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How to choose a wooden table top

Elevate your restaurant or hotel space with our handy guide to choosing wooden table top materials, sizes, finishes and more.

10. 05. 24

Wooden table tops reign supreme in our collection, and for good reason. They’re strong, durable, incredibly versatile, and bring a touch of character to any hospitality space. Wooden tables also age beautifully, developing even more character with time and use.

Our wooden table tops are all crafted here in the UK by the country’s leading wood specialists using sustainable practices. Made from natural materials, each top is unique with its own particular texture, pattern, colour and charm.

Solid Oak table tops with 40mm bespoke profile exclusive to Burger & Lobster

1. Pick the perfect wood for your table top

Whether you need a solid timber top to create a stunning centrepiece, a laminate wood-effect option built for high traffic, or something in between, we’ve got a table top to suit. 

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you find your perfect fit:

Oak – Loved for its distinctive grain patterns and knots, oak delivers a classic, timeless look. A strong and resistant top ideal for busy dining areas.

Character oak – Featuring more prominent knots (filled for everyday use) – these tops have rustic charm.

Ash – With a broader grain than oak, ash delivers a refined and sophisticated look. It's renowned for its strength and durability. 

Walnut – Featuring an exquisite grain pattern of its own, walnut features attractive warm brown marbling. Its character is even more enhanced when combined with a waney edge, as shown here. 

Butcher block – Increasingly popular, this is made up of thick, straight cuts of wood glued together to create a solid surface.

Reclaimed wood – Made from wood that's been salvaged and given a new life, this top is loved for its natural imperfections and rustic appearance. A one-of-a-kind top that adds character to any space.

Iroko – This durable weather-resistant top is ideal for outdoor settings, with slats to help drain rain water. It looks just as good indoors too.

Veneer – Made up of a thin layer of high-quality wood bonded to a sturdy wooden core, veneer gives an effective wood look that’s budget-friendly and lower-maintenance than solid wood.

Laminate – A practical and affordable surface that requires minimal upkeep. Laminate is a thin hard-wearing layer of material – available in realistic wood, stone or marble effect, or solid colour – bonded to a sturdy core.

2. Choose your table top edge

Your table top profile shouldn’t be overlooked - it’s an important feature in defining your table’s personality. Whether simple and sleek or ornately decorative, choose an edge profile that complements your design theme, such as these:

3. Decide on your table top's thickness

The thickness you choose depends on your specific needs and desired look. Here's a guide to help you pick.

25mm our most popular choice. It's also the most cost-effective option for solid wood table tops.

30mm  ideal for a more substantial feel. This is a good choice for smaller dining tables or larger coffee tables where you want a more solid look and feel compared to 25mm.

34mm – our mid thickness option. Select 34mm if you're looking to make more of a statement. Works well for both dining and office tables. 

40mm solid support for large designs. This offers exceptional stability and makes a big impression in the room.

50mm  the grand design choice. The largest thickness we offer, this is ideal for large tables, delivering a truly solid look, superior support and an impressive presence in your space.

25mm solid ash table top for Per Tutti

4. Find the right table top finish

Seal the deal by choosing a wood stain to suit your design scheme. Choose from our wide range of finishes, from light and airy to rich and dramatic. You can also include a lacquer to your table to add an extra layer of protection and increase its lifespan. Select from a matt finish all the way through to high gloss. 

Character Oak with Waney Edge Stained to Ash Grey for Keakie

Made to measure: Create your very own design

We offer table tops in all sorts of shapes and sizes, but if you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, no problem. We can custom-craft a table top to practically any spec your project demands. Just send us your brief and we’ll bring your vision to life.

BESPOKE LAMINATE-TOP TABLE FOR DERBION SHOPPING CENTRE

BESPOKE SOLID OAK TOP WITH 50MM WANEY EDGE FOR THE CLERMONT HOTEL

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