Frequently Asked Questions

Hello, I am curious to know if your company can build kitchen nook seating? I have a narrow space to work which are the following measurements: 56″ would be the max length against a wall and 40″ the max length from the wall out. I would like to fit a small rectangular table in the middle. Thanks for your time!

Thank you for your email. I am sure we can make the nook seating for you. We just need you to decide what type of table and benches you’d like and the exact dimensions. A photograph of the nook area would help so we can consider any possible obstacles (power outlets, wood trim, windows, etc…).

Let us know. The guys in the shop love custom work because it takes them away from the daily production work a bit and allows them to be creative.

I noticed in some photos it seems the armchairs do not slide fully under the patio table’s apron. Can this be changed?

As of May 2009, we’ve implemented a combination of changes that will become permanent so all 3 of our armchair designs will fit under the table’s apron and slide out of sight when not in use. Specifically, we’ve increased the tabletop height of the patio table ½” to 31”. We’ve also decrease the size of the apron from 3 5/8” to 3” and slightly change the way it is bolted to avoid sacrificing any long-term structural integrity. We’ve redesigned the armchairs with the seats and armrests lowered by ½”. These changes are barely noticeable, but will make ordering the armchairs less of a space consuming decision since they will no longer have to sit out nearly 20” as before. Some photos on the site still show the old design, but rest assured that all new table sets now allow the armchairs to slide fully under the table.

I am interested in the 10-Foot Rectangular Patio Table in Old-Growth Redwood. Is it possible to make it with just 4 legs?

Yes, we can make our 10-Foot Patio Table with just 4 legs. In this case, what we normally do is recess the legs on the ends in a bit more. It actually looks good to do this. Instead of having the apron recessed under the tabletop 4 inches on all sides, we’ll recess the apron 8 inches on the ends and 4 inches on the sides.

The reason we do this is not structural but due to weathering. These tables often are left outdoors for years, and if the sun bakes the table on a particularly hot day with the legs so far apart, the tabletop can end up drooping a tiny bit in the center. It’s rare (this has happened to 2 tables from hundreds we’ve built) but to avoid it ever happening again we made this change. If your table is going to be in partial sun, under a covered patio, or in an area that is not known for very hot summer days, we can just leave the apron at 4 inches around all 4 sides.

(The 12-foot tables have to include the third pair of legs for structural reasons.)

Do you sell hardware that can be used to secure benches or tables to concrete in a public park setting? How can you secure them in places without concrete?

Connecting any bench to the ground can be done with off-the-shelf hardware from any hardware store. When we install orders in public places, we usually attach the bottom of the legs to concrete using Simpson Ties. There are many sizes and shapes available. If you let us know what you are planning to purchase and where it will be installed, we can send a couple suggestions or even include the hardware with your order at cost, which is very little.

What we do when we install benches in public undeveloped areas is pour a bit of concrete (2 bags is more than enough). One bag under two of the 4 bench legs is usually sufficient.  Pour the concrete underground about 18 inches and maybe 8 inches in diameter (unless in a snow prone area - then go to below the frost line) and set a metal anchor on the inside of the leg of the bench where it is not visible when walking by. Set the anchor while the concrete is wet so it will set in the concrete. Then attach to the inside of the bench leg with a couple stainless steel deck screws that will not decay. Repeat on other bench side but diagonal. Make sure to measure the bench accurately prior to placing the metal anchors to make sure they’ll line up to the inside of the bench legs you want to attach.

My husband and I  have spent a long time searching for the right dining table. After reviewing many websites, we’ve decided that your tables are our favorite. We are thinking of getting one of your conference tables in Douglas-fir, with a wax finish only. Do you have any recommendations for using this as a dining table?

We can make the conference table the length, height, and width that will work best for you. If you’re planning to ever use the table for a large dinner gathering, I’d recommend going at least 42 inches wide. This way, when you place a large platter or two on the table the place settings opposite the platter will be large enough to eat comfortably.

You can also order a patio table customized with the alternate diagonal bolting on the legs, if you don’t mind going from a 3” thick tabletop down to our already massive 2” thick tabletop. This would save you hundreds of dollars. Just contact us if this is something that interests you or if you’d like a sizing you don’t see listed.

In regard to the Rectangular 8-Foot Forever Picnic Table with Attached Benches, how far does the bench overhang the leg supports and will it support an adult?

The 8-Foot Picnic Table has the legs recessed 18 inches from the edge of the table. So, there is 5 feet between the legs. Plus there are diagonal braces under the legs that limit the span to less than 4 feet.

The 8-foot attached bench is built with a real 2” thick pair of boards that have several support timbers underneath as well. It’s built to hold over 1,100 lbs per side without giving an inch. The entire 8-Foot Forever Picnic Table with Attached Benches weighs over 300 lbs. The set is truly built to last forever with all stainless steel hardware. The tables have decay warranties of up to 30 years.

I’m looking at the 14-Foot Heritage Picnic Table and debating about the benches. I prefer attached, but I’m worried about excessive bowing or sagging on a board that long (or is there a support in the middle?) Also, what level of assembly is required for this table? I think that’s all, thanks for your patience with my questions.

The 12- and 14-foot tables come with 3 sets of legs. There is a leg in the center so there is no need to worry about any sagging or bowing for either the tabletop or the attached benches. The legs are attached with 3 carriage bolts to the bottom of the tabletop. Then the bench seat is attached to the 3 bench support timbers that stretch out from the legs. If you’d like to see the assembly instructions prior to receiving the table, go to About Our Furniture on our main menu and click on Assembly Instructions. The picnic table with attached benches can be downloaded as a pdf file.

Feel free to call or email with any other questions.

Need a custom order? No problem! Just use the contact form to email us, and we’ll respond promptly to help you out. Here’s an example of how it works, based on a real customer (named changed) who wanted a picnic table, but with a different style of legs:

—–Message #1—–
From: J, Dolores
Sent: Monday, April 07, 2008 10:36 AM
To: Forever Redwood
Subject: Outdoor table question

Raul, [Raul is the co-founder and CEO of Forever Redwood]

I have a question… Is it possible to get a table with the same top as the 6′ folding table, but with regular table legs, instead of the “X” folding legs? Do you have any outdoor tables that can withstand the elements year round, that aren’t picnic tables? I don’t like the “X” legs.

Thanks!
Dolores

—–Message #2 (our reply)—-
From: Forever Redwood
Sent: Monday, April 07, 2008 3:50 PM
To: J, Dolores
Subject: RE: Outdoor table question

Hi Dolores,

Thank you for your email. Yes, we can make the folding table top in a patio table design. Here is the link to our patio table page. See if you like any of these leg designs: http://www.foreverredwood.com/patio_tables.html

Please call or email if you have any questions. We can combine the elements from any of our tables to make the one you like. Just let us know.

Raul Hernandez
Forever Redwood
33800 Annapolis Rd.
Annapolis, CA 95412
866-332-2403

—–Message #3—–
From: J, Dolores
Sent: Tuesday, April 08, 2008 7:15 AM
To: Forever Redwood
Subject: RE: Outdoor table question

Thanks Raul! I will look over the options.

Dolores