Durable Kitchen Table Materials

The table is an important aspect of kitchen design. Not only does it need to be highly functional, but aesthetically pleasing as well. Appropriate material selection is key to keeping a table looking nice for years to come, and durability is among the most important factors, since a table will need to resist scratching, staining, heat and a myriad of other conditions. Some materials are more durable than others when it comes to table tops. Does this Spark an idea?

Natural Stone

Stone of all kinds, including slate and granite, are among the most widely used products in modern decor. Not only are they extremely durable, but both come in a wide selection of styles and colors not found in other products. Countertops, backsplashes, flooring and table tops are all made from stone, either in its solid form or from tiles. The price for natural stone pieces will vary greatly depending on type and size; these are some of the costliest options. Stone tiles are significantly cheaper and are usually placed in a wooden table base, making it lighter weight than a stone slab. Either option will provide excellent scratch and stain resistance, won't scorch or burn and, as long as sealed properly, will resist water damage. A stone table top will last several decades, provided it is properly cared for.

Butcher Block

Butcher block is a wood product made from different wood sources. Maple, cherry, birch and walnut are the primary sources of butcher block and all are somewhat durable. The most durable are those made from hardwoods -- maple and oak -- which means more durability than a table made with a soft wood such as pine or cedar. These products are fairly pricey and high maintenance, meaning they are not for everyone. They are generally easy to clean and moderately resistant to heat, but if not sealed properly,they are susceptible to water damage, stains and scratching. On the plus side, a damaged surface is easily sanded to a new finish. Hygiene issues are often a problem with butcher block, since it is somewhat porous, though regular sealing and oiling will usually take care of this problem.

Wood

Wood is perhaps the most widely used table top material on the market. It is available in a wide selection of sizes, shapes, styles and colors and will withstand a great deal of abuse. On the downside, most wood products will require a lot of care, and the most durable varieties also tend to be the most expensive. As with butcher block, the most durable solid wood surfaces are those made from hardwoods. These materials will withstand scratching, staining and water damage for several years and are not made to be sanded and refinished. For the longest lasting wood table tops, seek a solid surface made from birch or oak. Pressed wood and particle board are commonly found in lower-priced furnishings, and are not normally as durable as solid wood pieces.

Other Options

Solid surfaces, including Corian and Zodiaq, are man-made products that are both aesthetically pleasing and highly durable. Corian, developed by DuPont in the late 1960s, is created by mixing minerals and acrylic polymer. This combination produces a highly durable, stain and crack-resistant material that is also among the most hygienic on the market. It is nonporous, meaning bacteria won't stick around, is fairly inexpensive and comes in approximately 80 colors. Another DuPont product, Zodiaq is manufactured from quartz and acrylic polymers, which gives it more of a natural stone look. It is also very hygienic and will resist heat, staining and scratching, as well as damage from dropped objects, unlike its natural stone counterpart. Stainless steel, a product widely used in commercial kitchens, has grown in popularity in modern decor. It is a very durable, heat, water and breakage resistant material, but may look too industrial for most designs. It is prone to scratching and provides little diversity in shape and color design.