If you read our last blog post, you have been informed about your wide array of options when it comes to dining surfaces at Star Furniture. You should know that each type of surface is unique and will have unique functions from household to household. When choosing the type of dining surface you want in your home, there is one primary question to ask yourself, which is: How will you use it? Every other question you have to answer is secondary. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: form follows function!!! Here are the surface options we’ve been discussing and the benefits and drawbacks for each that you might want to take into consideration:
Dining Surfaces: Benefits and Drawbacks
Wood
At Star Furniture, the wooden dining surface offerings are mostly coated with a clear lacquer coating. A regular clear lacquer finish does not protect the surface from being damaged. (The exception here is the brand Canadel. Their products are coated with a catalyzed lacquer, which does protect the material underneath from scratches, dents, liquids, etc.,) Think of it this way: you wouldn’t buy a zippy little convertible sports car if you usually have a few passengers. Likewise, you wouldn’t buy an easily damaged dining table if your kids routinely do their school work or other messy projects on it. Clear lacquered wood is better if it’s only being used for dining.
Restaurant-grade stainless steel
Yes, it is steel, and yes, it is stainless. But that does not equal an indestructible dining surface. Stainless steel can still dent and scratch, which will give this kind of surface a more worn-in look. Some people might like that aesthetic, but it doesn’t suit everyone’s taste. If you have kids and pets running around, and you aren’t comfortable with a couple dings on your dining surface, this one isn’t for you.
Metal skins
These surfaces, while they have the look of stainless steel, are actually covered in a layer of sheet metal. This is a great, less expensive alternative to stainless steel. The drawback is that the top layer is either painted or coated with clear lacquer, making it just as susceptible to damage as a wood surface. Using a metal skin surface for lots of things other than eating will likely lead to accidental damage over time.
Stone
Most stone dining surfaces at Star Furniture are made of bluestone. Bluestone is a porous and bumpy material, so to smooth out the texture, the tiny holes are filled in with resin. For active families, this is a solid, smooth surface, and it will not dent or scratch; great for all kinds of activities. Stone surfaces are also coated in a clear lacquer that will not protect against damage.
Rustic/reclaimed/heavy wire brushed
Like a stone surface, any antique, refurbished, or otherwise aged dining surface will be very porous and will absorb and retain liquid worse than any other surface. This means food and beverage will leave stains and watermarks if left for any period of time. If you don’t want a high maintenance surface, this probably isn’t a great choice.
Copper
As we discussed earlier this week, a copper dining surface from Star Furniture will be aged by hand. The aging process includes hammering the material to create more texture. This looks FABULOUS, but using this surface for crafting or writing thank you notes? Not so much. Consider a smoother surface if you plan on doing activities like this.
Glass
This is, of course, a lovely choice of dining surface. But, just like your windows, they will show every little smudge and fingerprint, so you’ll need to be vigilant about wiping it down regularly. A glass surface will be heavier than, say, a window pane, but it still has the potential to shatter if it falls to the floor. Active households or households with rambunctious pets and kids might want to look for a sturdier option. So there you have it! What did you think? If you found this post informative and educational, let us know in a comment, then like it share it!
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