Both marble stone and wood are popular choices of dining table top material. If you are looking to replace the surface top of your dining room table, or you are wondering what the difference between a wood and marble top for a dining table is, this guide is just for you.
Exploring Marble Table Tops
Marble stone is a popular choice of material for use in the home, including for everything from kitchen benchtops to table tops.
Being a natural stone, a marble slab used for your table is more than just a hardy choice – it brings with it an iconic and sophisticated aesthetic. Marble is formed in the ground from limestone which is exposed to high pressure and high temperature resulting in a dense and crystalline stone structure.
When the marble stone is quarried from the Earth, the single slab of stone is then crafted and refined into a seamless and elegant surface for use atop your table.
Exploring Wooden Table Tops
A dining table with a wooden top is also a popular option. There is a wide variety of commonly used wood for dining room tables including Tasmanian Oak, Jarrah, Blackwood, and Victorian Ash in Australia.
Each type of wood brings with it distinct characteristics in terms of its colour, shading, grain pattern, durability and overall impact. Plus, the versatility of wooden table tops means that you can achieve a range of aesthetic appearances and find or commission the perfect wooden slab to suit your preferences.
Comparing Marble Vs Wooden Dining Table Tops
Should you choose marble for your dining table top? Or should you opt for a wooden table?
Let’s break down some key differences between the two.
1. Price
When it comes to price, marble stone is generally more expensive due to the cost of quarrying, processing and transporting the slab. High quality marble might be worth the investment, but it can command a higher price tag initially.
Wood on the other hand is often more affordable. Of course, the price will depend on the type of wood and craftsmanship requirements involved, but is more commonly preferred for the budget constrained.
2. Durability
Both marble and wood are durable materials which contribute to their respective popularity as dining table top materials. Marble, being a tough stone, is known for its durability but it is more porous than some other stone options, such as granite and quartzite, so without property maintenance and professional sealing it can stain or chip over time.
Wood, while also durable, can be more susceptible to scratches and water damage in particular. On the other hand, with the right care, maintenance and protection it can also last for many, many years.
3. Maintenance
Both marble and wood table tops will need regular maintenance to keep them looking and functioning their best. The marble stone table top should be regularly sealed to prevent stain and damage to the stone itself. Cleaning should be done with non-acidic cleaning products and soft materials to ensure there is no scratching or straining.
Wood needs periodic polishing and, sometimes, refinishing to maintain its stellar appearance. To best take care of your wooden table top, always wipe up spills as quickly as possible as liquid exposure can cause warping.
4. Appearance
Both marble and wood are wondrous and stunning materials from an aesthetic point of view. Ultimately, it really comes down to your personal preference and interior design choice.
Marble brings a sense of luxury and unique visual patterns across a range of colours to help achieve an elegant design aesthetic. Wood, by comparison, is great for providing a sense of warmth and a natural feel to your home.
5. Customisability
Both marble and wood table tops can be customised quite easily. From the shape to the size of your dining room table, marble and wood can be tailored to a wide range of aesthetics.
6. Weight
If weight is a concern of yours it is important to note that marble is significantly heavier. On the one hand, this higher density makes moving a table with a dining table top more challenging. On the other hand it also adds to the durability and long-term value of the furniture. Wood, being generally lighter than stone, is easier to relocate if needed.
7. Complementarity
Your dining room’s table top should complement the rest of your chosen aesthetic and decor. Marble stone is best suited for formal dining options or minimalist aesthetics.
Wood, while suitable for formal settings, is often preferred for casual dining room aesthetics and especially interior design styles such as rustic.
8. Heat Resistance
Your dining room table top is likely going to be exposed to some hot dishes. Marble is naturally heat resistant and with the right sealing and protection can withstand direct contact with dishes of a higher temperature.
By comparison, wood is not very heat resistant and placing hot items directly on to it can cause burns, heat stains and warping.
9. Environmental Impact
Marble stone does require some amount of energy during the extraction and transportation process. However, this hardy and natural material means that it can last for many years and offer a sustainable table top solution.
Wooden table tops vary in their environmental impact. Different sourcing practices will determine the level of eco-friendliness so it is important to consider how, where and from whom your wooden top is being sourced from.
The Perfect Marble Top for Your Dining Table is at Euro Marble
It is important to consider your personal preferences, budget, needs and home design when choosing between wood and marble dining table tops.
Ultimately, both materials bring unique benefits, aesthetics and value to your home and with high levels of customisability, you can find the perfect dining table to bring a smile to every meal!