The best wood & finishes for dining tables
Not sure which type of wood is right for your dining table? Compare oiled and lacquered finishes, as well as different materials such as oak and walnut.
When it comes to choosing key furniture for the home, the decision comes down to how hard-wearing these pieces are. For dining tables, it’s about choosing the right one that fits into your lifestyle.
A dining table is one of the central meeting points in the home, the place for family meals, entertaining and even schoolwork. As one of the hardest-working pieces of furniture in the home, a dining table should be able to withstand daily wear and tear.
From the different types of wood to the range of table finishes, discover all there is to know when deciding on the best wooden dining table for your home. Once you’re done reading, browse our dining sets to get started.
Types of wood for dining tables
Wooden dining tables are a popular pick for the dining room. Here are a few examples of wood and things to take into consideration when choosing:
Oak
Oak is a popular choice when choosing a wooden dining table. Their versatility makes them a popular pick for rustic, modern farmhouse and contemporary interior styles.
Here are a few key features:
- Eye-catching wood grain
- Finish: Natural, matt, lacquered or gloss finishes
- Durability: Resistant to heat, spills and scratches
Walnut
Dark wood dining tables are always a hit if you love luxe and sophisticated interiors. Walnut wood can range from bold traditional centrepieces to clean, minimalist designs.
Here are a few key features:
- Elegant and smooth dark wood grain
- Finish: Natural, matt or lacquered finishes
- Durability: Very durable, but oak is more durable
Wood veneer
Wood veneer is a combination of real wood placed on top of a base of materials like MDF and plywood to create the look and feel of solid hardwood (minus the weight). Thanks to improving technology and innovation, wood veneer can mimic the feel of natural wood finishes.
Here are a few key features:
- Grain can mimic the look and feel of natural wood (light and dark wood tones)
- Finish: Gloss, matte and lacquered finish
- Durability: Easy to clean
Why the finish matters
Aside from the aesthetics, choosing the right finish is just as important as choosing the best type of wood. The best finish for your dining table should protect it from daily wear and tear. Here are a few things to consider:
- The right finish should protect against spills, moisture and everyday use
- Improve the table’s durability
- Enhance the wood’s natural grain and character
- Highlight the table’s overall appearance
- How much maintenance is needed over time
Types of wood finishes for dining tables
Oiled finish
A wooden dining table with an oiled finish is a good choice if you want to protect the wood’s natural grain and texture. The oil soaks deep into the wood fibres, protecting it from within and making it look more natural.
Here are a few key features for wooden tables with an oiled finish:
- Matt, natural finish
- Highlights the wood’s natural grain and texture
- Easy to touch up if scratched
- Can be reoiled from time to time if needed
Lacquered finish
A wooden dining table with a lacquered finish means the lacquer forms a protective layer over the wood, keeping liquid and dirt from coming into contact with it.
Here are a few key features for wooden tables with a lacquered finish:
- Available in different sheen levels from matt to gloss
- Resistant to spills and stains
- Easy to maintain and durable
- A go-to pick for busy family homes because of its practicality
Varnished finish
Wooden dining tables with a varnished finish are highly durable. The varnish is made from a combination of thinner, resin and drying oil to form a protective film around the wood. Even though it has some similarities to lacquer, varnish has its own unique qualities. It is applied by brush or rolled on, while lacquer is sprayed onto the surface.
The key features of wooden dining tables with varnish are:
- Colourless finish which highlights wood’s natural grain
- Easy to apply and maintain
- Naturally shields from UV light and prevents wood from fading
- Durable and tough
Wax finish
Choosing a wax finish is a great idea if you love a softer, more traditional look. It gives the wood a soft sheen, making it look well cared for.
The key features of a wax finish are:
- Natural appearance and feel
- Highlights the wood’s warm grain
- Requires regular maintenance
- Less protective against heat and moisture
Which wood finish is best for everyday use?
When comparing different types of wood and table finishes, it’s important to have a checklist. These are a few things you should consider when deciding:
Oiled finish | Lacquered finish | Varnished finish | Waxed finish | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Durable | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
Resistant to stains and spills | ✔️ | ✔️ | ||
Scratch-resistant | ✔️ | ✔️ | ||
Easy to maintain | ✔️ | ✔️ | ||
Easy to repair | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
Overall appearance | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Think about your home and lifestyle when choosing. Here are our picks based on your lifestyle:
Oiled finish | Lacquered finish | Varnished finish | Waxed finish | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Busy family homes | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
Households with pets | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
People who entertain regularly | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
Low-maintenance | ✔️ | ✔️ | ||
Natural, characterful finish | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
How different finishes change the look of wood
Different table finishes have their own unique qualities and key features. This comparison table will help you narrow down which is best suited for you:
Oiled finish | Lacquered finish | Varnished finish | Waxed finish | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Colour | Clear, orange-brown, or mid-brown tone | Transparent | Transparent | Matt to satin |
Sheen | Matt, natural finish | Matt, medium and high gloss | Gloss and high gloss | Dull sheen |
Texture | Natural finish | Polished finish | Smooth finish | Soft, gentle finish |
How the wood develops character over time | Highlights natural wood grain | Maintains glossy finish but may require maintenance | Maintains natural wood grain | Highlights natural wood grain but requires regular maintenance |
How to care for different wood finishes
Regardless of what wood and table finish you end up choosing, you will still have to maintain your dining table for daily use. To make your table long-lasting, here are some practical tips:
- Wipe up spills immediately
- Use placemats and coasters
- Avoiding excessive heat
- Dust regularly
- Make sure to use the right cleaning products depending on the wood and table finish
Common mistakes that can damage a wood table
No matter how durable your wood is, your dining table is still prone to daily wear and tear. These are some common mistakes that people make with wooden dining tables:
- Using harsh chemical cleaners, which can damage the wood
- Not using coasters or pads when placing hot pans or dishes directly on the table
- Cleaning with abrasive pads
- Not cleaning regularly, leading to a dusty surface
- Leaving standing water on the surface, creating watermarks
- Dragging heavy objects across the top that can cause scratches
- Not maintaining oiled finishes when needed
Choosing the right wood table for your home
As we mentioned above, choosing the right dining table for your home comes down to what best suits your lifestyle and needs. These are some questions to consider when choosing:
- Will you be using your dining table every day?
- Does the dining table fit in with the interior style of your home?
- Is it durable enough to withstand daily wear and tear?
- Are you able to dedicate extra time if it requires regular maintenance?
- Is it easy to repair or update the finish?
At the end of the day, there is no universal best choice when it comes to choosing the right table. If the table you like ticks the major boxes and suits your lifestyle, don’t hesitate and go for it!
FAQs
What is the most durable finish for a dining table?
Varnished and lacquered finishes are very durable choices for wooden dining tables.
Is an oiled dining table better than a lacquered one?
No, different finishes have their own unique qualities and it depends on what you like aesthetically as well as your lifestyle. An oiled dining table highlights its natural grain, while a lacquered table has a glossy finish.
What is the easiest dining table finish to maintain?
Lacquered and varnished finishes are both easy to maintain and are good for daily use.
Which finish is best for families with children?
A wooden dining table with a lacquered or varnished finish is often considered the best pick for families with children. These finishes are very durable and good for daily use.
We hope you enjoyed reading our guide on the best wood and dining table finishes. Looking for more guides like this? Check out our guide to cleaning a fabric sofa for more useful tips.
