Pages

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Games to Learn Times Tables

Games to Learn Times Tables

Learning times tables is the first step in learning how to solve every multiplication problem. Developing a good foundation in multiplication tables will give children a future advantage in learning division and other mathematical problems. Making learning times tables fun will greatly increase children's interest and therefore their retention of the topic. Consider infusing games into classroom learning to see interest peak and comprehension soar.

Multiplication Circle Game

    Have students sit in a circle. Choose a student to start who stands behind the person to his right. These two students will compete against each other. Hold up a large flash card with a multiplication problem on it. The first student to say the correct answer moves on to compete with the student to his right. The losing player either remains sitting or takes the seat of the winner. The first student to make it completely around the circle and return to his original seat is declared the winner.

Times Table Tag

    Divide students into two groups who form two single-file lines. Put two equal stacks of multiplication problem flash cards a short distance away. The first person in each line races to take the top card from her pile, solves the problem and discards the card, and races to tag the next person on her team. If a student incorrectly answers, she puts the card on the bottom of the pile and selects another card until she knows an answer or until five cards have been selected. The first team to correctly answer all the multiplication cards wins.

My Name is....

    Write a multiplication problem such as "5 x 5" on a name tag and give one to each student. Students must wear the tags the whole day and may no longer use each other's names to communicate, but must refer to their peers by the answers to their multiplication problems. Also, they must respond only to their own answer. For example, the student with "5 x 5" would answer to "25" instead of his real name. Be sure that no two multiplication problem results in the same answer.

Dice Game

    Divide students into two teams that form two single lines. The first person in each line rolls a die. Both students must then multiply the two numbers that were rolled. The team whose student finds the correct answer first wins a point. Both students go to the end of the line, and the next two players in line roll the dice. The game continues until all students have played. The team with highest score wins.

Friday, June 27, 2014

How to Merge Tables in MS Word

MS Word simplifies the process of creating tables in Word documents with the "Table"menu. Users may format tables to present important data in a meaningful way. The program enables users to combine the data from two or more tables. It is also possible to merge tables of different sizes.

Instructions

    1

    Remove special formatting from both tables. To remove text wrapping, for example, move the cursor to the upper left corner of the a table and wait for the move handle to appear. The move handle is a small box with a four-headed arrow. Double-click the move handle to view the "Table properties" box. Select "None" in the "Text wrapping" section. Click "OK." Repeat for the second table if necessary.

    2

    Choose the table that will contain all the data. Determine the row where you wish the data from the second table to appear.

    3

    Click an area just outside the right side of the chosen row and press the "Enter" key. This will create a blank row in the table.

    4

    Highlight the contents of the second table. Click on the highlighted data and drag it to the blank row in the first table. Release the button. The program will merge both tables. It will create more rows and columns to contain the data from the second table where necessary.

How to Decorate Around a Black Kitchen Table

How to Decorate Around a Black Kitchen Table

A black kitchen table is a dramatic starting point for a modern kitchen space. When you coordinate the space with additional tones and pops of intense color, your kitchen will become a standout. Carry the drama of the black table throughout the kitchen space for an outstanding domestic area no matter the rooms total size. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

    1

    Paint the walls with a semi-gloss light gray interior paint. This creates a soft, cool backdrop for the black table and accessories.

    2

    Give the cabinets a coat of semi-gloss bright white paint. Select brushed silver or chrome cabinet door and drawer pulls and install them throughout the kitchen.

    3

    Hang a brilliant chandelier over the kitchen table with crystal and silver accents. The size of the chandelier should reflect the size of the kitchen table area. Chandeliers are available in small and medium sizes that will work well in a kitchen space.

    4

    Add lighting below and above the cabinets to add a friendly glow in the kitchen space. Rope lighting may be used above cabinets to light the area and focus attention on display items.

    5

    Decorate above the cabinet area with a collection of cut crystal glassware. This will tie in with the chandelier and create a sparkling focal point in the room.

    6

    Place an area rug under the table or in the kitchen space. Look for a rug with gray and red or green in it to coordinate and add a pop of color.

    7

    Accessorize the kitchen with stainless steel, silver and crystal glass accents. Appliances, vases, coffee and tea holders and salt and pepper shakers are a few of the items that can be found in those materials.

    8

    Hang a large chalkboard. Purchase one with a wood frame and paint the frame metallic silver. Personalize it by adding sparkling crystal accents to match your chandelier. Alternatively, paint a door with chalkboard paint to create a more seamless look.

    9

    Display some large black-and-white photographic prints. Choose images that incorporate food items or landscape images to create an appetizing environment. Or use brightly colored prints to add drama and intense bursts of color in the kitchen.

    10

    Warm up the space with live green plants in silver pots. This adds an organic and natural feel to the cool-toned kitchen.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

How to Manage Students Who Work at Tables and Not Desks

How to Manage Students Who Work at Tables and Not Desks

When students work at group tables rather than individual desks, the classroom seems to get a little louder, a little more chaotic and a lot harder to teach. The arrangement of tables, placement of specific students and table organizers can make all the difference. Managing students who work in grouped table arrangements is crucial to the learning development of those students.

Instructions

    1

    Rearrange the tables in the classroom. Place the tables in a diamond position from the front of the classroom. The table should not have an edge that is parallel with the white board; rather, a corner should be pointing at the white board. A common problem with tables in a classroom is that half of the students have their back turned to the teacher at all times. Their bodies block the teacher from seeing that they are even paying attention. By angling the tables, no student's back is ever facing the teacher, and the teacher is able to see what is going on at the tables at all times.

    2

    Remove friends from tables with other friends. Replace them with students who are not friends. A boy/girl rotation can also help break up students from talking if the students are young. When children are placed at a grouped table with their friends, more chatting, note passing and disruptions occur. By splitting up friends and using a rotating gender seating pattern, you ensure students are less likely to pay attention to their table mates and more likely to pay attention to their teacher.

    3

    Put organizers on each table or beneath each chair. Unlike desks, tables do not have a place for students to store their learning materials and personal belongings. It is quite a commotion when students need to go to their backpacks each time they need a new sheet of paper or another pencil. By giving each table an organizer bin, students can store learning materials an arm's length away. Consider making personal organizer bins if students are constantly losing or stealing items from a group bin.

    4

    Create a card system. Card systems keep track of problem students and the amount of disruptions they cause throughout the school day. Create a card holder for each student in the classroom. Write their names on the card holder and create a flip card with four different symbols. Each time a child disrupts the class or their table mates, ask him to flip the card to a new symbol. If a child is a constant disruption, you may consider moving him from his current table.

