Between The Grain - Blog
How to Design a Custom Dining Table
If you’re designing a custom dining table, here are the decisions that matter most:
1. Size & Seating Capacity
Rule of thumb:
– 22–24” per person
– 36–42” table width for comfortable dining
2. Shape
Rectangle, round, or oval — each changes how people gather.
3. Wood Species
Walnut for luxury, oak for durability, cherry for warmth.
4. Base Style
Trestle, pedestal, four-leg — your room layout determines what works best.
5. Finish
Matte, satin, natural, stained — finishes set the tone of your space.
A dining table is where life happens. Make it right.
How to Spot High-Quality Wood Furniture (Before You Buy)
Not all “wood furniture” is created equal. Here’s a quick guide to identifying true quality.
1. Check the Material
Look for:
✔ Solid hardwood
Avoid:
✘ Veneer over particle board
✘ MDF + laminate
2. Inspect the Joinery
Signs of quality:
– Dovetails
– Mortise & tenon
– Soft-close drawers
– Underside finish
3. Ask About the Finish
Quality finishes protect wood without hiding the grain. Hardwax oils and conversion varnishes are top choices.
4. Look at Hardware Quality
Solid steel or brass gives furniture a longer lifespan.
5. Ask Who Made It
A real craftsperson stands behind their work — and that matters.
The more you know, the better you buy.
The Signature That Says It All
Every Signature tells a story. When an Amish craftsman signs a piece of furniture, it's more than a mark - it's a promise of quality, care and lasting value. Craftsmanship you can trust
Why Choose Amish Made Furniture?
Discover why Amish-made furniture stands out in a mass-produced world.
Introducing Our New Amish Handmade Table Collection
Introducing Timeless Craftsmanship from our newest collection, WOODSIDE WOODWORKS at the
WOOD RESERVE FURNITURE COMPANY.
We are so proud to partner with WOODSIDE WOODWORKS, a family-owned business dedicated to crafting exquisite Amish handmade furniture. Known for their impeccable craftsmanship and attention to detail, WOODSIDE WOODWORKS creates stunning heirloom-quality tables that bring warmth, beauty, and timeless style to any home.
One of the defining features of WOODSIDE WOODWORK'S tables is they use live wood, which embraces the natural beauty and imperfections of solid live edge hardwood.
Each table is as unique as the tree it came from!
If you're looking for natural charm and style for your home, explore our collections today!
