Different Table Top Materials For Your Dining Table

The dining table is both a gathering spot for the family members and the area`s focal point. 

According to the material used, in usual cases, there are two types of tables: all-wood tables and Top + Base tables, which allow you to choose a base style and combine it with a tabletop material. 

The latter is popularly preferred and best suits one`s lifestyle. The article below discusses the characteristics and performances of different tabletop materials.

Wooden Top Dining Tables

Charactersitics

  • most popular option
  • traditional countertop material making a comeback
  • durable and easy to repair
  • versatile material
  • hardwood is the best option
  • warm, natural look
  • timeless appeal
  • easily mixes with other materials
  • lacquer finish or oil-and-wax finish
  • more expensive & than their softwood
Wooden Top Dining table

Considerations

  • color changes with age
  • expands and contracts based on humidity
  • scratches and wear with time
  • heat and moisture can damage the finish
  • lacquer requires professional refinishing if damaged
  • oil-and-wax requires annual reapplication
Solid Mahogany Top
Solid Oak Top

Mahogany

Oak

Maple

Ash

Walnut

Cherry

Glass Top Dining Tables

Characteristics

  • modern and elegant
  • easy to clean
  • gives a sophisticated look
  • visual lightness
  • versatile
  • withstands moisture and heat
  • tempered to help protect against injury
  • easy to clean
  • include clear, frosted or tinted versions
  • works well with many decor themes
  • excellent choice to make a space look a little lighter and brighter
Glass Top Dining Table

Considerations

  • fingertips and dust tend to cling to it
  • can scratch or chip with heavy use
  • can create glare indirect light
  • tinted glass requires more maintenance

Metal Top Dining tables

Characteristics

  • Sturdy and durable
  • Modern, stain-resistant
  • Contemporary
  • Include stainless steel, brass, zinc and lacquered or painted versions
Metal Top Dining Table

Considerations

  • Shows every fingerprint 
  • Can require special cleaning tools

Laminated Top Dining tables

Characteristics

  • fits budgets
  • Man-made material
  • include PVC, high impact melamine and veneer
  • sturdy and durable
  • durable
  • easy to clean
Laminate Top Dining Table

Considerations

  • Edges can chip or Top can scratch with heavy use
  • Excessive Heat can damage the finish
  • Not one of the nicest quality material

Marble Top Dining tables

Characteristics

  • elegant rich tone
  • easy to clean
  • spells luxury and grandeur
  • remains timeless
  • withstands heat
  • does require sealing to prevent staining
Marble top Dining table

Considerations

  • The unsealed surface is porous and susceptible to stains (Natural Marbles are porus by nature)
  • Marble surface will scratch, dull and etch
  • Larger table sizes require two pieces of Marble
  • Tables made of Marble are bulky and heavy

Quartz Top (Engineered Stone or Artificial Marble) Dining Table

Characteristics

  • sleek and modern
  • a splendid alternative to natural stone
  • consistent color and pattern from slab to slab
  • non-porous
  • durable and easy to clean
  • resistant to scratches
  • does not require sealing
  • Customized fabrication of color, thickness, and designs
Marble top Dining table

Considerations

  • can scratch or chip with heavy use
  • can discolor from direct or prolonged heat
  • using two pieces for larger tables make the seam visible

Granite Top Dining table

Characterisitics

  • modern, timeless look with subtle natural variations
  • durable and easy to clean
  • withstands heat
  • does not require sealing
  • doesn’t discolor
Granite Top Dining table

Considerations

  • can chip or scratch with heavy use
  • larger table sizes require two pieces; a seam will be visible

medium Density fiberboard (MDF) Top Dining table

Characteristics

  • Modern look with solid, low-sheen color
  • Great value
  • Does not expand or contract with humidity
  • Easy to clean
MDF Top Dining table

Considerations

  • Heat and moisture can damage the finish
  • Can chip or scratch with heavy use
  • Not Durable Over a Long Run