need thoughts on custom wood dining table n

16 hours ago

I found a great furniture maker on Etsy who uses Japanese joinery (very important to me). I have a smallish dining room that adjoins the kitchen. I don’t want it overwhelming the space so a max of 78” and 42” wide table to seat upto 8 people.
The decisions I need to make are on the wood combinations (for top & base) and the shape (rectangle or oval). He can’t do expandable so that’s not an option but can do any kind of domestic wood and for a higher price, exotic woods.
The kitchen and dining room has a lot of warm wood on the cabinets and molding. The floor is a light oak.
The woods being considered are quarter sawn white oak (the pale wood option), cherry, African mahogany and Walnut. (Cherry & African mahogany look pretty similar). Open to other suggestions.
Would love your thoughts!

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Comments (5)

dan1888
11 hours ago
last modified: 10 hours ago
There are 300+ species of oak. Quercis robur grows in weatern Europe. Unlike N. American white oak, q. alba which has open grain that turns dark, it has closed grain. This meeans you don't need to rift or quarter saw it to avoid the open grain. You can flat cut it in wide planks and show off the grain cathedrals for the top. It for be water based finished to avoid yellowing from oil finishes. Ciranova can give an ultra matte finish pale brown. Rustic grade will have knots and prime or select will have fewer. This European or French Oak is used extensively in engineered flooring in custom new homes. Since he hasn't offered it, he will have to be carefully supervised at stages of the beginning of the project. Specific review of the wood selection and grain matching for the top via phone messaging with pictures and apprvals is a highly recommended option to be negotiated, imo. Respectful involement can be an enjoyable educational experience based on your interest in Japanese joinery.
PRO
JUDY GRAHAM
8 hours ago
last modified: 8 hours ago
Article for you to read, as I would choose the white oak.

https://www.askacabinetmaker.com/post/the-perfect-white-oak-finish

The stain for the white oak seems perfect and would result in a Japanese look. I have a kiri wood tansu that is light toned. Lovely.
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dan1888
7 hours ago
last modified: 4 hours ago
From looking more, it seems a really good option to ask about is Japanese Oak Nara Mizunara (Quercus crispula) and Konara. , used throughout Japan historically. With water poly seal coats and top coats a pale non-yellow finish is possible. Finer grain than European Oak.

A Japanese Oak table from HIDA. lINK
Sigrid
6 hours ago
I like #3 best, followed by #2, then #1. I notice that all except #1 appear to have a non-matching base, but I presume you can get a base that matches. It would help it you showed a picture of the space you plan to put it in and any chairs, unless you plan to buy new ones.
BayArea Rancher
Original Author
5 hours ago
Thanks all. I should have added that #1 is QS white oak both top & base, #2 walnut top & cherry base, #3 African mahogany top & walnut base and #4 white oak top & walnut base. All AI generated images.
I’m attaching a picture of the space and adjoining kitchen to show you the other woods in play. I would also like help in deciding on the shape that works best.