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10 Types of Wood Tables for Each Restaurant Style

10 Types of Wood Tables for Each Restaurant Style

Key Takeaways:

  • Oak and maple can withstand much wear and tear
  • Walnut and mahogany will create an elegant interior design
  • Cherry can endure prolonged exposure to sunlight
  • Teak and cedar wood are fantastic choices for al fresco dining
  • Pine is a top choice for lightweight furniture you can move easily
  • Reclaimed wood can help you create a unique interior design

The tables you choose will shape your restaurant's first impression, as they will determine its interior design, layout, and durability. For this reason, you must carefully choose a wooden table or tabletop that complements your concept and color palette.

As woods differ in strength, color, and texture, you must choose wisely to project the correct image and protect your restaurant's finances. For instance, hardwoods (oak, maple, walnut, cherry, teak, and mahogany) are stronger, darker, and more elegant than softwoods (pine, cedar, and fir), which are lighter and rustic.

Make an informed choice by learning about the ten different types of wood tables for each restaurant style.

  1. Oak for Family-Friendly Restaurants

  2. Oak is well-regarded for its strength and durability, making it a perfect choice for family-friendly restaurants. It can withstand constant use, as it is more resistant to dents or warping.

    A thick solid-wood oak is likely to stand the test of time in your restaurant. Plus, its non-porous, dense texture means it offers great water resistance and can quickly recover from spills during service.

    It is a smart choice for high-traffic venues, such as:

    • Family-friendly restaurants
    • Steakhouses
    • Pizzerias
    • Gastropubs

    If your high-traffic restaurant is on the small side, opt for a square solid oak table, as it will allow diners to sit comfortably when enjoying a meal and creates a more intimate environment. Also, it will provide your hardworking staff with plenty of space to take orders, serve dishes, and cater to customers' needs.

    jubilee outdoor picinic table frame with compcor finish

    Different options are available for your taste, budget, and restaurant's interior design. For instance, you could buy a custom solid oak butcher block table top in premium (1 3/4" thick solid wood) or economy (1 1/2" thick solid wood).

  3. Maple Wood for Fine Dining

  4. Maple has a silky aesthetic that can help create a bold yet elegant interior in a fine dining restaurant. As it is one of the hardest woods you can buy, it is ideal for restaurant tables that experience much wear and tear throughout the years.

    Also, maple often feels smoother than oak due to its tighter grain and can complement traditional and contemporary interior designs.

    If you are unsure about the best shape for a fine dining wood table, a round design is a worthy consideration. In addition to offering more seating capacity than square alternatives, it will provide an elegant, social atmosphere and ensures the table never feels crowded with dishes and glassware.

  5. Walnut is Ideal for Contemporary Restaurants

  6. Walnut has become one of the most popular types of wood for tables in contemporary restaurants. It offers stunning wavy grain patterns and a rich color to create a standout interior design.

    Customers will be wowed by the quality of the tables. Each will feature an eye-catching grain that will make a style statement, especially in a minimalist environment.

    In addition to providing an attractive grain pattern, walnut offers a dark, rich hue that looks expensive, helping to elevate a small or large restaurant, cocktail lounge, or luxury steakhouse. The dark and light patterns will add an extra layer of texture to your décor, helping to create a sophisticated backdrop for diners.

    Plus, you can create a custom table using a walnut top and your chosen base to give your restaurant the wow factor.

  7. Choose Cherry for Restaurants with Natural Sunlight

  8. Some woods will naturally fade when experiencing prolonged exposure to sunlight. For instance, oak might lose its golden, warm hue if the sun's UV rays are constantly beating down on a table.

    If your restaurant welcomes plenty of natural light from its windows or skylights, cherry is a smart choice. It will gradually darken when regularly exposed to sunlight indoors or outdoors, especially if you stain the table.

    Also, the soft lines and smooth grain can add a touch of sophistication and warmth to an interior or exterior, ensuring it stands out to customers for the right reasons.

  9. Mahogany Suits Traditional Restaurants

  10. If you want to steer away from contemporary design, mahogany is a wise pick when considering different types of wood tables. It can add a touch of heritage to a traditional restaurant, such as a historic eatery or an established American grill.

