

Remember that any major surface damage to this finish may require professional repair – or just leave the marks to increase the character of the table top. What is the most durable finish for the top of my farmhouse table?Ī clear top coat over either a stained or painted finish is the most durable surface for a farmhouse table top. Reclaimed (old) wood tables, which are more durable than those made from new pine, are also less expensive than hardwood tables.īased upon our 17 years of experience designing custom farmhouse tables, the most popular wood choices remain pine, old (reclaimed) pine and maple.ģ. Pine and poplar are the least expensive woods while oak costs considerably more. Here is a rough guide to the hardness of different woods by density: New Pine Poplar Old Pine Maple Oak Soft - Medium - Hard 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 7 1150 1200 1250 1300įor farmhouse tables, the harder the wood, the higher the cost. Softer woods, such as new pine or poplar, can be more susceptible to dings. If you are concerned with keeping the everyday wear of your table to a minimum, consider the hardness of the wood you choose. If you prefer your table painted, choose a wood with fewer knots (like poplar or maple) for no show-through. Wood with beautiful graining, such as oak, should be shown off with a stained or waxed finish. Other woods, such as maple or new pine, will give your table a classic farmhouse look without rustic details like distressing. Selecting a type of wood for your farmhouse table involves striking a balance between appearance, durability and cost.įor a farmhouse table with individual character, reclaimed wood such as pine and oak is a popular choice. What kind of wood should I choose for the top of my farmhouse table?

If you have a banquette, also consider either a trestle or pedestal base for your table to avoid interference with a table leg.įor additional information, please see our Dining Table Seating Guide. Make sure that your dining chairs or benches will fit comfortably around your new table, allowing 2-6” between chairs.

A pair of extensions increases the size of your dining table by 3 feet – space for four more guests.Īllow a clearance of 36”around your table for walking and pulling out chairs (the minimum without feeling too tight is 27”). They slide into the ends of the table to maintain the look of the long planks used in traditional farmhouse tables and to avoid a split in the center. If you entertain often, company board extensions are available for most of our farmhouse tables. This chart shows recommended table sizes based upon number of people for both round tables and rectangular tables with a width of 36”- 42”. The ideal dining table size for you depends upon the number of people you seat most days, as well as the size of your room or dining area. Aside from the creative choices involved, such as picking paint or stain colors, there are some basic practical considerations for everyday functionality. Choosing a farmhouse table for your home can feel as momentous and personal as picking out a piece of art or even your wedding outfit.