A DIY Folding Kitchen Table

A DIY Folding Kitchen Table

Not having enough space in your kitchen is always a big problem when two or more people live in a small apartment together. This can be easily solved by having a fold-away table in your kitchen that can be dismantled after supper. They are normally attached to the wall by a hinge and supported by a fold-away leg. They ideally seat three people and are perfect in small loft apartments or in summerhouses with little space. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

    1

    Screw one of the hinges onto the end of the 3-foot leg. The leg needs to have a square cross-section.

    2

    Put the 4-by-2-foot wood board near the wall where you want to attach it. Screw two hinges onto the board, 1 foot from each end. The board needs to be as thick as the hinge so that it fully supports the table when it is in use.

    3

    Screw the leg onto the board. It must be on the bottom side and 1 foot from the side of the table. Use short screws so that you won't make a hole all the way through the board.

    4

    Screw the board into the wall. Ask a friend to come and hold the board for you as you are screwing it to the wall. Decide whether you want the table to fold upward or downward and screw the hinge accordingly.

    5

    Glue the magnet onto the leg end that is closer to the floor. Fold the leg up and make a note where the magnet touches the board and then stick the other magnet there. Make sure to have the magnet's positive side on the leg and the negative on the table or vice-versa, otherwise the magnet will not hold the leg up.

Monday, June 23, 2014

How to Build a Gaming Coffee Table

How to Build a Gaming Coffee Table

One of the most popular projects in the eco-friendly design community is repurposing furniture. With a few alterations, a piece built to do one job can serve a different purpose. A coffee table, for example, can become a a game table. If this is a project you want to undertake, make it even more fun by scouring thrift shops for the game boards you want to use. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

    1

    Go over the table with an electric sander. Sand all areas of the wood, moving the sandpaper with the grain of the wood.

    2

    Carefully clean away the sanding dust. Use a hand-held sweeper brush and a dustpan or a clean tack cloth. Vacuum the floor, and use the attachment hose and brush to suck up any dust on the table.

    3

    Use a paint roller to apply stain-blocking primer to the the newly sanded table. Use a brush to apply primer to any grooves, carvings or small details where the paint roller cannot reach. Always paint with the grain of the wood. Allow the primer to dry completely.

    4

    Use a clean paint roller to apply an oil-based, enamel paint to the table. Paint with the grain of the wood. Allow the first coat to dry fully before you apply a second coat. Use a brush to apply paint to any areas not easily covered with a paint roller.

    5

    Arrange game boards on top of the table. Choose boards that appeal to the family, games that you often play. Arrange the boards on the tabletop so that players can sit on the floor and easily reach them.

    6

    Lift the game boards from the surface and apply craft glue to the backs of the boards. Carefully press the boards down on the coffee table. Cover the boards and tabletop with a coat of clear-drying varnish. Allow the varnish to dry completely.

    7

    Apply another coat of varnish on top of the dry first coat. Allow the coat to dry. Continue to apply varnish coats, until the game boards are completely covered, appearing to be suspended inside the varnish. Keep in mind that varnish is slow to dry, so it is important to keep the work area clean and dust-free. Dust can stick to drying varnish.

Differences Between a Credenza, Buffet & Sideboard

Differences Between a Credenza, Buffet & Sideboard

Buffets were very important parts of dining room service in the 18th century. Occasionally today, you may see a rolling cart or shelved table being used to move dishes or foods in a restaurant. This was the main purpose of the buffet. Credenzas and sideboards were made as furniture that remained in place. Some sideboards and credenzas were extremely heavy and ornately decorated.

Credenzas

    The credenza is basically a center shelf section with side, shelved cupboards. Some of these were also referred to as side cabinets. Many Victorian credenzas were very elaborately decorated with floral parquetry, walnut veneer, cabriole plasters and carvings. Some had marble tops, mirror-lined side shelves and intricate mother-of-pearl and ivory inlaid designs in the center doors. The credenzas of the 1960s were less ornate. Some had black marble tops and were painted black with no visible shelves.

Buffets

    Most buffets from the 1800s and 1900s were simply sets of shelves on wheels used to serve food. They had shelves which were open and accessible from all sides. Some had two drawers for holding utensils, matches, napkins and other things the server needed. French buffets in the 18th century had panel doors that covered the entire front. Others had two drawers at the top; they did not have wheels for moving them. They were intended as serving tables permanently placed in the dining room.

Sideboards

    Most simple sideboards contained three to four drawers across the upper part of the table base. There were two or three sets of drawers on each side. Many were made with open knee-hole openings in the front center, so they resembled desks. Others had very elaborately carved high backs, some of which contained background mirrors. These were used in dining rooms and served the same purpose as the stationary credenza.

The Differences

    The main difference in the three pieces of furniture was that the buffet was the only one with wheels. In the 18th and 19th centuries, food was brought to the table on the buffet serving table. Credenzas and sideboards were fixed pieces of furniture that didn't move. Credenzas had extra shelving on the sides which could be used for food or utensils. Most buffets that had front panel doors only contained cabinets with no shelves. This where the term "buffet" comes from in restaurants. All the foods are served from a central location.

Sunday, June 22, 2014

Duncan Phyfe Table Styles

Duncan Phyfe Table Styles

Duncan Phyfe was a Scottish cabinetmaker who worked in America. He did his best work from 1800 to 1815 and was a furniture designer in the Federal style, which was popular in the years after the Revolutionary War. His tables were made to be multipurposed and were often designed with leaves and other mechanisms that could expand them. Does this Spark an idea?

Elements

    Phyfe was fond of brass knobs and pulls and decorations. He insisted on the best mahogany wood, a tropical wood that was even harder to obtain then than it is now. He wouldn't use an inlay of lighter wood but would use a panel of beautifully grained mahogany on a plainer mahogany. The eagle with spread wings and the lyre were popular motifs in his work. Phyfe not only incorporated lyres into some of his furniture, but they often had real strings of brass. Some tables had lyre pedestals on four heavy legs carved with acanthus leaves.

Drop-Leaf Tables

    Because he liked his tables to have multiple uses, Phyfe employed dropped leaves in many of them. One dining table could expand from 25 inches to 13 feet long. One sofa table had drop leaves supported by curved brackets. The legs and the stretchers between them had spiral reeding. Reeding meant the legs had furrows in them like classical columns. The skirt of this table had gilt hardware as well, and Phyfe's trademark spread-winged eagle was positioned beneath the skirt. A Pembroke table, a table which traditionally had dropped leaves and a drawer set in an apron in the table, had long slender reeded legs on casters, or little wheels, so that it could be moved around.

