Durable Kitchen Table

14 years ago

Hello -

I am looking for new kitchen table/chair set that will be very durable. I don't want something I am going to have to worry about things like rings from cold glasses or spills with.

I have been shopping online and finding things I like the look of, but my last experience with online shopping for a kitchen table didn't turn out too well. We bought a "hardwood" table with a dark cherry finish. It looked nice enough, but the chairs fell apart over time and the finish wasn't that great. My little kids banged marks in it with the sliverware and it dulled with normal use.

My parents have always had the "traditional" looking oval oak tables with what appears to be a formica woodgrain top. Extremely durable and looks nice enough in their oak kitchen. Would NOT look well with our light cherry cabinents and natural cherry floors we are planning for our new kitchen.

This looks nice, but I am unsure of the quality.

http://www.dinettegallery.com/store/product/4800/Clearbrook_5_Piece_Kitchen_Table_Counter_Height_Set_by_Apa?relate=1

Anyone know of any manufacuters that make ultra-durable kitchen tables? Know anything about the Apa brand?

Thanks,

Tom

Featured Answer

kateskouros

14 years ago

hi tom,
i have commissioned a table after searching everywhere for something better quality than what is offered at all the usual places. i was thrilled with the price tag as well, since it is costing $800 less than a table i was considering from saloom (whose styling i thought was rather drab). the gentleman there is very helpful, patient and friendly. i don't have it yet, but it is the same base with a 54" square top. they sent samples of wood and finishes and communication has been great. i don't think they make their own chairs though and have heard while people have been happy with the tables have not had a good experience with the chairs. i'd see how they compare and ask about any warranties since they wouldn't be built by the same shop. i'm ordering upholstered settees so not purchasing chairs and hard for me to comment on that. but i'll post back when i have the table but i think i can still recommend them at this point. good luck.

Here is a link that might be useful: clear creek dining tables

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Comments (15)

abdulkhatri
14 years ago
hi ..

Why does the kitchen table and chair sets need to be durable for that space, well, it is because since you spend a lot of time in that space, that set ends up being used a lot. If you and your family is not eating breakfast, lunch, or dinner on it, then it is probably being used for doing homework, paying the bills, craft projects, or any other project that needs a large amount of space to get done.

Thanks.
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I'm delurking to possibly add some information about your table. I've been contemplating refinishing our Ethan Allen American Impressions Shaker-style dining table, which I believe has a similar if not identical top to yours. The finish is lacquer. Restoring it could be as simple as re-amalgamating by brushing on lacquer thinner to allow the current finish to sort of melt, reflow, and dry. I will probably give it a try if I can determine how to maintain a dust-free environment in this household. Our top is cherry veneer over some other hardwood (common and not a sign of poor quality). I've read that commercial veneers can be extremely thin, like 1/32 inch. You would have to be very, very careful if you didn't want to sand it off. Good luck! Let us know what you do.
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klem1 has some good advise. I can elaborate. First, what you want to determine is silicone (note the "e") oil on the finish. The most common source of this is Pledge furniture polish. Once you have silicone oil contamination, it's nearly impossible to get rid of it completely. It will cause many finishes to "fish-eye," cratering of finish when it's wet because the silicone oil destroys surface tension. I don't know of a reliable test for this, but I can usually spot it by the sheen or by the way finishes or stripper react when applied. Even if Pledge has not been used on the piece for decades, the oil is still there. If you can spray shellac, that's one way to seal it in. But otherwise, you might need to have it professionally stripped and refinished, as the pros know how to deal with Pledge contamination. The finish ion there is most likely shellac or lacquer, unless the prior owner or someone else did a DIY finish. About 1920 lacquer started being used in production finish rooms. By 1940, shellac had almost completely been replaced by it. So prior to 1920 - probably shellac 1920 - 1940 - could be either 1940 - present probably lacquer There are some modern finishes such as water-borne, conversion and UV finishes, but they are relatively new and relatively rare in non-contract furniture. As finishes degrade, they become less moisture resistant, so I would not rule out the finish just being old lacquer, or it could be shellac that displays similar propensities as it ages. Before you embark on any of the following, try out your products and procedures on an obscure spot such as the underside of the table or pedestal in a hidden spot. Quick Fix: You may buy some time by rubbing out the top with a cloth made for removing moisture. The same product is also available in a yellow and black package but branded Jasco. One or two cloths and about an hour's time will do your whole table and a couple of leaves. A more durable approach, assuming you've ruled out Pledge, is to do a thorough cleaning. First use Dawn and water to get off any residual water-soluble soiling. Then wipe with mineral spirits to get off any non-polar residues (waxes, grease, mineral (AKA lemon) oil furniture polishes, etc.) Let dry. If you have some blushing because of the water cleaning, you'll have to back up to Quick Fix to remove the blush. These cloths will also ameliorate the silicone damage to some degree. If you use the cloths, re-clean afterwards with mineral spirits as they contain a rubbing oil. If desired, at this point, you can do a light sanding with P400 sandpaper or Scotch-Brite pads. Just enough to dull the finish Don't use steel wool as it can leave metal shards that will dwell in your new finish. You can then brush on some brushing lacquer such as Deft Clear Wood Finish or Watco Lacquer. Be sure it's a brushing lacquer as most lacquers are meant to be sprayed and will dry way too fast to brush on. You may want to apply a second coat of lacquer after the first has dried. You can spend some time trying to determine the finish that's on there, but the lacquer will bond with either shellac or lacquer assuming it's clean and dry.
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cutiehouse
14 years ago
Hi -