    The rich, dark tones can create a striking aesthetic and a warm and welcoming atmosphere for diners. Also, a mahogany table will retain its reddish texture over the years and darken over time, adding to its history and charm.

    The hardwood can last for decades if cared for well, as it is resistant to decay and rot and can withstand moisture. It won't contract or expand during fluctuating temperatures, improving its stability throughout the years.

    Thanks to its strength and timeless beauty, you will not feel the need to replace your restaurant furniture for many years to come. Also, you can whitewash a custom table top to add extra character to your furniture.

    Many options are available to complement different restaurant's needs and sizes. For instance, a mahogany banquet table would give a casual or formal dining room the wow factor.

  11. Teak is a Top Choice for Al Fresco Dining

  12. If your restaurant offers al fresco dining or you exclusively cater to diners outdoors, teak should be your first choice. As it has a dense wood grain with natural oils, it can withstand arduous weather conditions to ensure your furniture feels strong and looks attractive week after week.

    However, it is wise to cover up your furniture when not in use to help it stand the test of time and retain its brown hue. Also, you can protect its aesthetic appeal with routine sanding and oiling.

    Teak is a dream to clean, too. A simple wipe will allow your employees to banish spills, and a baking soda and warm water treatment can lift unwanted stains. As it is made from a real mature teak tree, you can trust it will remain strong and sturdy during regular use.

    Teak tables are a smart choice if you have a rooftop bar, beer garden, patio, or al fresco dining tables.

  13. Beech is Best for Bistros

  14. Beech is a great option for a sophisticated bistro or coffee shop, as it has a light hue to brighten up a space and can create a chic and contemporary interior design. Also, it won't appear as formal as a mahogany or maple table, helping to create a more relaxed, social atmosphere for diners.

    It is a must-add if you are eager to inject a natural, rustic aesthetic into your restaurant, bistro, or café.

  15. Cedar Wood is a Must-Have for Outdoor and Eco-Friendly Restaurants

  16. If you haven't fallen in love with teak, cedar is a fantastic alternative, as it will withstand humid temperatures and harsh weather conditions. Like teak, you don't need to worry about breaking or warping, and it is easy to maintain, helping to save your staff time and energy when cleaning tables between customers.

    Also, many eco-friendly restaurants have invested in cedar, as it is a sustainable material that naturally repels insects and emits a naturally sweet smell.

    If you want a social, strong, and sustainable table, consider incorporating the outdoor poly hex table with a cedar top into your al fresco dining area.

  17. Pine is Fine for Flexible Restaurants

  18. If you would like to regularly move or reposition furniture in your restaurant, don't overlook pine. It is one of the lightest types of wood for tables, meaning it is easier to move and reconfigure furniture when necessary.

    The softwood is great for restaurants on a tight budget, too, as it is one of the most affordable woods you can buy. Plus, you don't need to worry about your furniture clogging up landfill at the end of its life, as it is a renewable resource that is easy to repurpose or recycle.

    Also, every pine table offers a distinctive grain pattern, making it an ideal choice for restaurateurs eager to develop a rustic aesthetic. For instance, a pine farmhouse table will add a splash of charm to family-style dining experiences.

  19. Reclaimed Wood for Unique Dining Experiences

  20. If your restaurant prides itself on standing out from the competition and providing customers with unique dining experiences, you would be foolish to overlook reclaimed wood.

    As it will feature a mix of woods, such as pine, fir, and spruce, you can guarantee each table in your restaurant will be different but offer a similar aesthetic for cohesion. It will add an extra story to your interior design, and it is an eco-friendly way to furnish your distinctive restaurant.

    For example, as reclaimed wood is often repurposed from old barns or buildings, it adds authenticity and charm to a farm-to-table or rustic restaurant.

You can find all types of wood for tables at Restaurant Furniture Plus. Browse our extensive variety of tables at your leisure to find the correct material and design for your restaurant's needs and style. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call our friendly, helpful team at (844) 480-0855 (Mon - Fri, 9 am – 5 pm EST).