Different options are available depending on the shape of the top, and the desired look. One of the most

traditional and desirable features of a rectangular table are breadboard ends.

(There is a good picture and description of breadboard ends in the section - Breadboards and Company Boards

Explained.) 

The breadboard ends feature a special joint which allows natural 

movement of the table top due to changes in humidity, while

keeping the top perfectly flat and covering the end grain.  Other

table shapes (round or elliptical do not allow for the use of

breadboards.)

If it is desired to be able to increase the seating capacity, there are several methods. Drop leaf tables can be

designed in a wide range of styles and sizes to accommodate a variety of seating options - this is a very traditional

and practical approach to increasing the seating capacity. 

Another traditional method is the use of company boards. The boards are added to the end of the table and can

vary in width from 12 to 24" .  The boards slide into slots in the apron and are well supported when in place.  The

company boards have the advantage of being significantly less costly than the center leafs, and the table can be

built much stronger since the aprons are not cut in the center. 

(There is an excellent discussion on  company boards in the section Breadboards and Company Boards Explained.)

The remaining option is to use an extension  mechanism and add leafs to the center of the table.  This is a good

way to add extra space, but is not entirely traditional.  If you choose this method, one of the features I add is to

put a section of the apron on each of the leafs so that the apron is still continuous with the leafs in place.  All of

these methods work very well to increase the size of the table.

One thing that you will quickly notice about my table tops - visible in detail on several of the farm tables featured

on my website - is that I typically use 3 very wide boards for the entire top.  This is almost impossible to find these

days and makes a very dramatic statement - the grain, color and figure matching is excellent.

When the top is near completion, I hand plane and scrape the top before finishing to bring out the best grain

features and natural highlights. I offer a variety of finishing options - I can do a natural finish which will age

beautifully, or use a dye stain to give the table an aged look.  I can provide light distressing for a country look.  My

traditional finish for a dining table is a very durable hand rubbed varnish.  All of my pieces are rubbed out by hand

and waxed to a satin finish.