What Types of Wood are Dining Tables Made Of?: A Wood Variety Guide

As I reminisce about my childhood, one fond memory that comes to mind is gathering around my grandmother’s solid oak dining table for our lively family dinners. That sturdy table hosted countless meals over the years – and decades later, it’s still going strong. The secret lies in the wood. Choosing the right hardwood ensures durability, longevity, and timeless style for your dining table.

In this guide, we’ll explore the most popular species of wood used to craft gorgeous dining tables built to become future family heirlooms. Over 80% of wooden tables sold in America are constructed from oak, maple, and cherry – and for good reason. These dense hardwoods not only offer strength and resilience, but also beautifully distinct grains and rich, warm natural tones that develop even more character over time. Beyond these classic options, we’ll also cover some more exotic and budget-friendly woods to consider.

From understanding the unique properties and defining traits of each species, to finishing options that protect and enhance the wood’s natural beauty, we’ll cover everything you need to confidently select the perfect material for your dining table. I’ll also share helpful care and maintenance tips to preserve your table for generations of meals to come.

Whether your style leans modern, traditional, or anywhere in between, a wooden dining table serves as so much more than a functional foundation for family dinners. It’s the warm, welcoming hub around which laughter is shared, memories are made, and bonds are forged. Let’s begin this journey to find your perfect wood match.

The Most Common & Durable Wood Types for Dining Tables

Oak Wood – The Traditional Favorite

White oak and red oak have reigned supreme as the most popular hardwoods for DIY dining tables. Their bold grain patterns and range of natural stains make oak an ideal fit for traditional dining spaces seeking a touch of ruggedness. Oak ranks high on the Janka scale at 1360, meaning its dense structure is more resistant to scratches and dents. This is key for a surface that will encounter sharp knife points and the occasional wine glass bottom.

We once refinished an antique oak table where the entire finish had worn off, revealing 120 years of meals etched into the wood’s memories. After sanding and re-oiling, it looked revived and ready to witness another century of potluck dishes and holiday feasts.

Maple Wood – Hard & Flexible

What maple wood lacks in ornate grain, it makes up for in sheer strength. With a Janka rating of 1450, maple is among the hardest of the common North American hardwoods. This makes it a popular choice for butcher blocks and commercial tables that undergo heavy daily use. Architects also appreciate maple’s strength-to-weight ratio, allowing wide planks to span table bases without sagging. Its fine, straight grain absorbs stain evenly and looks sharp with just a clear finish.

While maple tables do not impart the “wow” factor of walnut or cherry patterns, the wood’s subtle charm lets your decorative accents shine instead. One maple table owner told us, “I wanted the focus on my grandmother’s ornate table runner instead of the wood itself. Maple was the perfect neutral canvas.”

Cherry & Walnut – Rich Color & Depth

Cherry and walnut round out the top four wood species for dining tables, injecting a sense of luxury with their multi-dimensional grain and decadent hues. The reddish-brown tones of cherry darken into a richer burgundy over time with sunlight exposure. Coupled with its flowing, waved grain, a cherry table immediately feels like an heirloom. Walnut takes this up a notch with chocolate and mocha swirls over a mosaic-like grain. Both woods work beautifully with accents of gold, silver or crystal.

Despite their elegance, cherry and walnut still deliver ample hardness for dining durability. With Janka ratings of 950 and 1010 respectively, they fall slightly behind oak and maple but easily withstand normal wear and tear. As a general rule with any dining table wood, harder equals heartier.

Now that we have covered the most common and durable wood species for dining tables, let’s explore some budget-friendly softwood options in the next section.

Softwoods as Budget-Friendly Options

When shopping for a dining table, many homeowners may feel overwhelmed by the high prices of premium hardwood options like oak or walnut. However, opting for a softwood table can provide a budget-friendly alternative without compromising on style.

The most common softwood used in furniture making is pine. Accounting for nearly 75% of all softwood pieces on the market, pine offers an affordable and versatile choice for the cost-conscious buyer. Pine has a straight, even grain pattern which allows it to be easily molded into any shape. Tables crafted from pine wood have an attractive honey-golden color and lightly textured surface. Plus, softwoods tend to be less expensive due to their faster growth times compared to slow-growing hardwoods.

