The heart of the kitchen is the dining table. Despite the variety of models, the classic in the form of a wooden table still does not give up its positions.
Advantages and disadvantages
Wood furniture looks impressive and respectable. Due to the natural pattern and special texture, wooden kitchen tables are associated with home comfort and warmth.
A wooden table will be appropriate in all interiors - from classic to modern. You just need to choose the right model. He will not go out of fashion and will always be a symbol of luxury and respectability.
It is characterized by strength and durability, and if necessary, such a table can be restored, and more than once. The tree is characterized by shock resistance and long service life.
The minuses include the massiveness and heavy weight of such furniture. Even a small table will weigh a lot. We must not forget that wood is a flammable material. You can’t put hot on it - a trace will remain.
Despite its strength, the surface of such a table can easily be scratched. Finally, wooden furniture requires careful handling and regular maintenance.
The naturalness of the material, the noble appearance and the complexity of manufacturing - all this explains the rather high cost of a wooden table.
Types of structures
For a small family or small rooms it is convenient to use a folding table. As a rule, when assembled, it is used for daily meals. And when guests come and a large table is required, the same product is displayed. Its main advantage is universality, multifunctionality, practicality.
The main requirements for such a table are a solid countertop, massive legs that can withstand additional load, and a metal folding mechanism.
A folding table should be distinguished from a sliding table. The first is in the form of a book, on this principle rectangular products are usually made. Part of the countertop is omitted, but when it rises, an extra leg extends. In the sliding table, only the countertop changes, it moves apart, increasing in size.
Among the varieties can be distinguished practical tables with a drawer or whatnot. It is convenient to store cutlery, napkins in the drawer. However, such a table is inconvenient to use if you cover it with a tablecloth. The latter will have to be lifted every now and then.
Products with whatnot are placed against the wall, they are equipped with shelves or a semblance of a sideboard. They can also store appliances, spices, bread bins and even utensils. Such models are especially convenient with limited space.
What tree species are used?
Dining table can be made of hard or soft wood. Hard varieties are oak, beech, elm, larch, mountain ash, birch. Among soft breeds - coniferous wood, as well as alder, willow. The method of processing depends on the density of wood. So, products from soft breeds require more layers of varnish. For solid enough 1-2 layers.
The color and texture of the table is also affected by the type of wood. Pine, birch, apple tree have a light shade. Lovers of chocolate tones can recommend oak, plum, teak, mahogany products.
With the help of stains, colored varnish and various technologies, you can change the natural shade of wood.
Among the most common materials of wooden tables from solid wood, the following are distinguished.
Oak
One of the most optimal materials for table production. Refers to hardwood, and therefore differs in durability and durability. The finished product is resistant to decay. A tree can be stained in water, when using a stain, the oak acquires a beautiful shade, ranging from golden brown to almost black.
Especially attractive bog oak looks at a radial cut, then on the surface as if rays are formed, diverging in different directions. Since oak is exposed to the negative effects of moisture, the surface of the table is varnished. In addition to protection, it also emphasizes the natural texture of wood.
Separately, it is worth highlighting bleached oak, which has the appearance of an artificially aged surface.
Beech
Another kind of hard rock, comparable in strength to oak. However, in contrast to it, beech has a lesser variety of shades, is more susceptible to decay, and when dried, it is quite deformed. Like oak, it is well impregnated with varnish, stains.
Ash
Hardwood, no less durable than oak and beech. Ash is lighter than beech, has a rich and varied texture, with a slightly grayish tint. Ash is dense, durable. However, due to the low porosity, ash is poorly saturated with varnish. Of the advantages - it does not deform when dried.
Nut
It is characterized by density, strength and durability, has a luxurious texture and a pleasant color. Walnut is well processed - impregnated, polished.
Pine
Refers to conifers, soft, supple. This table is very popular because of its low cost. It is well processed, but if the table is made of low-grade raw materials, resin may be released.
Larch
Another variety of conifers. Moreover, its strength is not inferior to oak. It is convenient in processing, as all coniferous species are characterized by high resinity, and therefore not affected by woodworkers.
Larch is prone to drying out, during which cracks and deformations are inevitable.
Shapes and sizes
The classical form of a wooden table is considered rectangular. The product may have sharp or rounded corners. In addition, today designers offer products and other forms.
