By Workshop Detroit
A dining table is far more than furniture. It is the heart of a home — where morning light meets fresh coffee, where holidays gather warmth and tradition, and where everyday evenings quietly become memories that last a lifetime.
If you are searching for a custom dining table in Detroit, one of your first questions is likely this:
How much does a custom dining table cost?
In today’s market, a handcrafted solid wood dining table built locally in Detroit typically ranges from $1,300 to $9,500+, depending on size, wood selection, thickness, and design complexity.
But numbers alone do not tell the full story.
Understanding what shapes that investment — and why custom tables differ so dramatically from mass-produced furniture — is essential before you decide.
Ambassador Dining Table by Workshop Detroit shown in an ebony stain finish
The Average Cost of a Custom Dining Table in Detroit
For homeowners seeking a true heirloom piece, pricing generally falls into the following ranges:
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54”–72” solid wood dining table: $1,300–$2,800
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84”–96” custom reclaimed wood table: $3,000–$5,000
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108”–120” statement dining table: $4,000–$9,500+
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Large commercial or conference tables: $6,000–$15,000+
These ranges reflect solid hardwood construction, custom sizing, and handcrafted fabrication — not veneer, particleboard, or factory assembly.
A custom dining table made in Detroit is designed to last decades, not seasons.
What Determines the Price of a Custom Dining Table?
Several critical factors influence the cost of a custom dining table. Understanding them helps you invest with clarity.
Size & Proportion
Dimensions directly affect material requirements, structural reinforcement, and labor.
A 72” table seats six comfortably. A 120” table becomes a commanding architectural element capable of seating ten or more.
As size increases, so does:
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Lumber volume
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Milling and joinery time
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Structural engineering
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Delivery complexity
Larger tables are not simply scaled-up versions — they are entirely different builds.
Wood Type & Material Selection
Wood species dramatically impact both price and aesthetic.
Common selections in Detroit include:
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Reclaimed pine
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Reclaimed oak
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Reclaimed Maple
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Oak
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Maple
Reclaimed wood dining tables often command higher pricing because the material must be sourced, often though deoconstruction, de-nailed, milled, stabilized, and re-milled before fabrication.
Older-growth reclaimed lumber also offers tighter grain, greater density, and character that modern lumber cannot replicate.
A solid wood dining table cost reflects the authenticity of the material itself.
Thickness & Construction
Thickness is where quality becomes visible.
Many factory tables use thin veneer over plywood, MDF or particle board cores . A true custom table uses full-thickness hardwood — often 1.5” to 3” solid wood tops — creating both visual weight and structural integrity.
Heavier tops require:
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More premium lumber
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Precision joinery
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Advanced flattening and stabilization
The result is a table that feels permanent.
Commonwealth Dining Table by Workshop Detroit shown in a natural clear coat finish
Base Design & Craftsmanship
The base of a table is its foundation — visually and structurally.
Panel legs, trestle bases, architectural pedestals, metal-accented and metal frame designs increase fabrication time and complexity.
Joinery methods, hidden reinforcement, and finishing detail all contribute to final pricing.
This is where craftsmanship distinguishes a custom dining table from a mass-produced alternative.
Finish & Long-Term Protection
A proper finish does more than add sheen.
High-performance finishes help protect against:
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Water rings
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Heat exposure
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Daily spills
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Long-term wear
Commercial-grade finishes cost more initially but extend the life of your table dramatically — particularly for families or high-traffic homes.
Delivery & Installation
Solid wood dining tables are substantial in both size and weight.
White-glove delivery, stair carries, elevator logistics, and on-site assembly can influence final cost — especially for larger custom builds in urban Detroit homes or loft spaces.
Reclaimed Wood Dining Table Cost vs. New Wood
Many buyers ask whether reclaimed wood is more expensive than new lumber.
In most cases, yes.
Reclaimed wood requires:
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Careful sourcing
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Material preparation
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Stabilization and re-milling
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Precision fabrication
But the benefits are significant:
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Older growth density
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Unique grain variation
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Sustainable material reuse
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One-of-a-kind character
A reclaimed wood dining table is not just furniture — it is material history reimagined.
For many homeowners, sustainability and authenticity justify the investment.
Why Custom Tables Cost More — And Why They Endure
Mass-produced tables are built for speed and margin.
Custom dining tables are built for permanence.
When you invest in a handmade dining table in Detroit, you receive:
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Exact dimensions for your space
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Solid hardwood construction
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Traditional joinery
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Long-term refinishing capability
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Generational durability
Over twenty years, replacing cheaper tables multiple times often exceeds the cost of one well-built custom piece.
True value reveals itself over time.
Real-World Custom Dining Table Pricing Examples
To provide perspective, here are realistic Detroit-based scenarios:
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84” reclaimed wood dining table with panel legs: typically mid-$3,000 range
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96” solid reclaimed oak statement table with custom base: typically low to mid-$4,000 range
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120” architectural conference table: often $8,000+ depending on specifications
Every table varies based on design and material selection, but these examples provide helpful benchmarks when budgeting.
For current handcrafted options, explore our Detroit Dining Tables collection.
Old growth lumber at Workshop Detroit reclaimed from 2681 Pearl Street in Detroit
How to Budget for a Custom Dining Table
Before commissioning a custom table, consider:
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Room dimensions and clearances
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Desired seating capacity
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Wood species preference
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Base style
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Delivery logistics
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Whether matching benches or seating will accompany the table
Most homeowners approach this purchase similarly to a kitchen appliance investment — foundational, long-term, and central to daily living.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to build a custom dining table in Detroit?
Lead times typically range from 6 to 10 weeks, depending on design complexity and material availability.
Is reclaimed wood worth the higher cost?
For buyers who value sustainability, character, and old-growth density, reclaimed wood offers unmatched visual and structural benefits.
Can a solid wood dining table be refinished?
Yes. One of the greatest advantages of solid hardwood is the ability to sand and refinish decades later, extending its lifespan significantly.
What is the difference between a custom table and a store-bought table?
Custom tables are built to exact dimensions using solid hardwood and handcrafted joinery, offering custom stains and finishes, while many store-bought tables rely on veneer and factory assembly methods.
Final Thoughts: Is a Custom Table Worth the Investment?
A dining table is more than a surface — it is the quiet center of a home. It holds the weight of shared meals, long conversations, late-night projects, holiday traditions, and the ordinary moments that become lasting memories.
When crafted from solid hardwood and built with intention, a custom table doesn’t simply fill a room — it anchors it. It gains character over time, reflecting the life lived around it, growing richer with every year rather than wearing out.
If you’re considering a custom dining table, understanding the investment is the beginning. Choosing craftsmanship, sustainability, and permanence is what transforms that investment into something enduring.
Explore our handcrafted dining tables made from sustainably sourced reclaimed lumber and discover a table designed not just for today — but for generations.