Designs 05 creates rustic zinc table tops, round, square, rectangle or bespoke shapes in natural or patinated zinc sheets. We can make rounds up to 100cm in diameter and rectangles up to 290cm x 100cm in one piece without a seam.
Dark Patina Zinc Table Tops
A straightforward 6-seater zinc table top with a dark patina finish
The zinc sheet is wrapped around MRMDF and double-folded underneath so the edge of the sheet is not visible. There are no visible or touchable fixings. Corners are soldered.
Special Round Zinc Table Tops
This zinc table top is 120cm in diameter, so it had to be constructed with a seam across the centre. (The zinc is folded to the seam). The other unusual feature is the raw steel edge band around the perimeter and decorative brass studs.
The zinc has a bespoke very dark patina finish.
Natural Zinc Outdoor Table
A regular zinc table top with a natural zinc finish. The zinc is fixed to a birch ply substrate so it withstands weathering.
There is no patina so that this top will age naturally through cycles of wet and dry to a mid-grey colour.
The customer sourced the base and ordered the top sized up to fit.
Natural Zinc Kitchen Table Tops
A natural zinc-topped table waiting to be installed in the kitchen.
The zinc will start to patina with use and washing. Applying beeswax after washing and drying will slow down the patina.
Table Bases and Design Notes
We find most clients prefer to search for and find their own base. There are so many options; just Google “table bases uk,” and you are presented with an array of styles and suppliers. Searching through architectural reclaim locally or online can be very interesting. Should a client have their own design for a bespoke table base, we can often help.
Note that if you are finding your own base, you may consider doing this before ordering a bespoke zinc table top so you get the dimensions correct. Also, ensure the table base is strong enough. A 3cm thick zinc top weighs circa 32 kilos per square meter. This weight is not always pro rata for thicker tops. You can get an approximate weight of other designs if you send us a design brief with dimensions.
So, all in all, designing your own zinc table can be a very interesting and rewarding project.
About Zinc
Zinc is a live metal, it is ideally suited for an industrial rustic look. We supply table tops in either a natural or patina finish. The patina finish is a starting point away from new zinc for it to continue to acquire patina. Natural will also patina with use and age and react to its environment.
Areas with heavy use and zinc that is washed more regularly will patina differently. Over time, the appearance of the whole top will mature.
We are asked about lacquering zinc table tops to preserve the initial look. If it’s for outdoor use, it’s better to just let it patina naturally; table tops outdoors often have a hard life. If it’s indoors, we can offer lacquering. Just take care of the finish by using trivets, heat-insulating pads, etc., to protect the lacquer from damage.
Some would argue that the whole point of having zinc is to go with nature, to let it age and react with its environment.
Basic Zinc Worktop How it’s done
We work with architects, designers & private clients.
Production of table tops starts in our woodworking department, where we cut and assemble the substrate. We have CNC equipment to do the cutting accurately, usually in MRMDF or high-quality birch plywood.
When the timber is ready, it passes to the metal working shop for zinc cladding. Again, we have computerised machinery to ensure accuracy in cutting and bending. Corner details are soldered.
The third stage is finishing which is done in our patina studio, either natural or patina.
Finally, the finished zinc table top is inspected and packed for shipping or collection.
We also make Zinc Worktops
Designs 05 was established in 2005, it is a trading style of Metal Sheets Ltd
Unit 4, Millmead Buildings,
83 Sefton Lane,
Maghull,
Liverpool, L31 8BU
Brass, Copper & Zinc Interiors since 2005