Work and Sewing Tables

    One work table had three drawers, acorn drops at the lower corners and a tripod base. It was small and could be tucked away when not in use. Another sewing table had supports shaped like urns. Another work table had a tambour front, which meant the front was made of strips of reeds or wood glued to a canvas that rolled back. The table also had a hinged top that revealed a writing board. The table could also be used for sewing.

Card Tables

    One card table also had acanthus leaf legs, and acanthus leaves were also carved on the two columns that served as the table's pedestal. Like the work table, it had acorn drops on the lower corners. One of Phyfe's cleverest card tables had a steel rod in the hollow urn-shaped support that rearranged its leaves in ways that made it ready for gaming. Otherwise, it was a simple console table.

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Tips on Sanding and Repainting a Kitchen Table

Scratches, chips and stains can ruin the look of a kitchen table. Instead of purchasing a new table, repaint one that you already own. Sanding and repainting a kitchen table gives the furniture a fresh look and also saves you money. If you have never refinished a kitchen table, there are tips and tricks that can save you time and prevent frustration. Kitchen tables need to be refinished carefully because improper sanding and painting may ruin the furniture and put your health at risk. Does this Spark an idea?

Cleaning

    Before you prepare to sand and paint the kitchen table, clean it with a mild dish soap and warm water. Wipe the table down with a nonabrasive sponge to remove dirt, food and debris. Failure to clean the kitchen table can result in noticeable imperfections after you paint the furniture. Rinse the table with clean water and dry it thoroughly before you prepare to sand the wood.

Paint Remover

    Sanding all the old paint off the table can take a lot of time. Use a paint remover to remove most of the old paint from the kitchen table. Apply the remover in a well-ventilated location, and wear goggles and gloves to protect your health. Paint strippers that you do not have to clean up work best when you are trying to save time. Always read the instructions on the paint remover carefully before you use it to ensure that you apply and remove it properly. Most paint thinners must remain on the surface for several minutes to remove the paint effectively.

Sanding

    The entire surface of a kitchen table needs sanded before you can add a fresh coat of paint. Sanding the kitchen table allows the paint to stick so it does not peel off the surface. Always wear a protective mask and goggles before you use a sander. Use an orbital or belt sander for best results because sanding the table by hand may take a long time. Sand the table in the direction of the grain with 100-grit sandpaper to remove the paint and then use 220-grit paper to finish smoothing the surface. Wipe the dust off the table thoroughly with a tack cloth.

Painting

    Place a drop cloth under the table before you paint, and cover any surrounding furnishings. Apply a primer to the table before you paint it to hide imperfections, and let the primer dry for at least one hour. Apply the desired paint to the wood table with a roller or paintbrush, painting in the direction of the grain. For best results, turn the table over and paint the legs first. After the legs dry, turn the table over and paint the surface. Allow each coat of paint to dry thoroughly before you add a fresh coat. You may need to apply two or more coats of paint to the table. "Real Simple" magazine suggests storing your paintbrush in a plastic bag inside the refrigerator to prevent it from drying out completely.

More Tips

    Before you select paint, choose between oil-based or water-based paints. Oil-based paints are more durable than water-based, but they are difficult to clean off paintbrushes and other surfaces. People prefer to use water-based acrylic paints because they are easier to clean. Select a paint color that matches your kitchen decor. If you cannot decide on a paint color, select a neutral black, brown or gray. Bright colors may make your kitchen table look more inviting than dark and dreary shades. Take your time when painting the kitchen table to prevent streaks, and allow the table to dry thoroughly before you use it.

How to Decorate a Foyer Table

How to Decorate a Foyer Table

The foyer area is the first introduction guests have to your home. The impression you create with this entrance is important. Whether the space is small and cozy or large and expansive, there are a few elements that help create an interesting entryway, such as a foyer table. A well-decorated foyer table enhances the decor of your home and makes a welcoming space that greets your friends and family. With a few easy-to-find home decor items, your foyer area can go from drab to dramatic. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

    1

    Choose a foyer table. A foyer table is just one element in your foyer space, so when choosing a table keep in mind the style of your home, the space available and the scale of your space. You want a table to fit perfectly in your entryway.

    2

    Add lighting. Foyer areas are often dimly lit, so if you have an electrical outlet available near your table, add a lamp on one side of the table. If space allows, two lamps on the right and left side of the foyer table add even more lighting and gives the space a symmetrical look.

    3

    Hang a mirror behind your table. As an extension of your table space, a wall mirror behind your table gives the illusion of added space. Since most foyers are narrow, a mirror creates a feeling of width.

    4

    Lay a rug in front of your foyer table. Rugs are great ways to add color and texture to a space. Incorporate some of the colors in the rug with items on your table.

    5

    Add practical items to your table. Most homeowners want an area to set down their keys and mail, so include a small tray or basket on your table so practical items are within easy reach each day.

    6

    Accessorize your foyer table. Add a creative touch to your table by accessorizing your table top with seasonal items such as a tray of pumpkins, gourds and Indian corn in autumn, apothecary jars filled with multicolored ornaments in winter, bird nests and birdhouses in spring and fresh flowers in vases in summer.

    7

    Add battery-operated candles. The crowning touch to your dramatic foyer table is the addition of candlelight. Finish your foyer table design with one or two battery-operated candles among your accessories for a soft, welcoming effect.

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Proper Height for Lights Over a Kitchen Table

Proper Height for Lights Over a Kitchen Table

Lights over kitchen tables are typically used for several purposes other than illuminating the area during eating. Kitchen tables are also used for homework, hobbies and crafts, playing board games and conducting family business, so the lighting needs to be multi-functional and properly placed. Does this Spark an idea?

Pendant Fixtures

    Pendant lighting fixtures should hang 30 inches above the table. For round kitchen tables with single pendant lighting, the fixtures diameter should be 12 inches smaller than that of the table. If multiple fixtures are used, adjust the diameters accordingly, and space the lights so the table is illuminated evenly on all sides. Use the same calculations for square tables and for rectangular tables, installing pendant fixtures that are 12 inches narrower than the smallest side of the table.

    For kitchens that use a counter or breakfast bar as a kitchen table, the best lighting is achieved through installing equally spaced small pendant fixtures so the bottom of the shades are about 66 inches off the floor, which provides those seated at the counter a clear view into the kitchen. The general rule is to install one fixture for every 2 feet of the length of the counter. The best balance of light is achieved with an odd number of fixtures.

