Solid Wood Dining Tables

Choosing the right solid timber table for your dining room

A solid wood dining table is one of the most used pieces of furniture in any home, so the timber species you choose will affect both the look and durability over decades of use. Hardwoods like acacia, oak, and teak are denser and more resistant to denting than pine, making them a better choice if your table will see heavy daily use or small children.

Pair with our wood dining chairs to create a cohesive solid timber setting in your dining room.

Getting solid wood table sizing right for your household

Allow roughly 60cm of table width per person so every diner has enough elbow room without feeling crowded, which means a 120cm-wide table comfortably seats four people, while a 180cm table accommodates six people. Your table height should sit between 74cm and 78cm to work with standard dining chairs, and you will want at least 75cm of clearance from table edge to wall so chairs can be pushed back fully.

Mix with a wood sideboard or buffet to add coordinating storage and serving space to your dining room.

Caring for your solid wood dining table

Solid timber tables respond to changes in humidity, expanding slightly in humid conditions and contracting in dry ones, so placing your table away from air conditioning vents and direct heating sources helps minimise movement over time. You should wipe spills promptly with a dry or slightly damp cloth, and apply a food-safe oil or wax finish every six to twelve months to keep the timber nourished and protected.

See the matching wood sideboards and buffets in our range to finish your dining room with consistent timber tones.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between solid wood and engineered wood dining tables?

A solid wood dining table is made entirely from timber cut from a single species, while engineered wood uses layers of wood fibres or veneers bonded together with adhesives. Solid timber can be sanded back and refinished multiple times over its lifespan, which engineered wood cannot.

Which timber is most durable for a solid wood dining table?

Teak, oak, and acacia rank among the hardest and most durable timbers for dining tables. On the Janka hardness scale, oak sits at around 5,900 newtons and acacia at 8,900 newtons, making them both highly resistant to scratching and denting from everyday dining use.

Will a solid wood dining table warp or crack over time?

Properly kiln-dried solid timber with a moisture content below 8 to 12 percent is far less likely to warp or crack than air-dried wood. To further reduce movement, keep your table away from direct sunlight, heating vents, and areas where humidity fluctuates by more than 20% seasonally.

How often should I oil or seal my solid wood table?

For oiled finishes, re-applying a food-safe timber oil every six to twelve months is generally sufficient for a dining table in regular use. Tables in high-traffic households or those exposed to more moisture may benefit from treatment closer to every three to four months.

Can solid wood dining tables be used outdoors?

Most solid wood dining tables in our indoor range are not sealed for outdoor exposure and should be kept inside. If you want a timber dining table that can handle the elements, look specifically for outdoor-rated teak or eucalyptus options with a UV-resistant finish rated for exterior use.