The Finest Woods for Crafting Restaurant Tables: A Guide

Choosing the best wood for restaurant tables isn’t just about looks—it’s about performance, cost, and how the tables are built. At TimeWorn, we craft solid-wood restaurant table tops that pair species like maple, oak, and walnut with an industrial-grade acrylic polyurethane finish, so they stand up to busy service while matching your design.

This guide explains how species, sawn orientation, color, and durability affect your decision, with plain-English comparisons (maple vs oak vs walnut) and sourcing notes (including reclaimed). If you’d like to see exactly how we build our tables—from lumber selection to final topcoat—our process page walks through every step so you know what to expect.

Many species of trees provide great material for restaurant table tops. Because we at TimeWorn use a quality finish on all our wood table tops, we guarantee that, no matter the wood type, they will endure all of the wear that comes with the regular use in busy restaurants and other hospitality businesses. From the strong maple to the soft pine, your tables will beautifully integrate with your business’s aesthetic and last for decades with proper care.

Each species of tree has its own physical qualities, wood grain & color that can fit in well with your restaurant’s design.

Considerations When Choosing a Wood Type for Your Table Tops

Wood is not uniform. No species will match the characteristics of another. Even within species, coloring and graining will differ. The wood choice for your table tops needs to match the overall ambience and experience you hope to convey in your establishment. Your table top appearance should blend seamlessly with the rest of the restaurant design. The quality should fit the class of food that will be served on the tables.

Heartwood vs. Sapwood

If you were to look at a round tree stump from the top you would see the outer ring of bark encircling several rings all the way to the center of the wood. As the name suggests, the heartwood is at the center of the tree. Heartwood consists of dead cells and contains less moisture. These properties make heartwood less susceptible to fungus and shrinkage and thus an ideal wood for any furnishing construction. Sapwood contains more moisture and living cells. This is where all water and nutrients are transported throughout the tree. Sapwood is typically lighter in color and softer than the heartwood.

Quarter Sawn and Flat Sawn

Quarter sawn and flat sawn (also known as plain sawn) wood refer to the way in which the wood has been cut. Flat sawn wood is sliced horizontally. This is considered the most economical way to cut lumber; however, it may not produce the best results for every project. Quarter sawn wood involves cutting the log into quarters and then slicing the wood perpendicular to the growth rings. This cut results in a straighter grain pattern. Although this process is more labor intensive, the result is lumber that is consistent in beauty and overall quality. Quarter sawn wood is far less likely to warp or split.

Hardwood vs. Softwood

Although hardwood is considered more durable than softwood, the differences have less to do with strength and more to do with the type of tree. Hardwood can be categorized as the trees that lose their leaves in the autumn – these would be trees like mahogany, maple, and oak. Softwood consists of evergreens – fir and pine for example.

Softwood’s fast-growing nature and abundance lower the overall cost of these timbers. Because of its fast growth, it is also considered more sustainable than hardwood. The fast growth of the softwood trees, however, can have a slight negative effect on the durability of the tree – the growth rings will not form as tightly which means the material will not be as strong. For this same reason, softwood trees are usually more flexible and lighter in weight than hardwood. It should be noted that this is not always the case.

Because of its growth properties, hardwood typically has the more distinctive, prominent graining. Softwoods graining will usually be less pronounced and the color, in many cases, lighter.

Color

Wood naturally comes in various colors and shades. From the light color of beech and pine to the dark walnut, the natural color of various wood species can create vastly different atmospheres and aesthetics. For even more range consider different stains on your table tops. White oak table tops, for example, can range in appearance from a light tan to a deep, rich brown depending on the stain you choose and the age of the wood.

Patina, the natural aging process that comes with time, results in a natural coloring and enhancement of graining that can’t be duplicated. Regardless of wood type, reclaimed wood offers this desired characteristic. Each wood species ages in different ways, but the process usually results in a darker, richer color than the original fresh cut.  There is often a huge variation in patina from board to board and often times a variation on the same board.

