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Wood Types for Wood Dining Tables: A Complete Guide
Choosing the right wood type for your handmade dining table is not an easy task. There are many factors to consider, such as durability, color, grain, texture, and cost. You also want to match the wood type with the style and theme of your dining room.
In this article, we will help you make the best decision for your dining table by explaining the pros and cons of different wood types, such as ash, cherry, maple, white oak, walnut, and reclaimed timber. We will also provide some tips on how to customize your dining table according to your needs and preferences. Don’t forget to explore our custom dining tables page for inspiring designs.
Here are some key takeaways from this article:
| Wood Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Ash | Strong, stable, light-colored, smooth | Simple Grain Pattern |
| Cherry | Durable, stable, reddish-brown, lustrous | Considered dated in current trends. Darkens over time |
| Maple | Resistant to wear and tear, scratches, stains, and heat, light-colored, curly or wavy grain | Hard to work with, prone to blotching |
| White Oak | Superior to red oak in color, grain, texture, strength, and water resistance | Heavy, expensive |
| Walnut | Warm, elegant, dark-colored, rich grain | Expensive, scarce |
| Reclaimed Timber | Unique, characterful, historical, eco-friendly | Variable quality, may contain nails or metal |
How to Choose the Right Wood Type for Your Handmade Dining Table
The first step in choosing the right wood type for your handmade dining table is to understand the characteristics and properties of different wood types. Here are some of the most important factors to consider:
- Durability: How well does the wood withstand wear and tear, scratches, stains, and heat? How long will it last? How easy is it to repair or refinish?
- Color: What is the natural color of the wood? How does it change over time? How does it match with your dining room decor?
- Grain: What is the pattern of the wood fibers? How does it affect the appearance and texture of the wood? How does it influence the strength and stability of the wood?
- Texture: How smooth or rough is the surface of the wood? How does it feel to touch? How does it affect the finish and maintenance of the wood?
- Cost: How expensive is the wood? How available is it? How does it compare with other wood types in terms of value?
You should also consider your personal preferences and tastes when choosing the wood type for your dining table. For example, do you prefer a light or dark color? A fine or coarse grain? A smooth or rough texture? A modern or rustic style?
To help you make an informed decision, we will discuss each wood type in detail in the following sections.
Ash Wood Tables: A Touch of Modernity for Your Dining Room
Ash wood is a light-colored hardwood with a straight grain and a smooth texture. It is one of the strongest and most stable hardwoods available. It has a natural elasticity that makes it resistant to bending and breaking. It also has a high shock resistance that makes it ideal for sports equipment such as baseball bats and hockey sticks.
Ash dining tables are perfect for adding a touch of modernity and simplicity to your dining room. They have a clean and sleek look that complements any contemporary design. They also have a subtle contrast between the heartwood and sapwood that creates a beautiful visual effect.
Some of the benefits of ash wood tables are:
- They are strong and stable enough to support heavy loads and large sizes.
- They have a light color that brightens up your dining room and creates a spacious feeling.
- They have a smooth texture that feels pleasant to touch and easy to clean.
- They have a straight grain that gives them a uniform and consistent appearance.
Some of the drawbacks of ash wood tables are:
- They are prone to shrinking and swelling due to changes in humidity and temperature.
- They may develop cracks or splits over time if not properly sealed or finished.
- They may require more frequent refinishing or maintenance than other hardwoods.
If you are looking for an ash wood table for your dining room, you can check out our collection of handcrafted ash wood tables at taitlinstudio.com. We use only premium quality ash wood sourced from North America. We also offer various options for customizing your table according to your preferences.
Cherry Wood Tables: A Touch of Elegance for Your Dining Room
Cherry wood is a reddish-brown hardwood with a fine grain and a lustrous finish. It is one of the most durable and stable hardwoods available. It has a natural beauty that enhances with age. It also has a rich color that deepens over time.