While beautiful and budget-friendly, pine wood does have some drawbacks in durability. As a softer wood, pine is more prone to scratches, gouges and dents than dense hardwoods. Care must be taken to avoid placing excess moisture or heat on the table, as exposure could cause the pine to crack or warp. It also may require refinishing more often to keep it looking pristine.

However, with proper care and maintenance, a pine wood dining set can serve a family well for many years. The table surface can be kept clean by using placemats and coasters under dishes to prevent moisture damage. General upkeep involves regular dusting and cleaning with a soft cloth. Harsh chemical cleaners should always be avoided, as they may degrade the finish over time.

For those seeking the warm, welcoming look of wood on a tight budget, pine offers a great solution. With a classic style and bargain price point, pine wood dining tables deliver ample functionality without breaking the bank. A few preventative measures will help ensure your beautiful pine table stays in good shape as the backdrop for family meals and celebrations.

Finishes for Protection and Style

Most Durable Clear Finishes

When selecting a dining table, the type of finish used is almost as important as the wood itself for both protection and aesthetics. From natural wood stains to painted finishes, there are several options to consider that will withstand regular use while showcasing the wood grain’s innate beauty.

For the utmost protection for a frequently-used dining table while allowing the natural color and pattern of the wood to shine through, hard wax oils are regarded as the most durable and longest-lasting clear finishes. Unlike a film finish such as polyurethane that coats the surface, hard wax oils penetrate deep into the wood fibers for all-around sealing. This makes them more resistant to scratches, spills, and heat damage. Brands like Osmo Polyx Oil and Manns Premier Wood Finish rise to the top for ease of application and durability for the surface of dining tables.

Applied in multiple thin layers, hard wax oils nourish and waterproof wood while still feeling natural to the touch, without a plastic-like residue. Minimal future maintenance is needed. Simply reapply another thin coat whenever the surface starts to feel dry or look dull. The finish also makes spot repairs virtually invisible if damage does occur over time.

Stains for Color and Contrast

While clear finishes showcase the wood’s natural grain, wood stains add color for more customization options. Stains come in various tints from dark walnut to a light honey oak. Keep in mind when applying wood stains that some wood species take the color differently ─ the same stain can look richer on cherry or maple than pine.

Gel stains are regarded as the easiest to apply as they go on smoothly without dripping and offer maximum control. Always prepare new wood properly with light sanding before staining for ideal absorption. As with any finish, apply multiple thin layers of gel stain for best protection and longevity. A top coat of wax or polyurethane seals in the color.

Paint and Lacquer for Decor Flair

For a more decorative dining table, painted and lacquered finishes open even more possibilities for personal style. Chalk paint offers a trendy matte look that can be lightly sanded to reveal some of the wood grain below for a distressed style. Childhood kitchen tables are often given new life with a fresh coat of chalk paint and new hardware.

Lacquer ─ available in both clear and colored options ─ provides a smooth polished look. An extremely durable synthetic finish, lacquer brings out a wooden dining table’s natural richness. It protects from scratches and spills. However, repairs require refinishing the entire piece.

No matter your preferred style, choosing a durable finish protects your investment in a quality wood dining table while allowing your unique taste and the wood’s innate beauty to shine through for an instant family heirloom.

Table Design Styles

Traditional Style

For a classic and refined look, a traditional wooden dining table is a timeless choice. Often made of durable hardwoods like oak or cherry, traditional styled tables feature elegant carved details, pedestal bases, and ornate cabriole legs. These tables pair nicely with high-backed chairs or tufted banquettes to create a formal dining area perfect for entertaining.

Popular traditional table shapes include round and oval options with butterfly leaves for expandable seating. Rectangular tables with rounded corners also fit traditional dining rooms well. Dark wood finishes like walnut or mahogany work nicely for a rich, sophisticated appearance. Brands specializing in traditional dining furniture include Ethan Allen, Stanley Furniture, and Hooker Furniture.

