How to Shop for High Quality Wooden Table Frames

October 3, 2019

Of the many types of furniture that people take for granted, the table is the most commonly underappreciated of them all. In a market saturated with DIY furniture, the benefits and advantages of a sturdy, high-quality table can be easily overlooked. While a lot of people may balk at older furniture due to their heft and the obvious price variance when compared to cheaper DIY variety, there is a significant amount of savings and advantages to be had by investing in high quality wooden table frames.

If you’re tired of flimsy and wobbly tables that don’t last more than three years with basic use, or if you are looking for something that can benefit your family for decades after you’re moved on, then high quality wooden table frames are exactly what you need.

Below are some tips on what to look for in a quality wooden table frame that will ensure longevity without sacrificing aesthetics and beauty.

Quality Table Frames – A Quick Guide

Here are some helpful tips to consider when looking for high-quality wooden table frames:

• Type of wood – hardwoods will always be a better option than softwood frameworks; but between softwoods and laminate, softwood is the better choice. If you want a versatile wooden table frame that can be used for both interior and exterior settings then a solid hardwood like oak, mahogany, teak, or acacia should be among your prime options. Sure, hardwoods will cost a significant amount of cash more at the onset, but you will save more money in the long run thanks to its durability.

• Type of join – people rarely consider the type of joins that hold a table frame in place, especially since they think all joinery involves nails. It may surprise many individuals that high-quality wooden table frames are not always nailed together. Some examples are simply bonded using natural adhesive, whereas others are affixed using traditional tight-fitting joinery or wooden pegs in lieu of nails.

To the casual observer, a lack of nails may indicate a flimsy product, but a properly joined and bonded traditional hardwood table can withstand even the most rigorous use without the additional disadvantage of eventual corrosion caused by nails in-between the joinery.

• Type of finish – the type of finish should also be a determining factor when investing a table frame. Traditional finishes like wax and oil may be appealing, but they can be difficult to maintain. Shellac, modern lacquer, paint, or even epoxy coat are far more ideal for ‘heavy-duty’ tables, but they may not have the same aesthetic appeal as traditional finishes. In the end, so long as the finish protects the wood from moisture and repels wood-boring insects, anything will do. Ultimately, the choice of finish rests with you.