I purchased the 48" table for my kitchen for family dinners - when I can actually wrangle my family together. It stays at its 48" size 90% of the time, but I chose it because it gives me the ability to extend it out to 60" [as an oval] for 6 people should my mom and dad join us on a weeknight. I recommend purchasing the Signature Design by Ashley Mestler Dining Room Side Chairs as a nice choice to complement this table. I ordered 6 in Antique Blue and I get lots of compliments on this handsome pairing. The table is sturdy and I do use it as a desk top often as well as a stable spot to work on my Mac Pro laptop. I am 5'7" and I can cross my legs very comfortably under the table as well. When it is at its 48" size, it is very, very stable. When it is extended to 60", it is a bit wobbly. I really only notice this when my 20 year-old son uses poor manners and rests his elbows on the table when he is eating. He is 6' tall and is a hefty young man. I feel that if you have better mannered men, you will probably not experience this problem.