Which part of the home is the communal hub? If your first thought is the living room, you're not alone in thinking this.
The living room is a hub where people can relax, but how much time does your entire family spend there together? If you have teenagers, they are likely spending more time in their rooms and out with friends.
The dining room is the place where families will always gather together. Meals are a time to bond and reconnect with each other.
The kind of tabletop material you select for your dining room can set the mood for your dining room. Below are some materials you can select for your table and how to choose your perfect fit.
Solid Wood
Wood has a classic look that adds refinement and elegance to your dining room. There are also many different kinds of woods to choose from, along with many kinds of finishes. Wood also mixes easily with other kinds of materials.
As wood ages, its colour can change. It is also sensitive to humidity and will expand and contract based on your home's humidity. Wear and tear are apparent on wood, especially stained wood.
Wood is one of the most expensive kinds of table material, so you'll want to take care of it. Scratches and other damage are easy to take care of, however, but are easy to fix.
Some popular woods for a dining room table include ash, maple, walnut, and solid oak.
Wood Veneer
Wood veneer is an alternative to solid wood for a much cheaper cost. Wood veneer is made by glueing a thin layer of solid wood or wood substitute to medium-density fiberboard or particleboard.
You can spot good veneer by finding tables with the core interiors clearly labelled. To spot cheap veneers, look underneath the table. If the underside looks like it's a different material, it was made by cutting corners.
Wood veneer has many of the same qualities as solid wood, which means you'll need to care for it in the same way. Coasters and placemats will help keep the wear and tear on your table to a minimum.
Quartz Composite
Quartz composite is a man-made quartz lookalike that has a sleek, modern look, with many different patterns and colours available. Quartz composite is non-porous, which means that it won't absorb stains from food splatters or drink spills.
It is also quite durable, easy to clean, and doesn't need to be sealed.
Since you'll be using your dining room table a lot, you'll need to watch for wear and tear; heavy use can cause scratches and chips. Prolonged heat can also cause discolouration, so it may be a good idea to put something under hot containers.
Natural Plywood
Natural plywood is a popular material for tabletops in the market. It's a sturdy material that is even stronger than solid wood. Plywood is cross-grained and the strength is distributed evenly on the board.
Because of this uniform strength, it is also durable. Veneers and adhesives can enhance this strength further, which will guard it against potential sharp blows.
OSMO hard wax oil is our recommendation to give your plywood table a durable coat. It also won't affect the visual colour of the wood like a wood varnish.
Formica Laminated Plywood Tabletop Material
Formica laminated plywood is a durable material for your potential table. This material costs less than solid wood but can run more expensive than some other materials for tables.
Formica laminated plywood comes in many different colours so you can customize the aesthetic with your dining area. You can even get some pieces that have a faux metal or wood look that are very realistic.
The formica finish provides a material that is resistant to stains, heat, and wear and tear. This means your table will last a long time and be easy to clean.
Formica laminated plywood tabletops pair very well with our hairpin legs.
Marble
Marble has a sleek look that conveys elegance and luxury. One of the draws of marble is the unique patterns you can find between two slabs. They can be simple or dramatic, which provides a wide range of variations.
It also withstands heat, protecting it from damage, unlike some other tabletop materials.
Honed marble has a matte finish and is resistant to scratches. Even if it does develop scratches, they are harder to notice. Polished marble, however, does not possess this same quality.
If your marble dining room table is unsealed, it will be porous, which will leave it susceptible to stains.
Marble can be tricky to fit onto our table legs and will require some specialist skills to make it work. We have some guides you can consult if you would like to go with a marble tabletop however.
Metal
Metal is an uncommon tabletop material that finds more use as a component of table bases. For the consumer looking for something unique, however, metal may be what you are looking for. Some varieties of metals include stainless steel, brass, and zinc.
You can also find lacquered or painted versions of these materials.
Metal is incredibly durable and is resistant to damage. However, the shine of metal will show every smudge and fingerprint on its surface. Metal table tops can require special cleaning tools, which can make them a bit of a hassle.
Fitting a metal tabletop onto our table legs will be easier than making an entire table out of metal.
The Go-To Table Company
There are tons of options when selecting a tabletop material for your dining room table. Some materials provide an elegant, refined look, while others have qualities that make them durable and long-lasting. The best table material for you will depend on your budget, tastes, and needs.
At The Hairpin Leg Co., we are all about providing our customers with all their table needs. We offer a variety of tabletops, table legs, and accessories. Visit our site and see all that we have to offer.
Leave a comment
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.