The Best Wood For Table Tops. The Complete Guide
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Table tops are not suitable for all wood materials. To make a dining table look beautiful, you need to choose the right grain pattern. Also, it must be durable. Our experts know that not everyone is a furniture builder, so they created a list of top-quality table top wood.
The Best Wood Types For Table Tops
1. Cherry Wood
Cherry wood is our top choice for formal tables because it’s an excellent wood species. Cherry wood is used in many options for kitchen and dining tables. People love the smooth texture of cherry. They also like the warm brown shade that brings color to a space.
Cherry wood is beautiful when it’s new, but once they get some wear they really shine. They begin as light brown, but they become darker each year. You won’t need a tablecloth if the grain pattern isn’t disruptive.
Cherry wood is considered a softer type than the other types we have. This is something to remember before you use it for your dining room tables. It is rated at 950 on Janka.
2. Maple
Our woodworkers recommend maple for a dining room that is affordable. Maple is a great choice if you don’t want to spend thousands or hundreds of dollars. Maple is durable and can withstand stains. They can be matched to the appearance of your dining room table over time.
Which maple should you choose? Soft maple, also known as brown maple is less durable. Hard maple is worth the investment. It is one the most difficult woods that experts use to make home furniture, such as solid maple table tops with Janka ratings of 1400-1500.
Our woodworkers recommend light grain rock maple for light-colored decor that still wants rustic wood. This is because of its hardness.
3. Walnut
Walnut wood is also available, which can be used for modern and contemporary fixtures. Walnut is a dark wood that interior decorators love. It’s a great choice if you prefer a rustic, outdoorsy ambiance.
Although walnut wood is durable, it is not as strong as maple with a Janka Hardness Rating of 1010. It can still resist scratches and impact to a great extent. Our walnut builders love the variety in color. Walnut is a great choice for modern furniture because you can find beautiful grains in either a darker or lighter shade.
Another thing to consider when you’re considering walnut as a top for your wood table is the cost. Walnut trees aren’t as big as other top woods for tabletops, so you should expect to pay more.
4. Oak
Oak wood (or white oak) is a popular choice for your home’s dining room table. It can also be used as a restaurant table top material. Oak’s semi-open grain is great for absorbing stains. Oak is extremely hard and was rated between 1200 and 1300 on Janka Hardness Scale. We will discuss this in more detail.
Red oak can be a good alternative to the light to medium grain. It brings an orangey-red look to formal dining rooms and furniture. Oak is the best choice for table tops if you want a farmhouse-style table.
What is a farmhouse-style table? This table is a simple design and usually has trestles. This design is popular with many families that our experts work with.
5. Pine
This section is a summary of our team’s thoughts. We start by stating that pine is one the most soft wood options for your dining room table. Pine has a Janka rating of 300-400, but its beauty and durability do not diminish it. This wood is moderately priced in comparison to walnut and it is also very easy to dent. Many people prefer this type of wood for farmhouse-style tables.
Pine can be painted in a variety of colors, from creamy white to a little bit of yellow. Pine is also easy to paint, which is something our team loves. To make your wooden tabletop the center of your dining room, you can customize it by painting it any color. You can also paint your outdoor tabletop to match your home’s exterior. If you are unsure whether pine is a hardwood or softwood, please read our explanation.
6. Hickory
Hickory is a rustic wood that looks great. Our experts recommend hickory as the best wood to use for table tops. It is almost impervious to impact. Why? It has an amazing Janka rating of 1820
Hickory is a superior hardwood table top to walnut, red oak and rustic cherry. There are no dents or scratches and there are barely any signs of wear. Hickory, despite its hardness, is susceptible to moisture. This is why some people reconsider using it for a kitchen table.
Hickory can still be used for formal dining rooms that are located in the dining room. Hickory is unique because of its reddish brown color and creamy hue. It’s well worth the extra cost.
Important Factors To Beware
How can you choose the right wood to make your table tops? Below are some factors to be aware of.
Hardness And Density
Material durability is determined by its hardness and density. You can still make a beautiful table with a soft material, but it will likely look different than when you first bought it.
The Janka Scale assigns a number to each wood type. The wood is harder if it has a higher rating. Hickory has an 1820 hardness rating on the Janka Hardness scale. This is the best wood if you are looking for a rustic appearance with clean lines.
Durability
The hardness and type you select for your wood will have an impact on the durability of your dining table or large restaurant table.
If you like lines, scratches, dents, and stains on your tabletop that make it unique and special, then choose a soft wood. If you want the table to remain the same after years of use, choose a hardwood.
Color And Finish
For many customers, appearance is the most important factor. How the table looks in your home will depend on the color of the top, the wood grain or wood fibers.
Ask yourself some questions, our builders advise. Are you looking to enjoy the wood’s natural beauty, including the finish? Or do you prefer a way to color it yourself with beeswax and wood veneer?
People who prefer the natural look of wood will want to choose a unique grain pattern, such as a variegated or striped grain. A straight grain can be used for a cleaner look and beautiful texture.
Your choice of color will also impact the wood you choose. Maple is the best choice if you are looking for a deep golden brown color, while pine is great for those who prefer a lighter, brighter appearance. It all depends on what wood surface you prefer. You may choose a different wood than someone else. So go with what you like.
Softwood Vs Hardwood
Softwood is best for making your own table if you have high-speed cutters. Some hardwoods like oak can cause resistance and burns which are not something you want on your table top.
Softwood, like hardwood, will show wear. However, you can coat it with polyurethane to strengthen it.
Cost
Walnut is expensive because it’s less common as the trees are smaller. Because of its soft nature and less tendency to sustain wear and tear, woods that are more durable tend to be cheaper. Hardwoods that are durable will usually be more expensive.
FAQ
What thickness should the wood be to make a tabletop?
A tabletop made of wood should be between 3 cm and 1-inch thick. It is important that the tabletop not be too thin. This will make it less stable. However, a tabletop too thick can make it difficult to use, especially if it is made from hardwood.
Is Pine good as a tabletop?
If you don’t mind the wood showing signs of wear over time, pine is a good choice for a tabletop. Pine can take paint well so you can easily customize the colors. You can also coat it with a protective polyurethane to increase durability.
Conclusion
There are many options for top woods that can be used for table tops. Each one is best suited to a specific purpose and look. To decide which wood is best for you, consider your budget and the rest your interior. Are you okay with wear and tear? Pine is an option that’s affordable if you don’t mind wear and tear. Our experts recommend hickory if you are looking for the strongest material.
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