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Whether you're a first time buyer or not, buying a dinning room table can be tricky. If you're looking for something to fill a small apartment, there are endless possibilities. If you are buying for a large home - a table to seat 12 or more - it gets harder and the choices are less.

What are you looking for? Do your tastes run toward solid wood table tops or a more modern look? Do you want something that will last and be an heirloom piece or something less lasting?

If you're looking for something to fit in your little apartment that only needs to seat one or two people, there are lots of options. Patio furniture is even a cool place to look. You can get tables that have folding down sides and be out of the way when not in use, when room is an issue. There are many options these days. Either way, what you look at and purchase will all come down to your tastes and your budget.

Someone looking for a family dinning set, one that will expand with a growing family, needs to take a closer look at the decorating and durability. They don't make many of these kinds of tables in the retro look - metal trim, Formica top, etc. Most tables run in wood these days, unless you want to spend more by special ordering.

On a side note, the recommended chairs are usually available with whatever table you use. You don't have to pick the chairs they have displayed, you can choose whatever chairs fit your decorating and taste. Chairs can be just as important as the table, so be careful with them as well. Sometimes people get benches because that's easier with younger children.

Be sure to check any table you purchase with extending leaves. Make sure it's solid when the leaves are in. Some cheaper tables wobble and are not stable when extended. There's nothing like worrying if your table is going to collapse when you have guests! Especially if you're playing an active card or board game.

Not only do you want to check out how the leaves hold, but you will want to see how the legs are attached. Are they solid and going to hold well against years of movement and kicking of little feet or chairs being pushed in against them? How well is this table going to hold up? Are all the pieces glued together or is it screwed, is it one solid piece or several? You want a table that is going to last.

Larger tables come in narrow and wide versions as well. How do you plan on setting your table? Do you lean toward all the food set out on the table, or having a buffet set up elsewhere so that there is no need for extra space other than the place settings?

My favorite table is a large table made from old barn wood. It's at least three feet wide, seven feet long, and so thick and sturdy it takes a great deal of effort to move it. There's no way my children can break it apart any time soon.

So, what do you picture in your dinning room? The options are endless.

Learn more about this author, Gaynell Parker.
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