Cherry dining tables are perfect for adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to your dining room. They have a warm and inviting look that suits any classic or traditional design. They also have a refined and polished look that reflects your taste and style.
Some of the benefits of cherry wood tables are:
- They are durable and stable enough to last for generations.
- They have a reddish-brown color that adds warmth and coziness to your dining room.
- They have a fine grain that gives them a smooth and silky texture.
- They have a lustrous finish that enhances their natural beauty and protects them from damage.
Some of the drawbacks of cherry wood tables are:
- They are considered dated compared to other hardwoods due to high use in previous generations.
- They darken over time due to exposure to light and air, which may alter their original color and appearance.
- They may develop dents or scratches over time if not properly cared for or protected.
If you are looking for a cherry wood table for your dining room, you can browse our collection of handcrafted cherry wood tables at taitlinstudio.com. We use only premium quality cherry wood sourced from North America. We also offer various options for customizing your table according to your preferences.
Maple Wood Tables: The Durability of Maple Wood Dining Tables
Maple wood is a light-colored hardwood with a curly or wavy grain and a hard texture. It is one of the most resistant hardwoods available. It has a natural ability to withstand wear and tear, scratches, stains, and heat. It also has a high density that makes it strong and stable.
Maple dining tables are perfect for adding a touch of durability and resilience to your dining room. They have a clean and crisp look that complements any modern or minimalist design. They also have a subtle variation in color and grain that creates a unique and interesting effect.
Some of the benefits of maple wood tables are:
- They are resistant to wear and tear, scratches, stains, and heat, which makes them ideal for daily use and busy households.
- They have a light color that reflects light and creates a bright and airy feeling in your dining room.
- They have a curly or wavy grain that gives them a distinctive and attractive texture.
- They have a high density that gives them a solid and sturdy feel.
Some of the drawbacks of maple wood tables are:
- They are hard to work with due to their hardness and density, which may require special tools and techniques.
- They are prone to blotching due to their uneven absorption of stains and finishes, which may require extra care and attention.
- They may require more frequent sanding or refinishing than other hardwoods due to their tendency to dent or chip.
If you are looking for a maple wood table for your dining room, you can visit our collection of handcrafted maple wood tables at taitlinstudio.com. We use only premium quality maple wood sourced from North America. We also offer various options for customizing your table according to your preferences.
White Oak Tables: The Unbeatable Elegance of White Oak for Your Dining Table
White Oak is a light-colored hardwood with a straight grain and a coarse texture. It is one of the most superior hardwoods available. It has a natural advantage over red oak in terms of color, grain, texture, strength, and water resistance. It also has a natural beauty that enhances with age.
White oak tables are perfect for adding a touch of elegance and class to your dining room. They have a refined and sophisticated look that suits any elegant or formal design. They also have a timeless and versatile look that adapts to any changing trends or styles.
Some of the benefits of white oak dining tables are:
- They are superior to red oak in color, grain, texture, strength, and water resistance, which makes them more durable, stable, and attractive.
- They have a light color that blends well with any color scheme and creates a harmonious and balanced feeling in your dining room.
- They have a straight grain that gives them a smooth and consistent appearance.
- They have a coarse texture that gives them a rustic and natural charm.
Some of the drawbacks of white oak tables are:
- They are heavy compared to other hardwoods due to their high density, which may make them difficult to move or transport.
- They are expensive compared to other hardwoods due to their high quality and demand, which may make them less affordable for some budgets.
- They may develop cracks or splits over time if not properly sealed or finished, which may affect their longevity and appearance.
If you are looking for a white oak table for your dining room, you can explore our collection of handcrafted white oak tables at our products page. We use only premium quality white oak sourced from North America. We also offer various options for customizing your table according to your preferences.
Walnut Wood Tables: The Timeless Appeal of Walnut Wood Tables
Walnut wood is a dark-colored hardwood with a rich grain and a smooth texture. It is one of the most warm and elegant hardwoods available. It has a natural beauty that transcends time and fashion. It also has a deep color that adds contrast and drama to your dining room.