I came across this post since we are looking for a durable kitchen table as well. Our "hardwood" dining room table from PB has not held up to daily use. Just wondering if you'd found anything.

Alisa
organicgirl_2009
14 years ago
I am ordering one from Bassett Furniture that has a special finish. It's only available in their custom line but the prices were good. The sales lady said you could live at this table, put a cold glass or a hot plate down and it would be fine. The store room floor model looks great...and after shopping for tables usually the floor models are all scratched up. They also sell an insurance policy that guarantees that if they can't repair scratches or any problems that they replace the table top for up to 5 years. It costs 200, but I think worth it for the peace of mind. Anyways, I really, really wanted a table that we could live at, eat at, and do arts and crafts ect. with no worries. Best of luck...furniture shopping is stressful because you feel like you have to live with the decision a long time.
cutiehouse
14 years ago
We have a Bassett Furniture near us. I'll have to check it out. I have 3 little ones and like you need a table that we can live at, eat at, do projects, etc. Thanks!
teamnardone
13 years ago
Hi there!

I am in the same predicament as you! I am in desperate need of a durable kitchen table--what did you end up finding?

Growing up in the 70's, my family had a "traditional" looking oval 'walnut' table with what appears to be a formica woodgrain top. It was so durable and looks nice enough for a kitchen. Restaurants have tables that can withstand knocks - I'm wondering where I can find one for home.

Bassett furniture had HORRIBLE reviews online.

All my best,
Trish
janiceme
13 years ago
You could try a restaurant supply store if you are in or near a city large enough to support one. Several years ago when my children were small we had an oak table with a matching wood grain laminate top from Cochrane. It was really nice and very durable, traditonal style with leaves. I assume Cochrane is still available, but don't know the present day quality.
debbie_2008
13 years ago
For those still looking, have you considered a quartz or granite top table? I have a canadel and absolutely love it. They aren't cheap but they are forever IMO
User
13 years ago
My DH built an island with chairs for our daughter and her family of 3 girls. It is like a kitchen table with room for 8 people to eat at. They do all the things you can imagine at that table/island. It has a GRANITE SLAB TOP.

If you are willing to go put $200 into an "insurance policy" that will guarantee the wood table only 5 years, then I think I'd add that money to what funds I already have, and get a nice granite slab for the table top.

This table/island is already 7 years old and it still looks brand new. No wear and tear, no scratches, no discoloration. And it is GORGEOUS.
Sandpaper Tongue
13 years ago
I was considering buying a glass top for our maple kitchen table. That way the wood is protected but you can still admire it.
time4tea
11 years ago
I'm looking for a durable kitchen dining set too. I do have a formica (wood-look)table now, and it has seen us through raising 3 kids--homework, art projects, 3 meals/day for 30 years. But it's time for a change. I want something that's durable, but more updated than my old table. I've heard that polyurethane finishes are durable, but I haven't seen any tables that have this. I'd appreciate any input.
Clauson_Jim
10 years ago
I'm not sure about kitchen tables, but I was looking and researching for banquet and event tables. My wife has a catering business and we've been through a lot of chairs and tables. We recently updated our entire line and inventory through Mity Lite. They were an affordable solution for lightweight and durable chairs and tables. I highly recommend them, so hopefully this helps and cuts down on some of your research.

Here is a link that might be useful: Event Tables and Chairs
erinsean
10 years ago
Why is the first post dated 2009? Things have changed in 4 years. I hope she found the table she wanted.
freethinker99
10 years ago
You can purchase solid wood tables with a catalized two part finish which are almost indestructible and look very similar to a sprayed lacquer finished table except that the catalyzed finish is very difficult to mark, stain or chip.
expert_Irwin
10 years ago
I suggest something dark colored, that has a grainy looking top part. This will hide things like rings and what not. As far as the frame, wrought iron is always a good, sturdy metal to rely on. Hope this helped.

Durable Kitchen Table

kateskouros

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abdulkhatri

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