Jonathan Waddingham, The Spider Dining Table (STUDENT 2025)

Student:

Secondary

Name of school or tertiary institution, name of woodworking teacher (if you have one), and name of photographer:

Aquinas College, C.Laurino

Country

Australia

This dining table combines a live-edge Marri slab with a unique Tasmanian Oak base. The tabletop highlights the transition from sapwood to heartwood, with black epoxy filling the natural voids while keeping the focus on the timber’s grain. The base design is inspired by the form of a spider. Angled legs are joined with precise cross-halving joints, giving the structure strength and balance. At the centre, the interlocking joints form an orb-like shape that suggests the abdomen of a spider, adding a sculptural element to the table. The lighter Tasmanian Oak base contrasts with the darker tones of the Marri while tying in with its sapwood, uniting the overall look. The result is a functional table that explores natural form through strong construction and clean design. The concept was influenced by the Black Walnut Palazzo Dining Table by Keefrider Custom Furniture.

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