The original, in the permanent collection of the Atlanta History Center, was made in the Heardmont section of Elbert County, Georgia, sometime during the late 18th or early 19th century. Like many North Georgia pieces, this table is straightforward and sturdy. That makes for easy construction while giving the piece a simple charm that complements many decorating styles.

The table measures 31 1/2 inches deep x 44 inches wide and stands 27 1/2 inches high. The plans also show how the height can be increased to the standard table height of 30 inches. Like the original, our piece was constructed entirely of pine using traditional mortise-and-tenon joints. The single drawer uses dovetail construction for extra strength. The edges of the legs and stretchers are chamfered.

In order to match the Spanish brown paint finish of the original table, we first stained the piece and then painted it with a reddish-brown latex paint. Before this dried completely, we sanded some of the paint off in areas that would have received wear over the years. Paste completed the finish.