The dining room table has historically been one of the most central places in our homes. This is where we gather with family and friends to celebrate holidays or special occasions. On a daily basis it is an informal place for work and other projects or for relaxing conversation with friends. For all of these important moments, a solid wood dining table is perhaps the most comfortable, functional, and beautiful choice you can make.
But there are so many wood options out there…what should you choose?
Our builders work with a selection of only the responsibly harvested North-American hardwood species including Oak, Red Oak, Quarter Sawn White Oak, Maple, Brown Maple, Hickory, Cherry and Rustic Cherry. Each type has unique qualities and characteristics like weight, density, grain pattern, and price. So here is a quick run down of our most popular woods. For a better explanation, and to see the woods in person, come visit our Phoenix, Arizona Showrooms.
Portland Table with Oak Wood
Oak is dense and hard with a deep natural grain that has texture you can see and feel. Oak is very practical and functional because it is resistant to dings and dents. A solid oak dining table is best for everyday use especially for families with young children.
Bridgeport Trestle Table with Red Oak
Red Oak is only grown in North America and is readily available making it the most economical of all hard woods. Many of us live in homes and apartments with doors, floors & wall trims made of Red Oak.
Arts & Crafts X Base Table with Quarter Sawn White Oak
Quarter Sawn White Oak was used even more in the past. The name refers to how the logs are divided up and sawn into building stock. The unique preparation process gives Oak a unique appearance. The grain looks more even than regular oak but it has some very interesting swirls going across the grain. This effect is often called ray flake, and it is actually the vascular tissue of the tree being revealed in cross-section. Quarter sawn white oak was often used in craftsman and bungalow homes and it makes a wonderful choice for Mission and Arts and Crafts styled furniture. QSWO is sturdy, stylish and has more visual interest than red oak. Any stain color brings out its rich wavy grains that have tight even swirls. The craftsmanship inherently makes it in a bit higher price range than regular oak. Oak is very practical and functional and with our two step finishing it is resistant to dings and scratches.
Aurora Table with Maple
Maple (above) is a hard wood that is smooth to the touch with a tighter grain than Oak. The advantage of Maple is that it has a silky look that is very smooth and in the case of Brown Maple, is in the more economical price range of hard woods.
Dawson Table with Brown Maple
Brown Maple is somewhat light in weight and absorbs colored stains well. Its smooth grain works well in contemporary and modern pieces yet it has a soothing and welcoming presence. It fits any dining style use from every day to more formal.
Cheyenne Table with Walnut
Walnut has bold flowing grains that make a big style statement. Walnut graciously shows dark to light patterns that give a dining room a sophisticated look. Walnut is crafted in furniture to look slim and sleek with clean lines and a straight cut design. It is always popular but has recently gained popularity in more urban types of décor. Walnut is a bit harder that brown maple, but not as hard as oak; it tends to be the one of the most expensive woods.
Industrial Trestle Table with Hickory
Hickory wood is stiff, hard, dense and shock resistant. It’s durable, strong and water resistant, making it a good choice for flooring and furniture. Hickory tops the charts for offering hardness. It’s ahead of white oak and hard maple, which are strong contenders for hardness among wood types.
Madison Table with Cherry
Cherry has smooth even patterns with tiny pits and has soft lines of light curves with dark outlines and a rich, smooth grain. It also has small darks spots and flecks throughout….these are pits and mineral deposits in the wood. The inherent nature of cherry causes it to darken with exposure to light, especially when given a natural (no-stain) finish. Cherry is softer and lighter than some other hardwoods making it more prone to dings and dents than harder woods like oak. Cherry wood dining furniture gives warmth and elegance to any room.
Emerson Table with Rustic Cherry
Rustic Cherry wood has the same beautiful grain pattern as regular cherry, but it has significantly more pits and mineral deposits in it, even including cracks and knots. Choosing rustic cherry is a nice way to save cost while going with the beautiful look of cherry. Other woods, like Quarter sawn Oak and Hickory are also available in “rustic” versions for a somewhat lower price.
All woods are beautiful in style and appearance. Each piece is crafted to speak to the way people live has brought enjoyment to generations of people; we are glad to help bring it to your home too. Check out our dining table inventory online and upgrade your next table today!