In the Know | Wood Table Tops. Updated

Table Top Wood for interior use

Beech

A hardwood with a faint, fine grain and texture. Beech is a cost-effective option and is the most popular choice for furniture frames and table tops where a grain is not desired, such as painted dining tables. All seasoned Beech is FSC and sourced from Europe.

Ash

A hardwood that is lighter in colour and cheaper than oak. Ash wood bends nicely and is commonly used for bespoke tables and bentwood furniture. This wood is sourced from Europe. Ash is cheaper than Oak and a great alternative due to the grain detail.

Oak

A hardwood that is available in two main types: European and Character oak. Oak is popular because of its graining. It is more expensive than beech and ash, so might be used for a centrepiece oak table top or solid oak dining table. Character oak features knots and open grains and is one of our most popular wood choices for hospitality. Both oak types are sourced from Europe; British oak is available but is more expensive.

Walnut

A hardwood that is desirable for its grain and dark colour but is also very expensive. For a cost-effective alternative, you could use ash wood that is stained to walnut, which will show similar graining.

Recycled and reclaimed wood

These are sourced in a variety of ways – from used scaffolding boards, floorboards and off-cuts from larger scale woodworks to upcycling existing pieces of wood. These table tops can be stained, painted, and include mix-and-match woods to create a unique look. This is also an eco-conscious option, as it utilises timber that would otherwise contribute to landfill. recycled table tops >>

Our in-house design team can assist you with bespoke painted designs, or you can keep it simple for a close alternative to standard wooden table tops.

Wood surface effects

Now that you’ve chosen your wood type, stain, and lacquer, you can also decide if you want to add a surface effect to create a truly unique piece for your venue.

Wooden surface effects can create a lot of character and bolster your design brief. For example, charred or wire-brushed finishes are popular for industrial and farmhouse-style venues. Meanwhile, limed surfaces are popular for clean minimalist interiors, as they add a whitewashed matt touch to table tops.

Bandsawn

Bandsawing timber gives the wood an uneven surface texture and dramatic effect. This technique is popular for rustic-style restaurants and bars.

Sandblasted

This technique is a bit like sandpapering with a jet stream. Sandblasting gives the wood surface a deep texture and it will remove the top layer of the timber, revealing extra layers of colour underneath.

Wire-brushed

This effect gives the timber a subtle texture and enhances the depth of the grain. You should only oil finish a wire-brushed table top because lacquer will diminish the texture.

Fumed

This technique involves exposing the timber to ammonia, which results in a lightly charred effect.

Charred

Charring occurs when the wood is exposed to heat, usually by using a blow torch. The surface is burned just enough to bring out the different textures within the natural grain.

Limed

This effect is created using a liming wax, which results in the wood looking whitewashed.

Edge Profiles and Edging

This is the final step in your table top specification and adds character to everything from bar tops to dining tables. If you’ve chosen solid wood, you can opt to leave the edges bare and choose a profile such as straight, chamfered or bullnose. Our design team can advise which might be most suitable for different applications, for example, an oak bar table, or a communal dining table.

The other option is to add an edge. The two most popular edges for wooden table tops are a solid wood border (recommended for recycled options where the timber is not always straight-cut and requires a border) or a metal edge.