What type of wood should I choose for a custom-made solid wood dining table?
Share
This is one of the very first questions our clients ask us when they come to see us at the workshop:
What type of wood should I choose for a dining table?
The answer often surprises: there isn't one type of wood that's "better" than another . All types can make excellent dining tables. What makes the difference is rather the intended use, the desired style, and the way the wood is worked .
In this article, we explain in concrete terms the differences between the wood species that we most often use in the workshop in order to help you make an informed, sustainable choice that is consistent with your lifestyle.
There is no single “best” type of wood
Any solid wood table, regardless of the type of wood, will be strong and durable if the woodworking is done properly . The design, joinery, drying of the wood, and finishing play just as important a role as the type of wood itself.
The choice of wood must therefore be made according to:
- your decor,
- your daily life (family, children, intensive or non-intensive use),
- your aesthetic preferences,
- and your sensitivity to the natural wear and tear of the wood.
Hardwoods: strength, stability and elegance
Hardwoods are what are commonly called hardwoods . In the workshop, we regularly work with species such as maple, oak, black walnut, cherry and ash.
There is a measurement called the Janka hardness index , which allows us to compare the resistance of woods to impacts. Maple, for example, is the hardest wood that grows naturally in Quebec .
Advantages of hardwoods
- Less susceptible to marks and impacts
- Excellent stability when thoroughly dried
- A more uniform and refined appearance
- Ideal for modern, minimalist or contemporary decors
Their higher density also means they are heavier and require appropriate equipment and expertise to be worked with correctly.
Conifers: character, warmth, and tables that live
Conifers are also very common in Quebec. The most popular in our region is undoubtedly white pine , which we frequently use in the workshop.
Pine is a softer wood, often more knotty, which gives it a great deal of character. Contrary to popular belief, softwood is not structurally less strong than hardwood. A well-made pine table will last a lifetime—and even several generations.
Why choose a softwood like pine?
- Ideal for a rustic or farmhouse style
- Live grain and natural knots are highly sought after.
- The everyday marks are part of its charm
- Each table becomes unique over time.
We intentionally leave some traces of manufacturing visible in order to create authentic furniture, far from industrial perfection.
Which type of wood suits your decor and lifestyle?
Modern, minimalist or Scandinavian decor
Hardwoods such as:
- maple,
- white oak,
- or the black walnut
They fit perfectly into bright and contemporary spaces.
White oak , which is very fashionable, is appealing because of its pale and natural grain, often associated with the Scandinavian style.
Black walnut , on the other hand, is prized for its deep chocolate color and unique grain. It is rarer in Quebec, which explains its higher cost.
Rustic or farmhouse decor
White pine is often the preferred choice. Its knotty, natural appearance brings a lot of warmth to a space. However, you have to accept that the table will show signs of wear over time.
For us, this is far from being a flaw:
A table should be lived in . Brands tell the story of the family that uses it.
Family with children
Contrary to what one might believe, there are no bad choices .
- A hard wood will mark less quickly.
- Soft wood will better accept visible wear.
It's all a question of tolerance for the natural patina.
Maple: an emblematic wood of Quebec
In the workshop, we work mainly with sugar maple , the hardest of all maples. It is locally abundant, sustainable and relatively affordable.
On some beautiful slices, it is even possible to see the holes formerly used for harvesting sap, a detail that adds a unique and authentic dimension to the piece of furniture.
Why we exclusively manufacture solid wood tables
From the outset, we made the choice to never use anything other than solid wood for the manufacture of our tables.
A solid wood table:
- is alive
- breathe,
- through the seasons,
- evolves over time.
It brings a warmth and authenticity that composite materials can never replicate. No matter the type of wood you choose, you can't go wrong with a solid wood table .
Are you still undecided about the type of wood?
Every project is unique. We support our clients in their choices:
- of the wood essence,
- dimensions,
- proportions,
- and the finish
in order to create a table perfectly suited to their space and lifestyle.
👉 Contact us to discuss your custom solid wood table project.