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Buying Your First Solid Wood Table

Buying Your First Solid Wood Table

You are looking for a statement piece for your dining table. You have looked at all the table top options and finally locked in on getting a solid wood slab dining table. Why wouldn't you? It is unique, easy to maintain, and will last a lifetime. But what now? How do you go about selecting the best one for your home? After all, wood slabs come in a myriad of shapes and sizes. Well, don't sweat it! After reading this article, you will be fully equipped to purchase your very first solid wood dining table.

Know Your Size

When buying a wood slab or any dining table for that matter, knowing your preferred length and width is crucial. This often boils down to your lifestyle choices. As such, find the size that makes the most sense for you on a day-to-day basis. For example, if you often have big family gatherings, it's better to get a wood slab that is at least 1.8m long to host 6-8 people comfortably. If you're looking for just a small intimate table for four, then a 1.5m table would easily do the trick.

Another thing to take note of for wood slabs is their width. As wood slabs are often irregular in shape, the widths are inconsistent too. A quick tip is to take note of the width of the widest part of the slab and consider if you have enough space to accommodate it.

Select Your Wood Type

Now this is the exciting part - choosing the right wood type for your dining table. There is a wide range of wood species to choose from, each with its own unique look and characteristics. The best way to go about this, is to match the solid wood slab with the color tones of your home.

For example, if you're going for a Scandinavian or Japanese style interior, it would be best to match it with lighter coloured wood such as Oak, Ashwood or Olive. On the other hand, if you're looking for a dining table that will stand out and grab the attention of your guests, go for wood slabs that have bolder colors such as the Purple Heart, African Padauk or the Bubinga.

Fortunately at Grey & Sanders, we have a vast collection of different wood types for you to choose from, so make sure you visit our showrooms!

Live Edge or Straight Edge

Live edge or straight edge refers to the general shape of the solid wood. A straight edge wood slab has a rectangular and consistent shape whereas a live edge wood slab has a natural irregular shape.

The choice boils down mostly to personal preference. If you want a solid wood table that looks unique and has a rustic vibe to it, then live edge wood slabs make the most sense. However, if you want something a little more orthodox for your dining table, then go for a straight edge wood slab. Straight edge wood slabs work better if you plan to flush your dining table to a wall too!

Care & Maintenance

Rubio Monocoat

Lastly, it's always good to check with your retailer what is the maintenance process like for your solid wood dining table. Often these wood slabs have a layer of coating on the surface to condition and protect the wood. This ranges from PU (Polyurethane) coating to the more popular Rubio Monocoat finish. Each of these coatings offers varying levels of protection for your solid wood dining table, so it's important to get as much information as you can on it. This will help ensure that you know how to care for your table in the years to come.

At Grey & Sanders, our wood slabs are coated with a Rubio Monocoat finish. The Rubio Monocoat oil is engineered in such a way that it protects both the surface and core of the wood, giving it good protection against water and making it highly scratch-resistant. Simply clean the surface with a slightly damp lint-free cloth regularly for dusting. For detailed care instructions with the Rubio Monocoat, click here.

You're All Set

You are ready to find that perfect solid wood dining table for your home. Buying a wood slab may sound a little tricky but it is a fascinating experience at the same time. If you still have more questions on solid wood dining tables, check out our ultimate guide to wood slabs or drop by our showrooms to chat with us. We'd love to be a part of your furnishing journey