Dining Table Durability

14 years ago

We are contemplating buying this kitchen table, but I'm a little nervous about the durability factor:

http://www.iometro.com/furniture/dining-room/dining-tables/ballast-101-rectangle-dining-table-driftwood

The materials are listed as mahogany/laminent and the color is driftwood. The table is beautiful in person, but we will have a decent amount of kids running around in our house, and I'm concerned with the durability. It's not so much food on the table that makes me nervous, it's a kid getting past me with a marker or crayon that makes me think twice about this table. Most other tables seem to have a decent poly finish, and I've been assured that most things wipe off of it, but this one looks pretty raw, and the salesman was not very convincing. Does anyone have experience with a table like this, and do you think it's durable enough for kids?

Thanks!

Featured Answer

silloway

14 years ago

Alas, I must agree with the above. It's a cool table, but I'm sitting at a table with permanent marker and stains and rings all over it. I used to laugh at my parents' formica topped table. Now I get it.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

portpiro
14 years ago
"A driftwood finish delicately applied by hand" does not sound very durable does it? Mahogany is a soft wood (I think) and therefore can be easily marked if kids press too hard on pen to paper. But the table is beautiful and I can see why you love it. But no, I don't think it's a good choice for an every day table. A dining table for special occasions? Sure, no problem.
houssaon
14 years ago
I agree, not a good choice for the table that will get so much use.
Related Professionals
Hagerstown Interior Designers & Decorators · Galveston Interior Designers & Decorators · Dothan Architects & Building Designers · Sioux City Architects & Building Designers · Grand Island Architects & Building Designers · Williamsport Architects & Building Designers · Topeka Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Elizabeth City Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Jackson Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Newport News Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Newburyport Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Traverse City Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Mission Viejo Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Fort Collins Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Chatham Kitchen & Bathroom Designers
PRO
Vikrant Sharma Homez
14 years ago
Hey tbaisa, we were also kids once ! weren't we ?
So don't think twice , buy that lovely table, since I'm into this business of interiors I Get all the cleaning done by our workers every now and then when there's a party at home , but I don't bother about the cleaning , JUST enjoy your kids ,This time wont come Again ; and all this wont happen once they are a little big ! Time Flies Away Then we regret not having bought this n that so just Chill n take a chill Pill .
mollythecollie
14 years ago
I love the table. When kids are working on it, have them use place mats, that will protect it from stains such as permanent markers. I have a solid mahogony table with a tung oil finish. It has done fine. You can look up how to clean mahogony and you will find that is is very durable. Enjoy your children.
Tracy Drury
Original Author
14 years ago
Can anyone recommend a similar looking material that would be more durable? Also, just as an fyi, I'm not complaining/referring to my kids......I have no kids. I'm refering to other people's children, who will probably be visiting my house from time to time.
mollythecollie
14 years ago
Since you do not have children, you may want to think about having washable markers or the new washable crayons for visting children for art projects. Then anything they do can be wiped off using cold water. I use crayola brand and everything has wiped off, even walls. I just use a damp cloth or even a baby wipe. The alchol in a baby wipe seems to remove any residual marker. You might also consider using a table cloth with a foam pad underneath to protect from gouges from pencils or other sharp objects just for when children are in your home. Then enjoy your table the rest of the time.
PRO
Mona Ives
14 years ago
I would suggest you get a glass top made for it until your kids are older. I do this on almost every kitchen table in all my designs. It does affect the look but it's not permanent! You only really notice it when you are looking down on it. You could use table mats or a table cloth with the kids but then why bother with a "driftwood" finish. If youw ant to enjoy the finish and keep it safe for a few years, do the glass. Or just buy a different table :)
PRO
Vikrant Sharma Homez
14 years ago
One hates others kids creating a mess of your home ! its human , I'd suggest what mollythecollie suggested and a Glass top my Mona .