Reclaimed Wood Dining Tables

Handcrafted in Detroit

Choosing a dining table is one of the most important furniture decisions you’ll make. It’s where daily meals happen, conversations linger, and years of life quietly unfold. At Workshop Detroit, we build dining tables by hand using reclaimed and sustainably sourced hardwoods—designed to last decades, not design cycles.

We design and build reclaimed wood dining tables by hand in our Detroit workshop using time-tested methods and sustainably sourced lumber.

This guide is written by the same craftspeople who build your table — not a marketing department. We are here to help you choose the right dining table for your space, your lifestyle, and the way you actually live.

Why a Reclaimed Wood Dining Table Lasts Longer Than Mass-Produced Furniture

A reclaimed wood dining table is built from full-depth solid lumber rather than veneers or engineered cores commonly found in factory-made furniture. The wood we use has already lived a long life, often for decades, which makes it naturally more stable and better suited for daily use.

Unlike mass-produced dining tables designed around trends and price points, a handcrafted reclaimed wood dining table is built for longevity. The weight, thickness, and construction all contribute to a table that feels solid, grounded, and made to last.

Reclaimed wood also brings warmth and character that simply can’t be replicated with new materials. Natural grain variation, subtle texture, and patina tell the story of the wood’s past life — and give your table a sense of authenticity that improves with age.

What Is a Reclaimed Wood Dining Table?

A reclaimed wood dining table is made from lumber salvaged from deconstructed houses, commercial buildings, and industrial buildings. This wood is carefully cleaned, re-milled, and prepared for new use, while preserving its strength and character.

Because reclaimed wood has spent decades drying naturally in real-world conditions, it tends to be more dimensionally stable than newly harvested lumber. This makes it especially well-suited for solid wood dining tables that are meant to handle daily use year after year.

Reclaimed Wood Dining Table vs New Wood Dining Table

A reclaimed wood dining table:

  • Uses solid, full-thickness lumber

  • Shows natural variation and character

  • Is more stable due to age and seasoning

  • Reuses existing materials in a sustainable way

A new wood dining table:

  • Often relies on veneers or engineered cores

  • Can be more prone to movement early on

  • Is typically designed for faster production

  • May prioritize uniformity over longevity

How to Choose the Right Reclaimed Wood Dining Table for Your Home

Reclaimed Wood Dining Table Size Guide

Choosing the right size is one of the most important decisions when selecting a dining table.

General guidelines:

  • Allow at least 36 inches of clearance around the table for chairs and movement

  • Plan for about 24 inches of table width per person

  • Rectangular tables work well in longer rooms

  • Square or round tables suit smaller or more intimate spaces

Common dining table sizes:

  • 6-person table: approximately 72 inches long

  • 8-person table: 84 to 96 inches long

  • 10-person table: 108 inches or longer

If your space is unique, a custom reclaimed wood dining table allows you to dial in the perfect proportions.

Thickness, Joinery, and Solid Wood Construction

A quality reclaimed wood dining table should feel substantial. Thickness matters not only visually, but structurally.

Solid wood dining tables are built from full planks rather than thin veneers laminated to a core. Thicker tops provide strength, reduce flex, and help the table age gracefully over time. Proper joinery allows the table to accommodate natural wood movement through seasonal changes, which is normal and expected with solid wood furniture.

This is one of the key differences between handcrafted dining tables and mass-produced alternatives.

Steel vs Wood Bases for Reclaimed Wood Dining Tables

The base of a reclaimed wood dining table affects both appearance and function.

Steel bases:

  • Provide a clean, modern or industrial look

  • Offer excellent stability

  • Allow for more flexible seating arrangements

Wood bases:

  • Feel warm and traditional

  • Pair well with farmhouse or classic interiors

  • Highlight craftsmanship and joinery

The right base depends on how you use your table, how many people you seat regularly, and the overall feel you want in your space.

Are Reclaimed Wood Dining Tables Right for You?

These Tables Are a Great Fit If:

  • You value craftsmanship over mass production

  • You want furniture that lasts for decades

  • You appreciate natural variation and character

  • You’re comfortable with a piece that’s truly one of a kind

These Tables May Not Be Right If:

  • You want factory-perfect uniformity

  • You need next-week delivery

  • You prefer lightweight, disposable furniture

Being honest about fit helps ensure long-term satisfaction.

Our Handcrafted Reclaimed Wood Dining Tables

Below are examples of reclaimed wood dining tables we build by hand in Detroit using solid hardwoods and durable finishes. Each table is made to order and can be customized for size, wood type, and base style.

Explore our collection of reclaimed wood dining tables to see designs that balance function, character, and long-term durability.

Caring for a Reclaimed Wood Dining Table

A reclaimed wood dining table is designed to be lived with, not tiptoed around.

Simple care tips:

  • Wipe with a soft cloth and mild soap as needed

  • Use coasters or trivets for hot or wet items

  • Expect subtle seasonal movement — this is normal for solid wood

With minimal care, your table will continue to develop character and patina over time.

Handmade Reclaimed Wood Dining Tables Built in Detroit

Every reclaimed wood dining table we make is built in at our fabrication shop in Detroit, Michigan by skilled craftspeople who care deeply about materials, process, and longevity. Our roots in Detroit influence how we work — honest materials, thoughtful construction, and furniture built to endure.

We ship nationwide and work with customers across the country on both standard and custom dining tables.

Reclaimed Wood Dining Table FAQs

What is a reclaimed wood dining table?
A reclaimed wood dining table is made from salvaged lumber that has been cleaned, re-milled, and crafted into a new table using solid wood construction.

Will a reclaimed wood dining table warp or crack?
Minor movement is natural with solid wood, but properly dried reclaimed wood is highly stable and built to accommodate seasonal changes.

Is a reclaimed wood dining table food safe?
Yes. Our tables are finished with durable, food-safe finishes designed for everyday dining.

How long does it take to build a reclaimed wood dining table?
Lead times vary based on design and customization, but each table is built to order and takes about 10 weeks.

Built to Be Lived With for Decades

A reclaimed wood dining table should feel like an anchor in your home — not a temporary purchase. If you’re looking for a solid wood dining table built with care, transparency, and longevity in mind, explore our dining tables or reach out to discuss a custom build.