Among them is a round model that harmoniously fits into the classic and a number of modern interiors (minimalism, shabby chic, rustic styles). Since such furniture cannot be placed on the wall, It is suitable for medium-sized rooms and fairly spacious rooms.
The optimum size for a round product is considered to be a diameter of up to 1.5 meters. Otherwise, those sitting at the table will have to reach for the appliances and dishes standing on the table.
If you like smooth, rounded shapes, but the round table is too small or takes a lot of time, then you should consider buying an oval model. Among the advantages - the ability to attach to the wall (suitable even for small rooms), use in a family with young children (the table does not have corners). At the same time, depending on the length, such a table can accommodate a lot of people who will be comfortable.
Another option for a table with smooth shapes is a semicircle. It can be mounted on the wall.
The square model, depending on the size and location, is suitable for both large and small rooms. In the latter, you can choose a product measuring 90x90 cm. For the rectangular version, the size 120x70 is considered convenient. For such furniture it will be comfortable for a family of 4-5 people.
Typically, tables in the shape of a circle have one leg. In most cases, it is carved, decorated. All other varieties have from 1 to 4 legs. Massive products often additionally rely on balusters.
Design
Tables made of wood can differ not only in the features of the mechanism, shape, size, but also in shade. For classic, Scandinavian or rustic interiors you can buy a snow-white table. Undoubtedly, it will become the accent of the room, will bring grace, nobility into it. However, such furniture will require careful care, because even small dirt and scratches will be especially noticeable on it.
A brown version of the familiar woody shade can be considered a classic. It looks harmonious in any interior, goes well with most colors.
The table in black looks noble and stylish, especially when it comes to models with a matte surface.
Although it is worthwhile to understand that he is rather capricious in leaving.
How to choose?
For a small room, you should choose a compact square or rectangular table. It should not have decor, massive legs. You can also consider a folding model. As for color, it can be different. The main thing is to fit into the interior and color scheme of the room.
Recommended so that a distance of at least 80 cm is maintained between the wall and the table. And when people are sitting at the table, around them a passage of 80-100 cm should remain. Thus, the issue of ergonomics should be one of the key when choosing furniture.
The size of the table also depends on the number of people sitting at it. At least 60 cm in length and 40 cm in width are needed per person. Between the chairs of the sitting should remain 30-50 cm. Knowing these requirements, it is not difficult to calculate the dimensions of the table.
As already mentioned, round and rectangular tables are suitable for spacious rooms, square and rectangular - for small-sized dwellings.
If the design of the room contains smooth shapes, then it is better to choose furniture with smooth outlines and without corners.
When choosing the product material, a balance must be found between practicality and cost of the product. High-quality, but sufficient, expensive models are made of wood and beech. Premium options include a furniture table. Democratic options include tables made of pine, birch.
Expensive, but durable and strong - an option from a larch. In addition, the wood contains gum - a natural antiseptic.Due to this, wood has additional protection against decay and damage by pathogenic microorganisms.
Care Tips
To protect the tree, extend its life, varnishes are used. To date, the best option is considered to be varnish-impregnation on a natural plant basis (beeswax, natural vegetable oils). Thanks to this, the table is protected from moisture, mold, fungus.
Interior wood varnish should be preferred special, which is allowed for surfaces in contact with food.
If the task is to change the shade of furniture, first it is covered with colored glaze, and then with transparent varnish.
Do not cut on a wooden table, put on it hot pots, pans, etc. If stains hit, it is important to try to remove them as quickly as possible to prevent them from being absorbed into the wood. Wipe the surface with a soft damp cloth, and then be sure to wipe it dry.
It is unacceptable to use abrasive cleaners, analogues containing chlorine, solvents. It is best to use soapy water for cleansing.
Despite careful operation, over time, a wooden table requires periodic updating. If the countertop has darkened or absorbed moisture, this should be the reason for the replacement of the varnish layer.
First of all, remove the old coating using a fine-grained skin. The cleaned, dust free and dry surface is treated. antiseptic impregnation. After it dries, you can varnish the furniture. It is advisable to use the same composition every time, at least - do not mix varnishes on water and alkyd bases.
Before buying, it’s worth clarifying whether a model is of varnished or oil top. The first will last 10 years without requiring updating. Surfaces coated with oil or wax require wiping with similar formulations. every 2-3 months.
See how to make a wooden kitchen table with your own hands in the next video.