Chandeliers

    Although chandeliers are commonly used in formal dining areas, they can also be used over kitchen tables. For maximum light without glare, from an 8-foot ceiling hang the fixture so the bottom is 30 inches above the top of the table. Lower the chandelier position by 1 inch for each additional inch of ceiling height. For example, an 11-foot ceiling would have a chandelier that is 33 inches above the tabletop. To create balance between the fixture and a square or rectangular table, the chandelier should be a minimum of 12 inches narrower in diameter than the width of the table. For instance, a table that is 60-by-72 inches would require a chandelier a minimum of 48 inches in diameter. For round or oval tables, ask a lighting professional for the best chandelier table size and shape configuration.

Recessed Lighting

    Installing recessed or track lighting around the perimeter of the kitchen provides adequate light for dining and entertaining and, when used in conjunction with a chandelier or pendant fixture, can brighten the room for reading, writing or crafts. Strategically place a minimum of four lights in the ceiling surrounding the kitchen table so they evenly illuminate the area.

Tips and Hints

    If household members are exceptionally tall or short, adjust the height of pendants and chandeliers to accommodate their views and avoid bumping into the fixtures. Installing dimmers on all the lights lets you control the illumination in the room and create ambiances for different situations and occasions.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Types of Kitchen Benches

Types of Kitchen Benches

Kitchen benches come in all shapes and sizes. Benches are good places to seat children or additional guests when hosting events. It can be convenient when cleaning to have one piece of furniture rather than two or three chairs. Kitchen benches have been made of wood, metal, stone, bamboo, plastic and modern composites. Some kitchens have benches already built into the dining area; this saves space and ends any need for excess furniture. Does this Spark an idea?

Angular

    Angular kitchen benches are called nook sets. They bend at a 90-degree angle to fit into a corner, like a restaurant booth. Angular benches can fit more people and squeeze into smaller dining rooms. Nirgos, a European woodworking company, suggests using round or oval tables with nook sets to provide more elbow room for those seated around it. Built-in nook benches are not uncommon. They become the solid foundation of a dining area by dominating the space. Built-in benches often extend the entire length of the room--there is no need for them to end where the table ends.

Upholstered

    Upholstered kitchen benches are comfortable because of their cushioned seating. If an upholstered bench has a back it is referred to as a kitchen sofa, according to Nirgos. A kitchen bench can be converted into a sofa by purchasing or making a cushion for it. Leather is a common choice for upholstered kitchen benches. It's easier to clean than other fabrics such as canvas or silk. Consider using the back of a tall breakfast counter as a kitchen bench by attaching a cushioned seat, such as the Mahoney Architects and Interiors bench featured in a recent Houzz Ideabook.

Modern

    There are modern kitchen benches for every style preference. Stainless steel benches are chic and clean. They blend well in a kitchen with stainless steel appliances. Modern art deco style is a blend of art and functionality such as the Flowing Shape Bench by Arktura. It features eco-composite materials formed into a sculptural work of art that serves as a bench.

Classic

    The classic kitchen bench is timeless. Traditionally made of stained or sanded wood, the classic bench is four legged. Some classic styles are elegantly carved with Victorian-style feet and beveled edges. Others are plain and resemble church pews. Both of them have their place and look great when paired with a matching table and chairs. Some of them feature a storage space beneath the seat of the bench. Classic benches feature more armrests, sometimes elaborate and ornate. Modern kitchen benches tend to be more minimalist in appearance, leaving out any excess detail.

Contemporary

    Contemporary style is slightly more reserved than art deco but still modern. Wooden benches of stained dark wood with white upholstered seats reflect a modern contemporary style. A slatted wooden back or an "X" back on a bench is contemporary, such as the IKEA Ingolf Kitchen Bench.

Kitchen Furniture in the 1920s, 1930s & 1940s

Kitchen Furniture in the 1920s, 1930s & 1940s

Vast changed occurred between the 1920s and 1940s. In the 1920s, America's culture revolved around youth and newness in contrast to a prohibitive era. The 1930s saw the glamorous wealth of Hollywood and the rich in relief against the dire economic realities most Americans faced. Home, furniture and kitchen designs changed along with it, going from furniture and appliances that were stand-alone, each having just one function, to furnishings with maximum efficiency in mind, which stayed on well after the 1940s and even into the 21st century. Does this Spark an idea?

Frankfurt Kitchen

    Margarete Schtte-Lihotzky revolutionized kitchen design when she created her Frankfurt kitchen in the late '20s, using rail dining cars as inspiration. The kitchen was small due to the tiny mass-built apartments at the time. Instead of using the kitchen as a multi-purpose space, as before, it was meant only for cooking and food preparation. Dish racks and shelves sat near the sink, and numerous drawers provided convenient storage space.

Appliance Furniture

    While wealthy Americans might have followed new design trends between the '20s and '40s, the Great Depression forced the majority to stick with older Victorian-style kitchens. In addition, women may have been more comfortable working in the kind of kitchen they learned in growing up. A blackened wood stove usually had a hot water reservoir and warming shelf. A freestanding sink with the pipes covered with kitchen linen. The icebox usually had an overflow tray underneath. Older kitchens were sometimes still lit with gas or kerosene. A wealthy family's kitchen in the '40s was probably decked out with a smokeless electric kitchen range and an electric refrigerator with its motor on top.

Storage Pieces

    The early 20th century saw the advent of built-in cabinets instead of freestanding pantries and hutches. A Welsh dresser served as a hutch for dishes, and a Hoosier cabinet held pantry and baking items. During the 1940s, though, metal cabinets came into fashion, following the industrial trend in mid-century design that stressed form following function in a streamlined economical design.

Practical Odds and Ends

    Small additions and adjustments to the early to mid-20th century kitchen made it more efficient. Sliding bread drawers, pot racks and extra work surface cleared space, for instance. The Frankfurt kitchen included a wheeled preparation cart that allowed the cook to move it around as needed to save space and perform several cooking steps in one location.

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Counter-Height Table Vs. Standard-Height Table

Counter-Height Table Vs. Standard-Height Table

Counter-height tables are taller than standard-height tables. Counter- and standard-height tables come in many different designs, materials and styles. They can be purchased from a furniture store, ordered from a website or custom made by a furniture maker. Standard-height tables are more common than counter-height tables. Both kinds of tables offer unique benefits that will help you decide which type of table is best for you and your space. Does this Spark an idea?

Facts

    A counter-height table can be any length or width but measures 34 to 36 inches high. A standard-height table can be any length or width but measures 28 to 30 inches high. Typical materials for both standard- and counter-height tables include wood, metal or plastic. They may be designed with legs, a pedestal base or a trestle base. Counter-height tables may also be referred to as bistro or gathering tables. These names are not standardized, so it is best to ask the height of the table to determine whether it is a standard- or counter-height table.

