Solid Wood Dining Tables

A solid wood dining table is more than furniture — it’s a gathering place. It’s where meals are shared, stories unfold, and years of family life leave their mark in the best way possible. At Workshop Detroit, we build solid wood dining tables by hand in our Detroit fabrication shop, using durable lumber designed to last for decades.

If you’re considering a solid wood dining table and you want something real — not veneer, not engineered filler — this guide will help you understand what matters, what to look for, and how to choose the right table with confidence.

What Is a Solid Wood Dining Table?

A solid wood dining table is made from full-thickness hardwood planks rather than thin veneers wrapped over a core. This means the tabletop you see is the same wood all the way through — no layers, no imitation, no shortcuts.

Solid wood tables offer:

  • Authentic grain & natural variation

  • Strength and durability over time

  • Ability to be refinished rather than replaced

  • A premium feel you simply can’t fake

Veneer tables may look similar on the surface, but solid wood tables are built for life, not for a season.

Solid Wood vs Veneer Dining Tables

Feature Solid Wood Table Veneer Table
Material Full planks of hardwood Thin wood layer over engineered core
Lifespan Decades+ with care Shorter — cannot be refinished as deeply
Durability Highly durable More prone to chipping/peeling
Aesthetic Natural, lived-in beauty Perfectly uniform but less character
Aging Patina improves over time Looks dated as finish wears

A solid wood dining table gains charm with use. A veneer table shows wear quickly — and can’t be repaired the same way.

Why Choose a Solid Wood Dining Table?

People choose solid wood for the same reasons they choose a cast-iron pan or leather boots — longevity, beauty, and authenticity.

A solid wood table:

  • Feels substantial and grounding in a room

  • Handles everyday use with grace

  • Can be passed down — not thrown out

  • Ages alongside your home and family

It’s an investment, not a placeholder.

Woods We Use for Solid Dining Tables

We specialize in reclaimed hardwoods and sustainably sourced lumber, chosen for beauty, strength, and character. Common options include:

Reclaimed pine — warm, character-rich, full of history
Reclaimed oak — dense, durable, timeless grain
White oak — clean modern look, excellent durability

Each board is unique — which means your table will be too.

Solid Wood Dining Table Sizes & Seating Guide

Choosing the right table size matters — both visually and functionally.

Use these guidelines:

Clearance:
Allow 36" of space around the table for chairs and movement.

Seating width:
Plan 24" per person along the table edge.

Common Lengths:

  • 72" seats 6 comfortably

  • 84" seats 6–8

  • 96" seats 8–10

  • 108"+ seats 10+

If you need a specific size, we build custom dimensions often — wide, long, narrow, banquet style, you name it.

Solid Wood Table Construction — What Actually Matters

Here’s what to look for when comparing solid wood tables:

1. Thickness of the Top

Thicker tops feel premium and resist flexing.

2. Joinery

Helps with wood movement and long-term stability.

3. Finish Type

Durable finishes protect from spills and everyday use.

4. Base Stability & Legroom

Nothing matters if the table wobbles — ours don’t.

Solid Wood Dining Tables vs Reclaimed Wood Tables

Many of our solid wood tables are also reclaimed wood tables — but they are not always the same thing.

Solid wood = construction method
Reclaimed wood = material origin

You can have:

  • Solid wood (new)

  • Solid wood (reclaimed)

  • Veneer (new or reclaimed style)

We focus on solid and reclaimed because both offer beauty and longevity you can feel.

If you want a deeper dive into reclaimed wood specifically, read our guide here:
→ Reclaimed Wood Dining Table Guide

Explore Our Solid Wood Dining Tables

Below are hand-built solid wood dining tables we make in Detroit. Each piece can be customized for size, wood type, base style, and finish.

Caring for a Solid Wood Dining Table

Solid wood doesn’t demand perfection — just awareness.

Care basics:

  • Clean with mild soap + soft cloth (no bleach or citrus)

  • Use coasters for hot/wet items

  • Expect minor movement with seasons — normal for real wood

  • Refinishing is possible years down the road

You don’t have to baby it — just respect it.

Why We Build Solid Wood Dining Tables

Because the world doesn’t need more disposable furniture.

We believe furniture should be:

  • Built with intention

  • Made from honest materials

  • Crafted to outlive trends

And that’s exactly what a solid wood dining table is.

Solid Wood Dining Table FAQs

Is a solid wood table worth it?
If you want something long-lasting, repairable, and full of character — yes.

Will solid wood scratch or dent?
It can, but that’s part of its story. Most marks can be sanded or blended.

Can I get a custom size?
Absolutely. Most of our tables are made to order.

Do solid wood tables stain?
With proper finish and care, they hold up well. Use coasters for best results.

Built to Last. Built in Detroit, USA.

Every solid wood dining table we make is handcrafted in Detroit, Michigan by skilled craftspeople. No particleboard. No veneers. No shortcuts. Just honest materials and a table built for generations of use.

If you’re looking for a solid wood dining table made with care, transparency, and craftsmanship, explore our tables or reach out to discuss a custom piece.