Modern and Contemporary Styles

If you want a clean, minimalist look for your dining space, a modern wood table is the way to go. Characterized by simple lines and geometric shapes, modern tables provide an unfussy foundation to build your dining room around.

Many modern wood dining tables utilize mixed materials, like wood tops with metal or stone bases in chrome, black, or brass. Common modern shapes include rectangles, squares, and the oval Tulip table with its iconic Eero Saarinen design. Other contemporary trends include integrating wood with glass for see-through tabletops or acid-etched finishes.

For a bold pop of color, painted modern tables from companies like Gus* Modern and Blu Dot bring vibrant style to open floor plans. Pair with sleek mid-century modern chairs for an eye-catching ensemble.

Rustic and Farmhouse Styles

In recent years, the popularity of fixer-upper shows has sparked an explosion of rustic dining rooms decked out in reclaimed wood tables. Knotty pine and aged oak table tops deliver natural texture perfect for cozy cottage environments or farmhouse kitchens.

Extendable plank tables provide the look of salvaged barn wood with the functionality of extra seating when needed. Four-legged trestle bases and X-frames heighten the handcrafted appeal. For easy maintenance, many companies offer distressed-look surfaces like Cerused oak that emulate years of wear sans upkeep.

Matching wooden benches make ideal seating for large families, especially those with attached backs for comfort. Brands specializing in rustic living room furniture include Copeland Furniture, Vermont Woods Studios, and Mountain Woods Furniture.

Eclectic and Vintage Styles

If your personal style contains a mishmash of eras and genres, consider a vintage or upcycled dining table to tie everything together. By repurposing reclaimed wood from old barns, boats, or buildings, each eclectic table tells a unique story.

Mixing natural edge slabs with sleek hairpin legs makes a modern statement. Convert an old door into a stunning tabletop for industrial edge. Fusing salvaged wood with inlaid tile or etched metal detailing takes your vintage table to the next level. Companies like The Urban Port offer one-of-a-kind tables perfect for expressing your creative side at dinnertime.

Customizable Shapes and Sizes

One of the best aspects of wood dining tables is their incredible versatility and customization options. While a typical 6-person table averages 36-42 inches wide by 60-72 inches long, wood tables can be made in almost any shape and scale you desire.

Narrow harvest tables provide a grand setting for smaller spaces. For large banquet halls or dual-purpose rooms, expandable tables accommodate huge crowds when fully opened to seat 10, 12, or even 20! Round tables with leaf inserts allow hosts to play with different configurations. Talk to your local woodworker to build a one-of-a-kind masterpiece sized precisely for your dining area.

This covers some of the most popular wooden dining table design styles to consider. Take into account your personal taste, decor theme, seating requirements, and budget to select the ideal table as your dining room’s centerpiece. Reach out if you need any guidance finding the perfect wood dining table to suit your home.

The Perfect Table to Stand the Test of Time

After learning about the most common and durable wood species used for dining tables, the options for customization, and proper care recommendations, you hopefully feel empowered to choose the perfect table for your home.

While trends come and go, a well-crafted hardwood dining table can truly stand the test of time. Whether you prefer the traditional look of oak, the richness of cherry, or want to make a unique statement with a reclaimed wood or painted table, wood offers versatility for any style.

Key Details for Choosing Your Table

Here’s a quick recap of the key details to keep in mind:

Hardwoods like oak, maple, cherry, and walnut are naturally durable, scratch-resistant, and perfect for dining tables that will host lively gatherings for decades.

Pine makes a budget-friendly option if you’re willing to trade some longevity for upfront cost savings.

Finishing oils or polyurethane offer protection while allowing the wood’s natural beauty to shine through.

When it comes to style, the possibilities are endless! Farmhouse, modern, industrial – customize with table bases, benches, and more.

With proper care like coasters, placemats, and dusting, your table will age gracefully for generations of family meals.

We hope this overview gave you confidence in choosing solid wood furniture that suits your taste and lifestyle. A dining table is so much more than a functional piece – it’s where memories are made.

For personalized guidance selecting the perfect wood dining table or custom design just for your home, contact our team of experts today and make that family heirloom a reality!