Dining tables come in many shapes and sizes, and they’re made from all kinds of different woods. Some woods are stronger than others; some have unique grain patterns or colours that make them more eye-catching, and some come from trees that are harder to obtain or grow so take longer to mature. In the end, it’s important to choose the right kind of wood for your dining room table based on what you personally like about it as well as its practical qualities. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the best wood for dining tables.
Maple
Without question, maple is one of the best kinds of wood to use for a dining table. It’s an extremely durable, resilient and weather-resistant hardwood that brings strength to your design. Maple’s smooth texture makes it easy to maintain and even easier on legs (which makes it ideal for dining chairs). Also, because maple is such a strong wood, you don’t have to worry about warping when you use it in your designs. Chances are, any furniture you make out of maple will be used day after day – and still look great years down the road.
Walnut
Dining tables made from walnut are beautiful and hardy, but they’re also pricey. If you go with walnut, be prepared to spend around $1,000-$2,000 per table-and-chair set. White oak: This is one of my favourite types of wood. It’s strong and tends to stay free from splinters. And it smells fantastic! However, white oak doesn’t tend to stay as smooth as some other woods over time; plan on doing some sanding every once in a while if you choose white oak furniture. Cherry: This is one of my favourite types of wood. It has a sweet smell that reminds me of cake batter!
Cherry
What makes cherry so popular is that it’s known to be one of the hardest and strongest woods around. While it can hold up to a lot of abuse, it’s also beautiful to look at. Cherry wood can be stained or lacquered in an array of colours, but you may want to consider leaving it natural if you want your dining room table to stand out. It’s worth noting that cherry wood often comes with small imperfections, so you should be prepared for those when making your purchase.
Mahogany
Traditionally, mahogany is considered one of the best woods for dining tables. Its dark color pairs nicely with both light and dark tabletops and its durability make it ideal as a surface that’s regularly subject to spills. Mahogany has several downsides, however; it costs more than most other types of wood, which means you may want to consider using mahogany on your kitchen or family room table rather than your dining room. Mahogany is also susceptible to damage from liquids like water and oil, so you might want to steer clear if you plan on regularly placing hot food or drinks directly on your new wooden top.
Teak
With a rich, golden colour and fine grain, teak is highly prized by furniture makers. Teak has great strength and water resistance, and it’s also dense enough to be highly durable without feeling heavy or rough to sit on. This makes it an excellent choice if you want your dining table to last for years with minimal upkeep. It’s also resistant to pests like termites, so it can be left outside without needing regular treatment. However, as with all hardwoods that aren’t sealed regularly (which you should do at least twice a year), teak will gray over time if left outdoors or exposed to direct sunlight indoors.
Benefits of Wooden Dining Tables
While there is absolutely nothing wrong with choosing a hardwood table that isn’t made from wood, it doesn’t make sense when you consider all of your options. The great thing about hardwood dining tables is that they are highly durable and sturdy pieces of furniture. If properly cared for, these tables will last for years, even decades. Since hardwood is a naturally renewable resource, it only makes sense to choose one of these tables over other options such as glass or steel. Many traditionalists find comfort in having wooden furniture around them because they bring back memories of previous generations and their own childhoods.
Conclusion
Any wood is good wood. Choosing to have your dining table made out of any type of wood is going to be fine, although you should know that certain types have slightly different characteristics and are better suited for specific tasks than others. For example, oak is often used in heavy-duty construction due to its hardy nature and resistance to breaking and splintering. However, if you don’t plan on moving your table very much (or at all), then it might be overkill; perhaps something like teak would suit your needs just as well—and it’s often more affordable. Ultimately, however, use what you like: Your guests will still show up and eat whether or not they’re sitting on cedar or mahogany.