Durability

Different species of wood are going to be more durable than others because of their growth pattern. When considering durability, hardwood tree species are a good starting point. Trees that grow slowly tend to have tighter growth rings that create a denser material. These will be heavier, less flexible, and have an overall stronger quality than fast growing trees.

Aesthetic Appeal

Each species has an aesthetic that others can’t match. With so many wood options and stain options, you are sure to find one that fits the aesthetic appeal of your restaurant. Considering the overall style of your restaurant should help narrow down the wood species and stain colors.

Woods that have more prominent graining or graining with unique swirls or patterns are typically considered more aesthetically pleasing than the more muted grains, but this isn’t always the case. Sometimes a less prominent grain fits better with the overall aesthetic of your restaurant. If your restaurant space is already abundant in visual elements, you may consider wood with less pronounced patterns and color variations.

Eco-Conscious

If you are a restaurant that prides itself on sustainability, the source and species of your table tops should be the main focus in your decision making process. The sustainability of wood can vary among species based on the growth rate, carbon footprint of transportation, and forest management practices. Fast growth species, like pine, are abundant and easily harvested in the U.S. Wood grown locally, reduces the carbon footprint by limiting the amount of energy needed to transport the lumber.

Another eco-friendly option would be reclaimed wood. Saved from old buildings or barns due for demolition, these are considered your most sustainable option.

At TimeWorn we are proud to say that all our wood is sourced here in the U.S. Nothing we build is ever imported and all our construction is done right here in America.

Price

The species that are more abundant and require less energy to harvest are going to be less expensive than others. Pine, for example, is common for basic constructions because of its abundance. Walnut is unique, slow growing, and hard to find which means a pricier option; however, the beauty that comes with walnut may be worth the price to fit your establishment. The appearance of wood also plays a factor in the price. Distinct or unique graining is going to be considered more valuable because of the added character.

Thickness, the cutting process and the drying of wood is also a consideration. The longer or thicker pieces of wood generally cost more because of higher material cost and processing requirements. As mentioned before, quarter sawn wood is a more labor intensive process that will generally cost more.

Transportation and logistics can also affect the price. Sticking to locally sourced wood can save significantly on costs.

Wood Options

Ash

Ash is a hardwood known for its exceptional strength and flexibility, making it an ideal choice for sturdy restaurant table tops. Its natural color ranges from pale beige to light brown, and its prominent, straight grain creates a bold, distinctive look that works well in both modern and rustic settings.

Ash is also valued for its workability, making it easy to shape and finish. It takes stains beautifully, allowing it to replicate the appearance of more expensive wood like oak or walnut. Ash’s durability ensures that table tops crafted from this wood will stand up to the rigors of daily restaurant use while maintaining their visual appeal. Whether used in a minimalist, modern design or a cozy, farmhouse-inspired space, ash table tops provide a perfect balance of style and practicality.

Cherry

Cherry is an all-around great product for any furniture construction. The wood is strong and fairly easy to work with to produce beautiful finished products. It is prized for its versatility and elegance.

Colonial furniture makers called cherry wood the “New England Mahogany” because fresh cut cherry, although light reddish-brown when fresh cut, darkens to a shade similar to mahogany with age and exposure to light. The graining on cherry is straight and unpronounced keeping the eye focused on its rich reddish color.

Cherry wood is a warm wood that works well in a variety of atmospheres. It can add elegance in a fine dining establishment or provide an intimate atmosphere in bistros.

Maple

Maple is prized for its smooth, uniform grain and light, creamy color, making it a popular choice for sleek, modern restaurant table tops. Known for its durability and hardness, maple is highly resistant to wear and tear, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic dining establishments.

One of maple’s most appealing qualities is its versatility. It can be left with a natural finish to maintain its light, clean look or stained to mimic darker woods like walnut. Its subtle graining ensures it blends seamlessly with a wide range of design styles, from casual cafés to elegant dining rooms. Maple table tops are perfect for establishments seeking a contemporary yet timeless aesthetic that can withstand years of use.

Pine

Abundant in North America, Pine is the most common wood in all construction projects. Used for everything from framing houses to furnishing those houses, pine is an affordable option for all lumber needs. Pine is a softwood that grows quickly and can be found in much of the U.S. This abundance makes the timber readily available.