Benefits of Standard-Height Tables

    Standard-height tables are considered more formal than counter-height tables.

    Standard-height tables are more common and therefore available in more sizes, designs and finishes than counter-height tables. Because of their popularity, more seating options are made to coordinate with standard-height tables. Most people find standard-height tables more comfortable to sit at because their feet touch the ground while they are seated. They are also a better height for disabled people, as a counter-height table is too tall for a person to use who is seated in a wheelchair. Additionally, counter-height seats are difficult for those with infirmaries to lift themselves onto. Standard-height tables are considered more formal than counter-height tables, and are a better solution for a traditional home.

Benefits of Counter-Height Tables

    Counter-height tables are good solutions for small spaces.

    Counter-height tables, although less common, are very useful and appropriate for certain situations. They are often a good solution for a kitchen as they offer additional preparation space and allow those who are seated at this height to easily converse with those standing in the kitchen. Counter-height tables are also useful when it is desirable to see over a wall or railing, such as on a patio with a view. They can be an excellent option for small spaces, as their additional height gives the illusion of taking up less space than a lower, standard-height table. Finally, because they are considered less formal, they create a more casual, relaxed feel for a space.

Considerations

    It is recommended to purchase a chair, stool or bench measuring 10 to 12 inches less than the height of your table, whether it is standard or counter height. If you are not purchasing a table set that comes with chairs or stools, it is best to try out your seating selection with your table to make sure the height is comfortable for you. Although an inch or two doesn't seem like a huge increment, it can make a big difference in the comfort of you or your guests. For example, a seat that is on the higher side of average and a table that is on the lower side of average may mean that larger people are unable to slide their seats under the table.

Warning

    Standard- and counter-height tables are not the only two types of tables available. Bar-height tables, which measure 40 to 42 inches tall, are also quite common and are often mistaken for counter-height tables. However, counter-height seating and bar-height seating are not interchangeable, and many people make the mistake of ordering the wrong height seating, even designers and contractors. Always measure the height of your table and the seat height of your chairs or stools, and make sure there is a 10- to 12-inch difference. If you are ordering seating, obtain detailed measurements from the manufacturer to determine if you are ordering the appropriate height for your table.

Monday, June 16, 2014

How to Arrange a Sofa

How to Arrange a Sofa

Sofa placement is one of the most important factors of room arrangement. Once you know where you're going to put the sofa, the location of all other pieces of furniture, such as chairs, coffee tables, end tables and bookshelves, falls into place. There are rules to sofa arrangement, however. Adhere to the guidelines that must be followed in order to have a room conducive to relaxation, conversation and recreation. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

    1

    Place the sofa facing a focal point. The most important function of a sofa is to seat members of your household and other guests comfortably, where they will be facing the best vantage point in the room. Choose the area of your space that you think deserves the best focus, and set the sofa where it will be directed toward that spot. This could be a bookcase, a fireplace, a window, an entertainment center or a beautiful piece of artwork.

    2

    Place the sofa within reaching distance of coffee tables and end tables. You, your housemates and your guests should be in easy reach of interesting books, user-controlled lighting, places to set drinks and refreshments, and remote controls for the stereo and television.

    3

    Place the sofa so that it's front is right at the edge of the long end of any existing area rug. This helps set the stage for other furniture that may be added.

    4

    Set the sofa in close enough proximity to other sofas and chairs in the room so that people sitting on all the furniture can easily face and speak with one another in a conversational tone.

    5

    Arrange the sofa so that it doesn't block major pathways. Keep sofas clear of exit doorways, closet doorways or windows. There should be a clear walking path around the sofa with no obstructions.

    6

    Arrange the sofa so it doesn't block ventilation. If the sofa is placed against a wall with a heating or air conditioning vent, move the sofa away from the vent at least six inches to one foot. Don't allow the couch to block the air coming through the vent; if it does, it can cause the room to be cool in winter and warm in summer, as well as raise gas and electricity bills.

Saturday, June 14, 2014

How to Make a Simple Wood Table

People always have a need for a simple wood table, so it's time you sharpened up your woodworking skills and built one, either for personal needs or for a friend.

Instructions

    1

    Collect the wood. There are many different kinds of wood, with many colors and degrees of hardness. Some cost a lot more than others. Decide on a wood you prefer and can afford, and purchase a square or oblong piece at least the size of the table you have in mind, with four long pieces (two-by-fours or sturdier) for legs.

    2

    Think about what you plan to put on the table. Remember that the heavier the items you will place on the table, the stronger the legs need to be to support that weight. A great size for a simple wood table is 5 feet by 5 feet. If necessary, find a table saw and cut off your large piece of wood to those dimensions.

    3

    Figure out the height of the table. Do you want the table low to the ground like a coffee table or higher up to support a television? Once again consider what you plan to set on the table, which will figure in determining the height. Use the table saw or a hand saw to cut off the legs to the designed height. Careful, all the legs must be exactly the same length, or your table will be uneven or wobble. Some people will add bracing between the legs for further support. A second and lower shelf will also stabilize the legs, or rails can be attached between the legs on the underside of the table top, including corner supports.

    4

    Nail or screw the legs to each corner on the underside of the square piece. Some people will decide to attach the legs with glue. If you use an additional square piece to create a lower shelf or support, you'll start with the bottom shelf and then nail, screw or glue on the top piece. Nails are a little quicker and cheaper, but you'll build a more sturdy table with screws. Make sure the nails and screws do not stick up through the top of the table. Avoid this by screwing the holes from the top to the legs or by nailing or screwing the bolts from the side of each leg with a backing.

    5

    Finish the table. First you'll want to sand the entire table to give it a smooth finish. Then varnish or apply a stain with clear coat to give the table a professional appearance.

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

How to Remove Scratches from Kitchen Tables

Scratches on your kitchen table are going to happen. It is probably the busiest place in your home, where everything lands, where you drop your keys, where you eat your meals and the kids do their homework. Removing those scratches can be challenging. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Remove scratches from a glass-top kitchen table

    1

    Clean the glass top table thoroughly to remove any smudges or food residue that may have been left.

    2

    Follow the directions provided for the product and apply a jeweler's rouge with a provided applicator or soft cloth. Find this product in a jeweler's supply store, or ask your local jeweler if you can purchase directly from him.

    3

    Re-clean the glass tabletop once again and you'll be ready to sit down for a meal.

Remove scratches from a wooden kitchen table

    4

    Clean the top surface of your wood kitchen table to remove smudges or food residue that may have been left.

    5

    Break open a pecan or walnut and use the "meat" or the part of the nut that you eat to rub into the grooves of the scratch. Rub the area repeatedly with the nut until the area begins to feel warm. This will give the wood a chance to absorb the oil from the nut.

