How to select the best table top

Choosing the right table top is just as important as the rest of the furniture in your home. Not only does a table top serve a useful role, but also has a huge impact on your room's overall look and feel. It's where you have your meals, read magazines, the kids do their homework, family gathers for meetings, etc. It can also be a centre spot where loved ones and friends catch up and enjoy each other's company.

So, which table top should you choose? Well, table tops come in different shapes, sizes and materials, making it difficult for the average buyer to know where to start. Luckily, we've put together this simple guide to help you find the right table top for your table legs.

What material should you choose for your table top?

Perhaps the first thing that comes to mind when shopping for a table top is what material to choose. Your choice of material will largely depend on what the table will be used for and how you want it to look. Below, we look at the different materials you can pick for your table top.

Solid wood

Wooden table tops are the most popular choices. A timeless classic, wood is the best option for those looking for a material that will add warmth and natural beauty to their kitchen, living room, or dining room. It's also durable and hard-wearing. If well taken care of, wood can last for many years. You can choose from different types of wood depending on your budget and styling needs. Teak is the most popular choice for indoor and outdoor furniture as it is durable and weather resistant. It has a high oil content that protects the wood from termites and water. Acacia is also a great choice. It has an attractive natural grain, antibacterial properties, and water resistance.

Glass

Glass table tops are not so common but are known for their beauty and luxury. Since the glass is transparent, it gives the illusion of more space, making your room look bigger. Glass table tops are also easy to clean. A quick wipe is enough to remove any spills. And the better part is that it doesn't leave any permanent marks or stains behind. However, glass requires regular cleaning because even the smallest marks, such as fingerprints, are noticeable. Even though glass table tops are durable, accidents can happen, so they may not be the best choice if you have pets or children.

Marble

Marble is a strong, sturdy material that is mined worldwide. Different regions produce different variations of the material. However, marble is naturally porous, so proper care should be taken to keep it in good condition. Regular cleaning is needed to remove dust and dirt that can damage the material. Immediately clean spills such as orange and coffee as they may cause irreversible stains.

MDF

Modified-density fiberboard (MDF) is one of the most commonly used engineered woods in furniture making. It's the best alternative for those who can't afford solid wood. MDF table tops are more resistant to moisture. The material expands and shrinks as a whole while maintaining the shape and integrity of the board. In addition, MDF doesn't have a specific texture or grain, meaning it's easier to paint and seal.

How to choose the right table top shape

The first thing that comes to mind when you think of a table top is a rectangle, square, or round piece of furniture. However, there are a few other shapes you can select when buying a table top.

Rectangular

Perhaps the most popular choice, rectangular table tops have a simple, linear shape that fits perfectly in most rooms. They are also practical, and their long narrow designs make them a good option for large-scale entertaining. In a small room, rectangular table tops can be pushed against the wall to maximise space. They are extremely versatile.

Square

The best choice for small living rooms, square table tops offer a great way to maintain proportion and balance in symmetrical rooms. They may not be as big as rectangular table tops, but with sufficient space between each person, it’s easy to hold conversations and friendly chats.

Round

A round table top is also great for small rooms. It has no sharp corners, making it easy to move around. The seating capacity is also not fixed, meaning you can squeeze a few more people around the table. However, you cannot fix a round table in a corner or against the wall.

Oval

Combining the linear shape of rectangular tables and the intimacy of round tables, oval table tops offer the best of both worlds. Most oval tables are the size of rectangular tables, meaning they can accommodate more people. Since it doesn't have a predetermined number of seats, you can easily add another chair to it if you get a last-minute guest.

What table top size should you choose?

The size of the table top you choose will be determined by how often you use the table. It’s recommended to leave a space of 1 metre from the table to the nearest furniture or wall. This will give you enough space to sit and rise from the table without straining. You also need to leave a space of about 24 -30 inches between each chair to allow for comfortable seating.

The shape of your kitchen or dining table will also determine the number of chairs that can fit around it. Rectangular tables can accommodate more people, but round or circular tables are the best option for people with limited space.

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Material: Glass table top