weight and contrast
• Quince (カリン) — Wedges
  A subtle accent that highlights the joinery and adds a refined detail

Process & Craft

The process began with preparing the reused tabletop—
flattening the underside to ensure proper seating on the new base.

Each component was then milled and dimensioned carefully, working around the natural movement and condition of the wood.

Joinery became the key expression:
mortises were cut, wedges shaped and refined, and everything dry-fitted before final assembly.

Clamping and assembly were done with attention to alignment and tension, allowing the wedges to lock the structure both mechanically and visually.

Technical Highlights

• Re-flattening and stabilizing an existing tabletop
• Symmetrical base design for visual balance
• Through tenon joinery with vertical wedge locking system
• Integration of contrasting wood species without overpowering the form
• Bench and table designed as a unified set

Craft & Technical Challenges

• Working with an existing tabletop
  The original piece was not perfectly flat, requiring careful correction without removing too much material
• Balancing three different woods
  Each species behaves differently—density, movement, and color had to be considered
• Precision in wedge joinery
  The wedges needed to be tight enough to lock the structure, but still visually clean

Outcome

The final piece feels both familiar and new.
The preserved tabletop holds its history, while the new structure gives it clarity and strength.

From a distance, it reads as simple and calm.
Up close, the joinery and material transitions reveal the depth of the work.