    6

    Compare your repaired area to the rest of the tabletop for color. If the color of the rest of the table is of a darker nature, try coloring with a crayon in that shade and rub the area to blend.

    7

    Buff the area with a soft cloth to give it a finished look. Repeat the prior steps if you still need to fill in more or blend the color for a better match.

    8

    Purchase a wood furniture touch-up kit, which is another option for repair. These are usually inexpensive and are found in hardware or home improvement stores and come in a variety of wood grains.

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

How to Practice Times Tables

How to Practice Times Tables

Teaching a child how to work his way through a set of multiplication tables is a skill that he can use for the rest of his life. Memorizing multiplication tables makes for quick and easy calculations of prices and figures used in everyday life. Websites, worksheets and resources make it fun and easy for parents and educators to help children become pros at multiplication, or times, tables.

Instructions

    1

    Use pictures, rhyme and stories to engage visual, auditory and kinesthetic learning modes. Try first associating a picture with each number to help visual learners. For example, draw a "2" inside of a shoe or a "3" inside of a tree to help visual and auditory learners remember and associate "2" with "shoe" and "3" with "tree." Do this with numbers 2 through 9.

    2

    Help children make connections between times-table numbers with stories that involve rhyming. For example, draw two trees side by side with a line connecting them. Place a "3" inside of each tree and draw a T-shirt on the line. Beneath the drawing, write "3x3=9." Beneath that on the next line write "Tree x Tree = Line." Then, tell the child a story that involves the objects and numbers. For example, talk about a basketball player who wore a number 9 jersey. Tell the child that after the game, he had to wash his jersey and hang it on a line between two trees to dry.

    3

    Create picture-word associations and corresponding stories for every number and every number within a multiplication table or purchase a complete curriculum which does this for you. Work your way through all the multiplication tables, one at a time. Start with 2x1 and move your way through 2x2, 2x3, 2x4, 2x5 and so on all the way through 2x9. Move on to threes next.

    4

    Start with the twos and work on every number in the twos table every day for four days. On the last day of the week, introduce the child to the threes. Work on the threes for the first four days of the following week and use the fifth day to review the twos. The following week, work on the fours for the first four days and review the twos and threes on the fifth day. Repeat this pattern, working your way through all of the times tables. Spend every day of the final week reviewing two tables each day the first four days and all of the tables on the fifth day.

Sunday, June 8, 2014

How to Make Foldable Table Legs

How to Make Foldable Table Legs

When you have a table that is used only occasionally, such as for card games or crafts, it makes sense for its legs to be outfitted with folding brackets so that the table can be folded flat and stored when not in use. Whether you are building a brand-new table or would like to alter an existing one, installing folding brackets to the legs is a simple do-it-yourself job that can be completed in an afternoon. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

    1

    Sand and stain or paint the table top and legs as desired. Allow them to dry completely if they have been stained or painted, then lay the table top upside down on a clean, flat surface. If you are working on an existing table with the legs already attached, use an electric drill or screwdriver to remove the screws holding the legs to the table.

    2

    Use a pencil to mark where the legs should be located when they are unfolded and sticking out vertically from the table top. There should be one leg at each corner of the table.

    3

    Fold the legs down before installing brackets to be sure that they dont overlap or obstruct one another. Depending on the length of the legs, they may be able to fold toward each other at the center of the table or each leg may need to fold down to its right or left so that one leg runs along each side of the table when they are all folded. Once the folding layout has been finalized, stand one of the legs back up vertically and set the others aside.

    4

    Open the first bracket all the way and lock it into position. Place the bracket against the table leg so that the small plate at one end of the bracket fits flush against the leg while the other fits against the bottom of the table. Double-check to be sure that the bracket is positioned so that the leg will fold in the right direction.

    5

    Mark the locations of the screw holes against the leg and table with a pencil, and then remove the bracket. Use an electric drill with a 1/16-inch drill bit to drill small holes at each pencil mark, and then put the bracket back into place. Drive screws into each hole to secure the bracket in place.

    6

    Repeat the bracket installation process on each of the remaining three table legs.

Saturday, June 7, 2014

Parts for a Folding Picnic Table

Parts for a Folding Picnic Table

Made from plastic, wood or aluminum, folding picnic tables are designed for convenience, function, durability and storage. A single folding picnic table/bench can serve as a bench or a table. However, it will look like half of a traditional picnic table. Therefore, two sets of folding picnic table/benches placed together in the table position are needed to form a traditional picnic table.



The basic parts of a folding picnic table are the bench seats and backs, the tabletop, arms and arm supports, legs and hinges. Additionally there are table support pieces and decorative fill. Does this Spark an idea?

Seat Backs/Tabletops

    The tabletop in the upright flat position serves as a table. However, when released from the locked, or upright position, and flipped down, it serves as a bench seat back. If a locking system is present it will have two locking pieces attached to the underside of the tabletop on opposite ends.

    Two of these foldable bench pieces, when put back to back and in the tabletop position, form a standard picnic table with a top and two benches. If made from a kit or from scratch, the dimensions of the table and benches can be changed by choosing the length of the boards to be used. Underneath the tabletop or on the back side of the benches there also will be support pieces.

Individual Bench Seats

    The individual bench seats will be the same length as the seat back/tabletops. They will have a seat brace that runs the length of the seat and connects to the legs and a supporting seat base end. The seat base end also connects to both the front and rear legs. On the top side ends of the benches are strap hinge braces that connect the bench seat to the arms that support the tabletop/seat back.

Arms and Supports

    Arm supports on each end of the tabletop/seat back, along with a perpendicular table support piece, provide the support framework that connects the tabletop/seat back to the bench seat.

Decorative Fill

    Two decorative fill pieces (one on each side) extend off of the tabletop section to cover the arm supports and base ends.

Front and Rear Legs

    Each folding picnic table has a pair of front legs and a pair of rear legs. The legs are attached to the bench seat (front and back). They complete the frame of the table/bench and provide support for the bench seat.

Accessories and Variations

    An optional accessory on purchased folding picnic tables is a shade umbrella.

    Variations in design and by manufacturer may change the position of the supporting elements or may change the purpose of the parts. For example, an aluminum picnic table designed to be light or for convenient storage may have two small individual seats on each side of the table instead of a bench seat. Additionally, the tabletop doesn't fold down to become a bench seat back. It is designed more for picnics on the go or for camping situations.

