Oak Dining Table & Kitchen Tables, Wooden Dining Room Tables

Getting the size right for your dining space & dining furniture.

The biggest mistake I see? People buying a massive 8 seater dining table when they live in a terrace house. You need to measure. Then measure again. You need enough legroom to actually sit down without hitting the person next to you. Around the table, you want at least 90cm of space so people can move. If you’ve got small spaces, don’t try and cram in a massive rectangular thing. A round dining table or even square dining tables can be a lot more forgiving.

If you’re someone who likes to host but doesn’t want a landing strip in the middle of the room all year, an extendable table is the way to go. An extending dining table gives you that flexibility. You can have a 4 seater for daily use and then add extra leaves to make it a 6 seater or even an 8-12 seater when the whole family turns up. I’ve seen some extendable dining tables where the mechanism is a total nightmare, so make sure it’s built thoughtfully. You don’t want to be fighting with a stubborn bit of wood while your guests are waiting for their roast.

Materials and why I’m picky about them. getting the right dining table for 8 Seater dining.

I’m a wood man. Always have been. Natural wood has a character you just don’t get with man-made rubbish. A solid oak dining table is basically indestructible if you treat it right. It’s heavy, mind. You’ll need a mate to help you move it. We work with materials including acacia and mango wood too, which have some nice clean lines, but oak is the king for durability.

Some people ask me about an elegant marble or sleek glass finish. Look, marble looks posh, I’ll give you that. It brings a bit of sophistication and elegance to a dining room. But it’s cold. And it stains if you look at it funny. Glass is the same—you’ll be cleaning it every five minutes. If you want a bit of that look without the hassle, maybe go for a white oak dining table with a whitewash finish. It keeps things light and airy without being as high-maintenance as a beige carpet.

I’ve seen a lot of oak veneer lately. It has its place for keeping costs down, but if you can swing it, go for the solid stuff. It’s a “buy it once” mentality. My other half is always going on about find the perfect centrepiece for your dining area, and usually, that means something with a bit of weight to it.

Dining Chairs and the rest of the bits

Don’t forget the dining chairs. It’s no good having a lovely oak dining table if the chairs hurt your bum after ten minutes. Whether you want coordinating dining chairs that match perfectly or you want to mix and match styles and finishes, comfort is king. Some people like to upholster their chairs for a bit of a cosy feel, which is fine, just keep the gravy away from them.

You might also want a matching sideboard to keep the clutter down. Nothing ruins a dinner party like a table covered in mail and old keys. If you’re looking for advice on keeping things looking good, have a look at this buying an oak sideboard guide I put together. It covers a lot of the same ground regarding wood finishes and quality.

An Extending dining table and Keeping it in good nick

Once you’ve found the perfect piece of furniture, don’t treat it like a workbench. Use coasters. I know it’s a cliché, but hot plates and wet glasses will leave rings on a natural wood finish. If you’ve got a rustic oak dining room table, a few scratches just add to the story, but you still need to give it a bit of love. I’ve written more about this in my guide on oak sideboard care, and the rules are pretty much the same for tables.

Comparison: What are you actually buying? 8 seater dining

Common questions I get at the workshop

How do I know if a table is actually solid wood? Look at the underside and the grain on the edges. If the grain doesn’t wrap around naturally or you see a repeating pattern, it’s a fake. Also, give it a knock. Solid wood has a thud, not a hollow ring.

Is a round or rectangular table better for a family? Round tables are better for conversation and fitting in extra guests because you don’t have corners in the way. Rectangular ones are better if you need to push it against a wall to save space.

What is the best finish for a kitchen table? A clear wax or oil is best because you can sand out a scratch and re-oil it yourself. Lacquer is tougher but harder to fix if it chips.

Small spaces & 6 Seater Tables for your dining area.

How many people can I fit at a 180cm table? Comfortably? Six. You can squeeze eight if you don’t mind bumping elbows, but it’s tight.

Do I need to worry about the wood moving? Wood is a natural material, so it breathes. A bit of movement is normal. Just don’t put it right next to a roaring radiator or it might crack.

“Bought the large oak dining table for our new place. It’s solid as a rock and survived three kids doing their homework and a full Sunday roast without a mark. Proper quality that you just don’t find on the high street anymore.”

Shop Related: Kitchen Furniture | Dining Chairs