Because of its fast growth, the graining is going to be less pronounced in your pine table tops than in hardwood options. The natural coloring of pine is a lighter wood that can hold a yellowish/reddish hue. These woods darken with time to form a browner hue. A patina solid pine table top is going to be a rich brown that can add a rustic quality to your restaurant space.

Pine tables are great for casual dining or a laid back atmosphere. They have a rustic quality that works well for the farmhouse aesthetic or outdoor dining.

Poplar

Although considered a hardwood, Poplars are less dense and lighter than others. Poplar is referred to as an economical hardwood. Commonly used for practical, functional items, poplar is easy to work with and takes paints, glue, and stains well. The graining of poplars can be uniform and straight, although occasional swirls or streaks may make an appearance in the wood. Overall, the graining is not as tight as other hardwoods.

Poplar is considered one of the more affordable options. If you are looking for wood with a lower price tag and a classy look, poplar can do the job with the right stain. Like pine table tops, poplar table tops are a great way to furnish your restaurant on a budget.

Poplar is another wood that would do well in a casual establishment like diners or in restaurants seeking an airy feel on a budget.

Red Oak

Red Oak is a staple in the world of hardwoods, known for its strength, versatility, and pronounced grain patterns. This hardwood is widely available across North America, making it an economical choice for restaurant table tops without sacrificing quality or beauty. The natural color of red oak ranges from light brown to pinkish-red hues, with its distinct grain adding visual interest to any space.

Due to its durability, red oak is a great choice for busy restaurants that experience high traffic. It takes stains and finishes exceptionally well, allowing it to fit into various design aesthetics, from rustic to modern. Whether you opt for a natural finish to highlight its striking grain or a darker stain for a more refined look, red oak table tops are sure to enhance your restaurant’s ambiance.

Walnut

A hardwood, walnut is a slow-growing tree. It can take half a century from planting before a walnut tree is ready to harvest for timber. For this reason, it is one of the most valuable, locally grown woods. It is rare to find walnut in long planks and when found they will cost more.

Walnut is one of the darker natural woods. In fact, walnut is the only dark wood native to North America. A natural solid walnut table top is going to be a rich, deep brown. Walnut is also sought after for its beautiful swirling grain. Each plank is wondrously unique, providing a distinctive finish that delights the eyes. No other wood is going to match the aesthetic appeal of walnut.

Walnut table tops are an excellent choice for upscale, fine dining restaurants. From its deep, brown hues to its striking grain patterns, walnut table tops provide a natural beauty that is both luxurious and cozy. Its longevity also ensures that the tables will age well in your fine dining establishment.

White Oak

White Oak accounts for a large part of American hardwood. Known for its sustainability and overall strength. Its graining is straight and coarse and typically denser than red oak. Although called a “white” oak, the coloring usually ranges from a tan to a medium brown with undertones of gray.

Commonly used for barrels for bourbon and wine, this wood can fit in well with the bar setting. In its natural coloring, it also has a tranquil, uniform appearance that can add warmth to your business. The graining is typically pronounced for added visual appeal. The wood also takes finishes well adding to this wood’s overall versatility.

White oak table tops fit in well with a wide variety of eating establishments. They can blend in well with whatever ambiance you are going for in your restaurant. They can evoke sophistication and elegance in a fine dining establishment, or they can add rustic style to a steakhouse.

Reclaimed Wood

Reclaimed wood is a category of its own. Although reclaimed wood can be from any species, the aging process and maturity of the trees that comprise reclaimed wood maintain a consistent personality between species that is worth noting.

As far as beauty, reclaimed wood becomes more attractive with age. The maturity also ensures a durability that today’s harvested timber can’t match. Reclaimed wood comes from old structures. Before the trees were cut for these structures they had matured for centuries, creating tight rings that contribute to their strength. These tight rings are also contributors to its beauty.

If you compare new oak tables (photo on the left) to reclaimed oak tables (photo on the right), the difference will be instantly recognizable. The grains of the reclaimed wood will be denser. The natural aging will have made the wood darker and richer in color.