Victorian Kitchen Ideas

Victorian Kitchen Ideas

The Victorian period lasted from 1840 to 1900 and, as Parkland College notes, it was characterized by strong moral and religious beliefs, as well as incredibly elaborate and ornate clothing, art, architecture and interior design. If you want to give your kitchen a nostalgic, yet royal appeal, the Victorian style may be just what you are looking for. Consider the following ideas to help you get started. Does this Spark an idea?

Dresser

    While most people perhaps think of dressers as bedroom adornments, interior designer Kirstie Allsopp recommends using them in Victorian-style kitchens. While the drawers of an antique dresser provide storage for dishware, cookware, utensils, tablecloths and other items, you can use the top of the dresser to display ornaments and accessories, such as ceramic pots and particularly ornate pieces of china.

Table

    While many modern kitchen designers tend to forgo tables in favor of islands, or more space, Allsopp notes that kitchen tables are staples of traditional Victorian interiors. People of the Victorian era did not use their kitchen tables so much for eating as they did for preparing food, so they often used large, sturdy unstained wood slab tables. You can let the dings and scratches that you inflict from working on this type of table serve as decorations, which will help to create an antiqued appeal.

Walls and Ceilings

    Walls and ceilings are some of the most expansive spaces within kitchens, and leaving them unadorned would detract from your Victorian theme. For your walls, try using a floral-patterned wallpaper. As Guide to Kitchen Remodeling notes, some companies even sell reproductions of actual wallpaper designs from the Victorian period. For your ceilings, try installing embossed panels, which can add an architectural quality to an otherwise flat and boring space. These panels come in variety of different patterns and designs, and can consist of plaster, copper or even lightweight plastic.

Appliances

    Finding Victorian-style appliances can be tricky, as modern kitchen basics like microwaves, refrigerators and dishwashers did not exist during the Victorian era. According to Guide to Kitchen Remodeling, one idea that will definitely add a touch of the Victorian to your space is to install a cast iron stove, which you can find online or at antique and home supply stores. While traditional cast iron stoves burn wood for fuel, you can convert them to run on electricity or gas. For small appliances, such as microwaves and blenders, try setting them up inside of cabinets so that they do not disrupt the Victorian atmosphere. For larger appliances, like refrigerators and dishwashers, try choosing those that have wood panel exteriors, which can help to camouflage their modernity.

Thursday, June 5, 2014

How to Properly Set Up Banquet Tables

How to Properly Set Up Banquet Tables

The way you set up banquet tables has an effect on the success of the event. When having a banquet, guests should be comfortable and have the ability to interact with each other. If there is a speaker at the banquet, the room should be set up to accommodate late entrants that do not disturb the event. Setting up banquet tables properly ensures the safety and comfort of your guests. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

    1

    Calculate the number of guests to be seated for the event. The number of guests will determine how many tables and chairs will be needed.

    2

    Determine if round or rectangle tables will be used.

    3

    Select a 54-inch round table to seat 6, a 60-inch round table to seat 8 or a 72-inch round table to seat 10 people.

    4

    Select a 30-inch by 72-inch rectangle table to seat 6 or 30-inch by 96-inch rectangle table to seat 10 people.

    5

    Set up banquet tables to allow 30 inches of space between each table. This creates an aisle for guests to pass through; 10 square feet of space is allowed per person.

    6

    Place the tables toward the front of the room, creating the entrance toward the back of the room.

    7

    Inspect all tables to ensure they are secure. You want to make sure the table legs are locked in place so that they do not fall on the guests. Throughout the inspection look to confirm there is enough room for guests and staff to pass through.

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

How to Learn Times Tables Fast

How to Learn Times Tables Fast

Multiplication is one of the fundamentals of math. If you don't master them, you'll have a more difficult time going onto higher math. But learning how to make quick calculations with multiplication will help you solidify your math skills and will prove to be essential at work, school and even at the grocery store. Find out how to learn the times tables quickly and effectively so that you can use it at any given moment in your life.

Instructions

The Basics

    1

    Multiplication is simply repeated addition. You add a number a certain number of times to find the answer. Each component of multiplication has different names. In 2 x 6 = 12, for example, the 2 is called the multiplicand, the 6 is the multiplier and 12 is the product (the answer). Writing out the times tables will help you learn them quicker. You can also make flash cards to help memorize the multiplications.

    2

    Before you begin learning the times table, make a grid of 11 boxes across and 11 boxes down. Well fill them in as we go. Leave the top left corner blank and label the top row from left to right, 0," "1," "2," all the way through "9. Then do the same for the left vertical column.

    3

    Start with the easy times tables first. First, well start with zero. Any number times zero equals zero. That was easy! Write out zero times 1 as 0 x 1 = 0 on one of the blank index cards. Then on another index card, write 0 x 2 = 0. Continue this until you reach 12. Fill in the rows for the zeros. It should cover the second column and second row.

    4

    Now onto the ones. The ones are easy as the zeros. Any number times one equals the original number. So write, 1 x 1 = 1 and 1 x 2 = 2. Continue this until you reach 1 x 12 = 12. Well skip writing out the zeros again because we already wrote them all out. Once you finish with the index cards, fill in the row and column for the ones. Now out of the 100 multiplication grids, youve filled in 36 of them.

    5

    Next, its the twos. The twos are pretty easy too. The 2 times tables are like counting upward but skipping every other number. So 2 x 1 = 2 and 2 x 2 = 4. Then the next is, 2 x 3 = 6 and 2 x 4 = 8. 2 x 5 = 10, 2 x 6 = 12, 2 x 7 = 14, 2 x 8 = 16, and 2 x 9 = 18." Write out these twos onto index cards. Then fill in the row and column for the twos.

    6

    The next easiest tables are the fives. Every multiplication with a five ends in either a five or a zero. For instance, 5 x 1 = 5 and 5 x 2 = 10. Then 5 x 3 = 15 and 5 x 4 = 20. Continue on until you reach 5 x 9 = 45. The easier way to learn the fives is just counting by fives the number of times you need to multiply. So if its 5 x 7, then youd count, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35. Pretty soon, youll just get the hang of it. Writing them out in the grid and on the index cards will help you memorize them too.

The More Complicated Multiples

    7

    Now its time to learn the nines. This may seem daunting, but heres an easy trick: use your hands. Hold your hands in front of you. Starting from the left sideso your left pinkycount from 1 to 10. Those fingers represent those numbers.

    First start with a lower multiple such as 9 x 2. Curl down the second finger. Everything to the left of that finger represents the first digit, so 1. Then everything to the right represents the second digit, which are eight fingers, so the number 8. Put them together and you have, 1-8, or rather, 18. So 9 x 2 = 18.

