Sawbuck table

A sawbuck table or X-frame table is a type of trestle table having X-shaped supports at either end. It takes its name from the similarity of these X-shaped supports to sawbucks.[1] In addition to the supports, a sawbuck table is distinguished by a sturdy central rail and key-tenon joints holding the supports and central rail together.[2] Historically, sawbuck tables also often featured footrests running the length of the table.[3]

The sawbuck table originated in Pennsylvania in the early 18th century, and is a characteristic example of Pennsylvania Dutch vernacular design.[2] The design is sufficiently sturdy that some sawbuck tables have remained in regular use for over 200 years.[2]

The earliest known modern picnic table was derived from the sawbuck table design, with the addition of attached benches on either side.[4] Picnic table builders continued to experiment with sawbuck designs having separate benches until the invention of the modern A-frame picnic table in 1926.[5] Sawbuck-style picnic tables continue to be used, for example for backyard applications where attached seating is not required.[6]

References
  1. Daniele, Joseph William (1974). Building Early American Furniture. Stackpole Books. p. 144. ISBN 9780811704205.
  2. Shea, John G. (2012). Making Authentic Pennsylvania Dutch Furniture: With Measured Drawings. Courier Corporation. p. 121. ISBN 9780486157627.
  3. Jordan, Mildred (1978). The Distelfink Country of the Pennsylvania Dutch. Crown Publishers. p. 186. ISBN 9780517532607.
  4. Hogue, Martin (May 2018). "An Illustrated History of the Picnic Table". Places Journal. Retrieved 2020-02-27.
  5. Backman, Earl E. (1967). Recreation Facilities: A Personal History of Their Development in the National Forests of California, Volume 2. Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. p. 17. OCLC 788561.
  6. Capotosto, Rosario (August 1983). "PM's Picks for Picnics". Popular Mechanics. p. 70.
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