Solid Wood vs. Engineered Wood Dining Tables: What One Should You Choose?

Shopping for furniture these days can have moments of confusion with so many different types of materials in the market. It’s not too distant when shopping for a dining table, as you’ll hear about the terms solid or natural wood and engineered wood. Two decades ago, a wooden dining table would have meant a table made of familiar types of wood such as teak wood, rosewood, deodar, oak or Mahogany. These days, environmental concerns and cost factors have made engineered woods popular. Plywood, for instance, is a well-known engineered wood used in furniture.

This article will examine these types of woods, what suits your dining table, and their pros and cons. Read the post thoroughly before you buy dining table online.

What is Solid Wood?

Solid wood is the natural wood obtained by cutting trees used for timber. Some well-known woods in India include teak wood, rosewood, sal wood, cedar wood, pine wood and many more. Traditionally, these were used to make solid wood dining tables, doors, chairs and other furniture. Sold wood tend to be robust and durable and come in different densities, which make it suitable for other type of furniture. Teak, rubberwood and rosewood were frequently used traditionally to make dining tables that are strong and durable- you probably even have sets that were handed down from one or two generations! The weight of a dining table 6 seater made of natural wood would also be quite heavy if you have an old set that was passed down to you.

What is Engineered Wood?

Engineered trees are not cut out of felled trees in the form of beams and slabs. Instead, they are manufactured using different kinds of industrial processes. Plywood, for example, is made out of cross-laminated veneer sheets bonded with water-resistant adhesives and cured under heat to achieve the desired strength and properties. Some plywoods are also water resistant and can handle prolonged exposure to moisture. These days, engineered wood dining tables frequently use plywood, which comes in large sizes and can be cut into any shape. They are commonly used for making dining table 6 seater. Other engineered wood, such as particle boards and HDF, are made by binding wood chips or sawdust with a resin to form a flat, workable piece of wood. However, these woods are limited to dining table 4 seater and seldom used in large dining table because of their material properties; instead, they are more prevalent in other types of furniture, such as shelves and study tables.

Pros and Cons of Solid Wood

Solid wood dining table comes with its own set of pros and cons.

Pros

Solid woods are a traditional choice for dining table; they come with natural varieties in colours and patterns.
They are highly durable and take a good amount of weight, making them suitable for dining table 6 seater.
Solid woods can be given beautiful finishes that look and feel natural and classy
Damage to the wood can be easily repaired.
It is easier to maintain and look brand new when refurbished.

Check out dining benches at Nilkamal Furniture

Cons

Depending on the wood type, solid wood dining tables are expensive.
They are not environmentally friendly as they contribute to cutting natural wood.
Solid woods are susceptible to termites and insect damage.
Solid wood tables are generally heavy and difficult to move. A dining table 6 seater can be hard to shift and relocate frequently.
Solid woods are also susceptible to moisture as they expand and contract with the weather conditions.

Pros and Cons of Engineered Wood

Engineered wood dining tables come with their own set of pros and cons:

Pros

A wood dining table is best for people looking to buy furniture on a budget.
These tables are more environmentally friendly as they are made of recycled materials.
Dining tables made of engineered wood can be water resistant and do well in places with high humidity.
The resin and additives naturally protect engineered woods from termites and insects.
These tables are lightweight and easy to move. A dining table 4 seater is relatively easy to move and is suited for minimalistic living conditions.

Check out dining storage at Nilkamal Furniture

Cons

A wooden dining table does not perform well under constant exposure to sunlight; they might warp or de-gas under such conditions.
Engineered woods are harder to repair in the event of damage. Once broken, the wood can continue to stay weak even after repair.
Depending on the manufacturer, engineered woods might also contain undesirable chemicals.

What Type of Wood Is Best for Your Dining Table?

Before you buy dining table online, it’s essential to compare the pros and cons of the different types of wood and choose what fits best for your living conditions. A solid wood dining table works well if you plan to settle down in your home and buy a set that perfectly matches the décor. A solid wood dining table 4 seater is also good if you move frequently, as engineered wood dining table is more prone to damage during frequent relocations. The latter also works well for a temporary living situation where you don’t plan to carry your furniture on your next move.

It’s also important to consider maintenance. A solid wood dining table is easier to maintain and repair than engineered wood.

Conclusion

When buying a wooden dining table, consideration given to solid or engineered wood can make a lot of difference in cost, weight, type and décor. This article covers the essentials of the type of wood you need to know before purchasing. Based on the cost, you can choose solid wood if you are going for a dining table 6 seater or engineered wood for a dining table 4 seater.

If you’ve made up your mind, check out Nilkamal Furniture for the best dining sets!