    This works for every multiple of 9 until 9 x 10. 9 x 9 would mean 8 fingers to the left of the ninth finger and one finger to the right of the ninth finger, so that means it equals 81. It may take a few seconds for a while, but soon youll be memorizing those nines in no time.

    Also, if you look at every product of the 9 times table, they equal 9. 1 + 8 = 9.

    9 x 3 = 27 and 2 + 7 = 9. One way to learn that trick is that take the multiple minus 1, so for 9 x 3, three minus 1 equals 2. Then what plus 2 equals 9? 7. So the answer to 9 x 3 = 27.

    Fill in the grid for the nines, and then write them out onto index cards. Since nines are harder, itll be easier to write them in the grid first so you can keep track of the order and make sure youre not making an error.

    8

    You have a majority of the times tables down now. Just a few more to go. Now well take on the fours. Fours can be memorized by twice doubling the number youre multiplying with four. So for 4 x 5, double 5. That makes 10. Then double 10, and youll get 20, 4 x 5 = 20. Write out the fours in the grid first, like the nines. Then write them on index cards.

    9

    Now there are threes, sixes, sevens and eights left. Some of those were covered in the other times tables. There arent really any tricks or easy ways to memorize the remaining times tables except repetition with flash cards. Write out the rest in the grid, simply by adding three each time for the multiples of three, or adding six for the multiples of six. Also add seven each time for the multiple of seven, and add eight each time for the multiple of eight. Then practice with flash cards as much as you can and youll say the answer faster and faster each time. Times tables are really about practice. Write out these multiples that you have left in the grid first. Then write them out on the index cards. Now you have all 100 grids filled in and 100 index cards to practice with.

How to Build a Folding Laundry Table

How to Build a Folding Laundry Table

Reduce the back-breaking work of weekly laundry chores with the construction of a handy folding table. Building a folding table is a wise way to expedite the laundry process, providing you with much-needed counter surface. The construction of your table makes it lightweight, so you can transport the device to any area of the house. The table's design also allows for fast and efficient set-up and dismantling. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

    1

    Slide on a pair of work gloves, safety glasses and a dust mask to protect your skin, eyes and lungs.

    2

    Place all of your wood pieces onto a work surface: seven 1-inch by 4-inch by 28-inch table top pieces; two 1-inch by 2-inch by 28-inch table braces; two 1-inch by 4-inch by 36-inch wood legs; two 1-inch by 4-inch by 37-inch wood legs; one 1-inch by 4-inch by 20-inch center brace; and two 1-inch by 2-inch by 20-inch center braces.

    3

    Smooth the surface area of all pieces with 120 grit sand paper.

    4

    Lay the seven 1-inch by 4-inch by 28-inch table top pieces side by side until they form a 28-inch square. Place one of the 1-inch by 2-inch by 28-inch table braces on top of the square in perpendicular position to the initial seven pieces. Adjust the table brace so it is flush with the left edge. Drill the table brace into place using 3/8-inch wood screws.

    5

    Place the second 1-inch by 2-inch by 28-inch table brace on top of the square in perpendicular position to the initial seven pieces. Adjust the table brace so it is flush with the right edge. Drill the second table brace into place using 3/8-inch wood screws. The table top is now complete. Set the table top aside for use in later steps.

    6

    Place the two 1-inch by 4-inch by 36-inch wood legs side by side so they are 20 inches apart. Position the 1-inch by 4-inch by 20-inch center brace between the two legs. Adjust the center brace so it is 5 inches below the top edge of each leg. Secure the center brace into place using 3/8-inch wood screws. The three wood pieces should resemble a capital letter "H" shape.

    7

    Place the two 1-inch by 4-inch by 37-inch wood legs side by side so they are 20 inches apart. Position the two 1-inch by 2-inch by 20-inch center braces between the two legs. Adjust the first center brace so it is 2 1/2 inches below the top edge of each leg. Adjust the second center brace so it is 9 1/2 inches below the top edge of each leg. Secure the center braces into place using 3/8-inch wood screws.

    8

    Drill a hole through the center of each of the three center braces using a 1/4-inch bit. Fit the letter "H" shape -- the first set of legs -- between the second set of legs so together they form a letter "X" shape. Insert a 9 1/4-inch steel bolt through the hole of each center brace. Secure the bolt with a 1/4-inch hex nut. The legs are now connected so they will twist.

    9

    Attach each table top brace to the top edge of the respective 1-inch by 4-inch by 36-inch legs using 1-inch brass hinges.

Monday, June 2, 2014

Folding Table Instructions

Folding tables provide a fast, temporary and convenient surface for serving food, making crafts or any other project or task that requires a flat, sturdy surface. If you are enlisted to help set up for a banquet, party or just a game of bridge, read on to learn how to unfold and take down a folding table. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

    1

    Turn the table upside down and lay it flat on the ground.

    2

    Look at the legs to see what type of table you have. Virtually all folding tables are built either with four extending legs or two posts fitted with two legs each.

    3

    Open a four-leg table by raising each leg on its hinge from under the table surface and pulling outward until it locks into place.

    4

    Turn the table right-side up.

    5

    Close a four-legged folding table for storage by turning the table on its edge and depressing the release button on each leg next to the hinge, then fold the leg back underneath the table surface.

    6

    Set up a rectangular or large, circular two-post table by setting it upside down on the ground.

    7

    Raise the posts upright until perpendicular with the underside of the table surface and lock them into place by sliding the metal bracket between the legs of each post until it locks in the center of the legs.

    8

    Close the large folding table by raising the metal locking bracket from the hinge on each leg assembly and folding the posts back underneath the table surface.

Sunday, June 1, 2014

How to Fold Down a Grosfillex Table

Grosfillex tables are a rugged, folding alternative to a traditional patio table. These round, folding tables allow for seasonal storage, ease of transportation, or the ability to create more open floor space for extra guests. Certain models of the Grosfillex folding table allow restaurant owners to safely lock them up to prevent theft. You can fold these tables in a matter of a few seconds. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

    1

    Orient the round table so that you are standing next to it, looking down at the top. The legs should be fully extended to form an "X" shape at the base.

    2

    Fold the legs against themselves by using the toe of your shoe to push one pair of legs against the other, around the center hinge. The end result will change from an "X" shape to an upside-down "T" shape. Hold the top of the table while folding the legs to prevent the table from falling over.

    3

    Fold down the top of the table by grabbing the outer edge and pulling it upwards so that the round table top folds up from a horizontal circle to a vertical circle. The table is now folded and flat for storage.

    4

    Set up the table by folding down the top, round surface. Hold the top with both hands to steady it, and unfold the bottom legs with the toe of your shoe.