Walnut wood tables are perfect for adding a touch of warmth and elegance to your dining room. They have a cozy and inviting look that suits any cozy or intimate design. They also have a polished and refined look that reflects your taste and style.
Some of the benefits of walnut dining tables are:
- They are warm and elegant enough to create an inviting and cozy atmosphere in your dining room.
- They have a dark color that adds contrast and drama to your dining room and makes it stand out from the rest.
- They have a rich grain that gives them a smooth and silky texture.
- They have a smooth texture that feels pleasant to touch and easy to clean.
Some of the drawbacks of walnut wood tables are:
- They are expensive compared to other hardwoods due to their high quality and scarcity, which may make them less accessible for some budgets.
- They are scarce compared to other hardwoods due to their limited availability and slow growth rate, which may make them less sustainable for the environment.
- They may fade or lighten over time due to exposure to light and air, which may alter their original color and appearance.
We use only premium quality walnut wood sourced from North America. We also offer various options for customizing your table according to your preferences.
Reclaimed Timber Tables: An Eco-Friendly Choice for Your Dining Table
Reclaimed Timber is wood that has been salvaged from old buildings, barns, bridges, and other structures. It is wood that has a history and a character that cannot be replicated by new wood. It is wood that has been given a new life and a new purpose.
Reclaimed tables are perfect for adding a touch of eco-friendliness and uniqueness to your dining room. They have a rustic and natural look that suits any farmhouse or industrial design. They also have a distinctive and interesting look that makes each table one of a kind.
Some of the benefits of reclaimed dining tables are:
- They are eco-friendly and sustainable, as they reduce the need for cutting down new trees and save the old wood from going to waste or landfill.
- They are unique and characterful, as they have imperfections, marks, knots, nail holes, and metal pieces that tell a story and add charm and personality to your table.
- They are historical and meaningful, as they have a past and a connection to the people and places that used them before.
- They are durable and stable, as they have been seasoned and aged by time and weather, which makes them resistant to warping and cracking.
Some of the drawbacks of reclaimed timber tables are:
- They are variable in quality, as they may have different species, sizes, shapes, colors, and conditions depending on the source and availability of the wood.
- They may contain nails or metal pieces that may damage your tools or hurt your hands if not removed or sanded properly.
- They may require more cleaning or finishing than new wood, as they may have dirt, dust, paint, or stains that need to be removed or covered.
If you are looking for a reclaimed timber table for your dining room, you can visit our partner website Backroads Reclamation. They are a trusted and reputable source of reclaimed timber sourced from North America. With them, we can create the perfect dining table for your home.
Customizing Your Dining Table: Length and Width Explained
One of the best things about handmade dining tables is that you can customize them according to your needs and preferences. You can choose the size, shape, style, color, finish, and features of your table to make it fit your dining room perfectly.
One of the most important aspects of customizing your dining table is choosing the right length and width. The length and width of your table determine how many people can sit comfortably at your table, how much space you need in your dining room, and how your table looks in proportion to your room.
To help you choose the right length and width for your dining table, here are some formulas and measurements that you can use:
- The number of people formula: To calculate the minimum length of your table based on the number of people you want to seat, you can use this formula: Length (in inches) = Number of people x 24. For example, if you want to seat 8 people at your table, you need a minimum length of 8 x 24 = 192 inches or 16 feet. This formula assumes that each person needs 24 inches of space to sit comfortably at the table. You can adjust this number depending on how much elbow room you want to give to each person.
- The shape factor: The shape of your table also affects how many people can sit at your table. Generally speaking, round tables can seat more people than rectangular or square tables with the same length or diameter. This is because round tables have no corners that take up space or create awkward seating arrangements. For example, a round table with a diameter of 60 inches can seat up to 8 people comfortably, while a rectangular table with a length of 60 inches can only seat up to 6 people comfortably.
