Best Wood For A Dining Table: A Guide

Whether you're giving your dining room a makeover or are just in the market for a new dining table, wood is one of the most amazing (and versatile) materials you can choose. Let's face it: Wooden tables look beautiful! But they're also incredibly versatile and functional - if you choose the right wood, that is.

In this guide, we'll walk you through our list of the best wood for dining table tops. We'll discuss what sets them apart and their ideal use cases. We've even touched on the downside of some of these wood types to give you a better idea of which one to choose.

So, if you're ready to transform your dining room with a sturdy, durable, and stunning wooden table, let's jump into it. 

The 6 Best Woods For Dining Tables

When it comes to picking the best wood for your dining room table, it's all about balance. Ideally, you'll want to look for a type of table that combines aesthetics, durability, and personal style.

If you have no idea where to start, you're in luck. Here are some of the most common (and best) types of wood for dining tables:

1. Oak

Oak, like white oak, red oak, and other varieties, has been a favorite for solid wood tables for ages. And it's not hard to see why!

This wood is incredibly durable and strong, with a dense wood grain that is naturally resistant to staining and warping. So, whether you're going for a traditional, rustic, or farmhouse vibe, oak always fits the bill. Plus, its natural beauty will stand the test of time, making it a great investment for your home.

2. Walnut

If you want a touch of luxury and to add some pizazz to your dining room, walnut is your go-to choice. With its rich, dark color and straight-grain pattern, it's the perfect pick for a solid wood dining table.

Besides its striking aesthetic appeal, walnut is also known for its durability. That means you can expect your table to maintain its looks over time - with the right maintenance, of course. This wood type is usually best if you appreciate a more classic look.

3. Maple

Maple is one of the most versatile wood types and can bring a light, airy feel to your dining room. Not only is it dense, but it's also surprisingly strong. Generally, it's more resistant to wear and tear, which makes it ideal for a family table that sees heavier use.

These wood table tops have a lighter color, and the uniform texture allows you to pick from a range of finishes, including stains, paints, and so much more. So, if you want more styling options for your dining table, maple is the wood for you!

4. Cherry

Cherry wood has a smooth, straight grain that oozes charm. Its reddish-brown color also deepens over time, giving it rich tones that you can't recreate with other wood types.

While it works well with rustic furniture, cherry wood looks beautiful in both traditional and contemporary rooms, too. Plus, it effortlessly creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere if you enjoy hosting dinner parties.

5. Mahogany

When it comes to classic elegance, nothing stands out quite like mahogany. Like cherry wood, mahogany has a reddish-brown hue. However, it's much deeper and has a fine-grain pattern.

This wood is well-known for its durability and resistance to warping, which makes it a popular choice for high-end, more formal, or larger dining tables. And, with the right care, mahogany can last for years and remain as beautiful as the day you purchased it. It's definitely the right choice if you want your dining room table to make a statement!

6. Pine

Pine is a super lightweight and affordable wood that adds rustic charm to almost any space. The beautiful grain pattern is easily identifiable, with unique knots and a pale, minimalistic color.

It's important to note that pine is slightly more susceptible to scratching. However, it's an eco-friendly choice if you prioritize sustainable furniture. It's also more versatile than other woods and comes in various finishes, giving you more customization options to suit your space.

Choosing Wood For Multi-Functional Tables

Although there are plenty of wood options for dining tables, it's a little trickier to find the right fit when it comes to multi-functional furniture.

For instance, a pine table top may be a good choice for meals. But, if you want to use it for something like playing board games, it's more likely to become scratched and worn.

Instead, you may want to pick something like maple - especially if your dining table is going to double as a gaming table. Maple is scratch-resistant and much more durable, which means you'll be able to use it more frequently without the worry of ruining the wood. A great example of a durable gaming table is the Dresden, which is designed to stand the test of time.

Some other great choices for multi-functional dining tables include:

• Walnut

• Cherry wood

• White oak

These picks will ensure that your table will withstand anything you throw at it. From dining to crafting and legendary game nights, these durable wood species are top-notch.

Maintenance tips

To keep your multi-functional table in perfect condition, you'll want to introduce some maintenance habits into your routine. For example, you should always use coasters to avoid water rings and moisture damage. This is especially true for softer woods. Additionally, you should try to avoid heavy impacts that could dent or chip the surface.

If you're planning on keeping decor on your table, make sure that there is adequate protection beneath it to safeguard the wood. For instance, if you have a decorative bowl or vase, you can always add a tablecloth underneath it to stop it from scratching the table when it's moved around.

FAQs

Is maple or oak better for a solid wood table?

Both oak and maple have their strengths and are great picks for a solid wood dining table. But the table you choose will depend on your needs. For instance, maple is harder and more resistant to scratching, making it ideal for busy homes with families.

On the other hand, oak is incredibly durable and is more customizable since it offers more versatile finishes. It has a more traditional look, though, which means it may suit more classic room styles better than a maple table.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to what you need and prefer.

What is the most durable finish for a wooden dining table?

The most durable finish for a wooden dining table is typically oil-based polyurethane. Not only is it resistant to scratching, spills, and heat, but it's also known for its exceptional hardness. It provides a thick, protective layer that can enhance the beauty of the wood while also offering longer-lasting durability.

For even more protection, you may want to consider applying a finish that includes a hardener or a combination of finishes. For example, an oil-based polyurethane base, topped with a water-based polyurethane for a clearer, harder top coat.

What is the most durable dining table top?

For durability, there's nothing better than a hardwood table top, including maple, oak, and walnut. If you're looking for something other than wood, quartz or ceramic table tops are great alternatives.

It's worth noting that these options are far less timeless and suit very specific home aesthetics. So, if you want something that will fit seamlessly into your existing decor, then wood is a better choice overall. 

Final Thoughts

From oak to pine, there are plenty of options to choose from for your perfect wooden dining table. Although these woods all have their advantages, it's important to look for one that suits all of your needs and fits into your home beautifully. After all, not every wood type is made equally, and some may be better than others based on your preferences.

Fortunately, with Bandpass Design, we've taken the guesswork out of your shopping experience. With our guide, you can find your ideal dining room table in no time.