Modifying farmhouse table

[milkyway]

I recently purchased the IKEA Mockelby in the smaller size (140 x 80cm).

MÖCKELBY dining table, oak, Length: 140 cm - IKEA

Every dining table is unique with varying grain patterns and natural colour shifts. Find all product information here.

www.ikea.com

I'm not sure I like the V-shaped diagonal pieces that connect to the horizontal piece, which in turn connects the two trestles (see red lines in image).

Wondering if someone qualified could tell me whether it's safe to remove these? Or if it could compromise the structural integrity.

Despite actually being oak veneer, it's a surprisingly heavy table... 40kg total!).

 

[foxhole]

Being IKEA probably fall to pieces.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

The blurb says the top is particleboard which knowing IKEA will be chipboard, so you might be OK to remove them but IKEA never do anything for fun so they are likely required to prevent the table top from sagging. Of course there may be alternatives to prevent snagging such as fitting a timber batten or two underneath the table top with plenty of fixings etc.

 

[milkyway]

Thanks, @foxhole ... Interesting thoughts on adding a supporting batten if required.

Extra context: the table top is a very thick oak veneer, so it's quite heavy (whole table is 40kg, I'd estimate the top planks are about 20kg). They're also split into two planks. Secured to the trestles by 4 screws on both sides.

The diagonal pieces don't connect with the top of the table at all (see image below).

Do you think they might still be providing horizontal support as the trestles are of course on an angle? Looking at other similar tables the ones with straight legs don't tend to feature the A-frame design, but the ones with them do, which is telling me something...

Was thinking I could remove the diagonal pieces and see how it behaves (without putting anything on it!), or is this a crazy risk to take?

(Definitely agree IKEA don't do anything for fun. Remember had a wardrobe frame collapse as didn't put the flimsy back on it once and learnt a lesson there!)

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

They will also be acting as braces to prevent less stress on the fixings of the legs to the table top. You could remove them and see how stable it is by giving it a wobble, remove them at your peril .....

 

[milkyway]

Makes sense. Will give it a go! Thanks for this.

 

[big-all]

i would say 100% dont try it
by default without the bracing the weight goes 90% to the floor and 10% sideways
something you will soon get used to is not worth the inevitable collapse in the middle off xmass day dinner with all the family around it

 

[milkyway]

Makes sense! Wondering if I braced the weight horizontally along the underside of the table and then pushing into the two trestles at the top support them... Exactly where they're currently supported by the diagonal pieces... if that could maybe work?

 

[big-all]

you need triangles or it womt work unless you introduce heavy engineering at the legs to stop the diagonal forces

 

[milkyway]

Ah ok makes sense! Will either have to live with it or return it in that case.

Thanks for your help!

 

[big-all]

think off a cardboard box
lay a plank on top and it can take many kilos
open the ends and see what happens [remove the diagonal bracing]

 

[milkyway]

Makes sense! Can feel the physics of it in my mind

 

[blup]

Its a bit like a roof truss, one small seemingly insignificant part actually contributes to the overall structural integrity, especially give its part flat pack

 

[milkyway]

Makes sense. Feel validated in my trepidation!