Understanding the Butterfly Extension
A butterfly leaf differs from a drop-in panel in one important respect: it is hinged at its centre and folded in half beneath the closed top, so extending becomes a single continuous movement rather than a two-person hunt for a stored board. Draw the halves apart, lift the folded panel, let it open flat, then push the ends together until the surface sits level. Once learned, the sequence takes under a minute. Because the extension is concealed, the closed table keeps a clean underside with nothing bolted on beneath the veneer.
Plan the room for the open length as well as the closed one: a table that grows by 80 cm needs that clearance at one end before chairs go in, so measure the walkway with the leaf out rather than tucked away. Keep the runners clean and free of crumbs, since grit is what makes an extension stiff over the years, and open the table now and then even when you are not hosting. Care for the oak veneer top with a dry cloth and trivets, and check the solid oak legs for tight fixings each season.