The best oak dining table is made from solid oak, built with strong traditional joints, and sized for your room with around 60 cm of table edge per person. Solid oak lasts for generations and can be sanded and refinished, while veneered or "oak effect" tables can't. A handmade oak table lets you choose the exact size, shape, legs and finish, so it fits your room and your family perfectly.
At Oak & Pine by Design, we make bespoke dining tables by hand in our Honley workshop, from farmhouse tables to elegant oval designs. Here's how to choose an oak dining table you'll keep for life.
Solid oak vs oak veneer vs oak effect
| Solid oak | Oak veneer | Oak effect | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Made from | Solid timber throughout | Thin oak layer over board | Printed foil or laminate |
| Can be sanded and refinished | Yes, many times | Only very lightly | No |
| Weight and feel | Heavy, solid, substantial | Lighter | Lightest |
| Lifespan | Generations | Years | Shorter |
Always ask what "oak" means. Many tables sold as oak are veneer or oak effect. Every oak table we make is built from solid timber.
What size dining table do you need?
| Seats | Typical rectangular table length |
|---|---|
| 4 | around 120 to 140 cm |
| 6 | around 160 to 180 cm |
| 8 | around 200 to 240 cm |
| 10 | around 260 cm or more |
Allow around 60 cm of table edge per person, and leave roughly 90 cm between the table and walls or furniture so chairs can be pulled out comfortably. A bespoke table can be made to the exact size your room allows.
Choosing a table shape
- Rectangular: the most practical for long rooms and larger families
- Oval: softer, easier to move around, and seats more people without corners. We recently made a bespoke oval dining table.
- Round: sociable and ideal for smaller, square rooms
- Square: good for four, and can suit open-plan spaces
Want a table made to your exact size? Talk to Daniel about a commission.
Farmhouse oak dining tables
A farmhouse table has a thick, solid top, sturdy legs and a relaxed, lived-in feel. It's made to be used every day, for homework, baking and long family dinners, and it only gets better with age. Farmhouse tables look perfect in country and farmhouse kitchens, and they can be paired with a painted base for a two-tone look.
Legs, joints and finishes
Legs
Choose square tapered legs for a simple modern look, chunky square legs for a farmhouse style, or turned legs for a classic or period feel. Daniel is a skilled woodturner, so ask us about hand-turned legs to your own design or to match existing furniture.
Joints
A good table is held together with proper joinery, such as mortise and tenon joints between legs and rails. That's what stops it wobbling after years of use.
Finishes
Oil gives a natural, repairable finish that's easy to refresh. Wax gives a soft sheen. Lacquer gives more resistance to spills. We'll help you choose based on how you'll use the table.
Match your table to your home
A bespoke table can be made to match your kitchen, dresser or other furniture. Our client Lee Hough had fitted wardrobes, drawers and bedside tables made by us, then "also had a dining table made to match."
Frequently asked questions
Is solid oak good for a dining table?
Yes. It's strong, durable and handsome, and marks can be sanded out and refinished.
How do you care for an oak dining table?
Wipe with a soft, damp cloth, use mats for hot dishes and wet glasses, and refresh the oil or wax finish from time to time.
What size table seats 6?
A rectangular table of around 160 to 180 cm usually seats six comfortably.
Can you make a bespoke oak dining table?
Yes. We make tables to your exact size, shape and design, in oak or the timber of your choice.
A table made for your family
Every table we make is designed with you and built by hand in our Honley workshop by master craftsman Daniel Fitzpatrick and his team. It's furniture made for life. See our handmade tables and matching handmade chairs.
Visit us at Unit 3, Crossley Mills, Honley, HD9 6PL. Your first consultation is free.
Book a showroom visit or call 01484 666 333.