- The room size factor: The size of your dining room also affects how big your table can be. You need to leave enough space around your table for people to move around and pull out their chairs without bumping into walls or furniture. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least 36 inches of clearance on all sides of your table. For example, if your dining room is 12 x 12 feet (144 x 144 inches), you can fit a maximum table size of 72 x 72 inches (6 x 6 feet) with 36 inches of clearance on all sides.
- The proportion factor: The proportion of your table also affects how it looks in relation to your dining room. You want to choose a table size that matches the scale and shape of your room. A good rule of thumb is to choose a table shape that mimics the shape of your room. For example, if your dining room is rectangular, you should choose a rectangular table. If your dining room is square, you should choose a square or round table.
To help you visualize how different table sizes and shapes look in different room sizes and shapes, here are some examples of tables that we have made for our customers:
| Table Size | Table Shape | Room Size | Room Shape | Number of People |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 x 36 inches | Rectangular | 10 x 8 feet | Rectangular | 4-6 |
| 72 x 42 inches | Rectangular | 12 x 10 feet | Rectangular | 6-8 |
| 84 x 48 inches | Rectangular | 14 x 12 feet | Rectangular | 8-10 |
| 96 x 54 inches | Rectangular | 16 x 14 feet | Rectangular | 10-12 |
| 48 inches diameter | Round | 8 x 8 feet | Square | 4-6 |
| 60 inches diameter | Round | 10 x 10 feet | Square | 6-8 |
| 72 inches diameter | Round | 12 x 12 feet | Square | 8-10 |
If you are looking for a customized dining table for your dining room, check out our CONTACT page. We can help you design and create your dream table according to your specifications. We also offer free consultations and estimates for your convenience.
The Art of Handcrafted Tables: Why It Matters
Handcrafted tables are not just pieces of furniture. They are works of art that reflect the passion and skill of the artisans who make them. They are products of creativity and craftsmanship that cannot be replicated by machines or mass production. They are expressions of your personality and style. They are statements of your taste and values. They are investments in your quality of life and happiness.
Why does it matter to choose a handcrafted table for your dining room? Here are some reasons:
- Quality: Handcrafted tables are made with high-quality materials and techniques that ensure their durability, stability, and beauty. They are made with attention to detail and care that guarantee their excellence and satisfaction.
- Craftsmanship: Handcrafted tables are made with skill and expertise that showcase the art and science of woodworking. They are made with passion and pride that demonstrate the love and respect for the craft and the customer.
- Design: Handcrafted tables are made with creativity and innovation that offer unique and customized solutions for your needs and preferences. They are made with vision and flair that create stunning and stylish results for your dining room.
- Value: Handcrafted tables are made with value and worth that justify their price and quality. They are made with integrity and honesty that ensure their authenticity and reliability.
To see some examples of handcrafted tables that we have made for our customers, we urge you to read out Google reviews. We are proud of every piece we make and want you to feel confident showcasing our tables in your home.
Ready to Create Your Custom Dining Table? Contact Us Today!
At Taitlin Studio, we’re eager to start the journey of crafting your custom dining table. Whether you have a design in mind or need guidance to explore possibilities, our team is ready to assist you every step of the way.
To start the conversation, please feel free to reach out to us:
- Phone: Call us at (780) 700-5521. We’re available to discuss your ideas, answer your questions, and provide any information you need about our custom design process.
- Email: If you prefer to write to us, you can send your inquiries or ideas to info@taitlin.com. We aim to respond to all emails promptly.
- Contact Page: You can also reach us through our Contact Page on our website. Here, you’ll find a convenient form to submit your inquiry or request a consultation.
- Address: Come visit us at our studio located at #2, 703 – 11 Ave Nisku, AB. We’d love to meet you in person and discuss how we can bring your unique dining table vision to life.
We look forward to hearing from you and starting the exciting journey of creating your unique, custom dining table at Taitlin Studio!