Table top materials can be generally divided into 3 main sections - Solid Wood, Laminate, and Outdoor Table Materials:
Solid Wood:
There are many types of wood to choose from for your restaurant table. Each type of wood has different aesthetic and functional qualities. Some types of wood also have certain advantages over others. There are some types of wood that are more scratch resistant, stain resistant and heat resistant. Solid wood can be divided into 2 main categories - hardwood and softwood.
Hardwood provides elegance to the table whereas softwood makes the table more rustic and economical. Softwood is lightweight and comes from coniferous trees and has lighter shades and hardwood originates from deciduous trees and are comparatively darker in color.
A dining table is typically the focal point of every restaurant so naturally you would be looking for restaurant tables that are mostly made of hardwood. Hardwood is commonly used in most commercial tops because they are more resistant to wear and tear and last longer.
Which Species of Wood is the Best?
Although the cost is slightly higher, you get much more value from hardwood, both for aesthetics and durability. Maple resembles the look of cherry and can be found growing in the US, so it can be locally sourced. It can be stained in numerous colors. The graining of maple is more subtle. Beechwood, which is also a hardwood is one of the most durable woods used to manufacture furniture. Other good hardwood choices include walnut, which is also grown in the United States, is very durable and is highly sought after for fine furniture because of its beauty and can be used for any look. Oak is a very strong wood and is very decay resistant. Its bucolic look is great for rustic themed decor. All hardwoods are unique and beautiful in style and appearance. Each piece is crafted, stained and finished to express the character of your restaurant table and represent your venue’s concept. especially when matched with similarly finished wood restaurant chairs.
Maple
Maple is one of the hardest woods typically used for making high-use furniture and cabinetry. It is smooth to touch with a tighter grain than oak, has a silky look and is more economically priced but is denser and heavier than most other hardwoods. Works nicely with modern furniture pieces and contemporary décor themes making a bold and elegant statement in dining rooms.
Oak
Oak is hard and dense with a deep natural grain texture you can see and feel. It is known for having mesmerizing open grain markings, is most often cut in a way that makes it resistant to warping and dents and is very suitable for everyday use, especially at high-traffic family friendly venues but is not cost effective.
Walnut
Walnut is a hardwood reputable for its strength. This hardwood is used in furniture, but especially in restaurant tables, to look sleek and slim with clean lines and a straight cut design. Though walnut is slightly harder than maple, it is lighter than oak but is also one of the most expensive types of wood thus not commonly used in commercial settings.
Beechwood
Beechwood has a mostly straight grain, with a fine to medium uniform texture making it a popular choice for
commercial furniture as it is not only easy to stain but it is also more economically priced compared to other types of hard wood. It's durability makes it good for use outdoors even though it is susceptible to insect attacks.
Types of Solid Wood Tables
In addition to their inbuilt strength, solid wood tops have a superior aesthetics and a natural look that is sought after especially in high-end dining establishments. The two most popular types are the plank and butcher block table tops.
A timeless classic, the butcher block table tops are a very popular choice when the design calls for a classy, high-end look. Known for their innate strength and admired for their looks they reign supreme when solid wood tables are asked for. In contrast to the plank top, the butcher block has a little more variation in it's design whereas the plank is more uniform in its look.
Similar in look to their counterparts, the plank solid wood tops are also very popular with restaurant owners. The main difference between the two lies mainly in their style. While the butcher block is made of uniform wood blocks, the plank top is made using long strips of wood in varying widths. This creates a more streamlined and subdued look which might be exactly what is needed.
Solid Wood vs Veneer
Solid wood and veneer table tops have many appealing attributes for those who are looking for a refined look for their venue. We sell only premium quality solid wood table tops that can be customized in any shape, size, shape or finish. Solid wood and veneer tops each have distinct characteristics, and each has its own benefits.
Both solid wood and veneer wood have their advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the right type of wood depends on how you plan to use it and what your priorities are. Constructed by bonding thin slices of hardwood veneer is an inexpensive alternative to solid wood and often has an attractive hardwood like mahogany on the exterior. Thus veneer can be an excellent way to have the appearance of expensive hardwood furniture without the high price tag.
Pros of Solid Wood:
Solid wood has the advantage of being more dense and sturdy than veneer, so it can handle more weight. It is also less susceptible to scratching and moisture damage than veneer.
- Classic aesthetics: Solid wood adds prestige to your venue. Its natural beauty will complement any decor and will fit in with a wide range of styles.
- Natural: Solid wood is natural and is not made of heavily processed materials with chemicals like veneer or laminate.
- Character: Solid wood comes from harvested wood sources rather than being manufactured with machine specs. To create a uniform look meaning no two pieces are exactly alike.
- Versatility: Solid wood comes in a variety of wood types with many different finish options, meaning you can have a custom finish made to match your decor.
- Increased Value: Solid wood furniture retains its value better over time compared to veneer.
- Restoration Potential: If solid wood gets damaged, scratched or dinged it can be fixed, or you can paint or stain it. You cannot do this with veneer.
Pros of Veneer:
- Moderate Price Point: While the cost is usually higher when compared to laminate, veneer is much more affordable than solid wood.
- Authentic Look: Veneer uses a thin layer of real wood which is made to look as close to real wood as you can get with non-solid wood.
- Uniformity: Since veneer is a manufactured product instead of harvested from wood it gives the pieces a more uniform appearance.
- Warp-Resistant - Table tops made of wood veneer resist warping better than solid wood.
- Lightweight Construction: The core of veneer tables is made of lightweight materials such as MDF and particle board. These materials are lighter than solid wood making the furniture lighter for moving around.
- Refinishing Options: Since the outer layer of veneer is made from real wood, it can be refinished to look like solid wood.
