Amish Dining & Kitchen Tables

While it might seem complicated to clean wood, a simple approach is always best. For every day cleaning, wipe your table using a soft, damp cloth moistened with a gentle diluted soap or warm dish water. Follow the grain of the wood, and gently scrub to remove dust and grime. Avoid soaking the wood in water, and once the spot is cleaned, wipe the area dry with another microfiber cloth. For a deep clean, only a few times a year, you can protect your table with a silicone-free furniture polish.  Let the polish sit on the wooden surface for a few minutes before buffing it in with a clean microfiber cloth. Avoid polish sprays, which can leave a residue. This is also a good time to clean table leaves or extenders and to make sure they're functioning properly.

If you’re considering a wood dining table, always opt for a hardwood such as Hickory, Oak, Maple, Quartersawn White Oak, Walnut, or Cherry. Generally, the harder the wood the less prone it is to wear and abrasion such as dings and scratches. A solid wood dining room table is best for everyday use especially for families with young children. Tables made from engineered or composite woods, which include plywoods and MDF, are never as strong as a hardwood. Red Oak is a classic wood type perfect for a traditional home, while species like Maple and Walnut have a smoother grain well-suited for a more contemporary look. Quartersawn White Oak is ideal for an Arts and Crafts or Mission table, while Cherry has a formal appeal and Hickory is rustic.

Most dining tables share the same standard height: between 29" and 31" high. Formal dining tables tend to be closer to 30 inches. At this height, most people can rest their feet comfortably on the floor, so it works well for formal dining rooms or more casual areas such as eat-in kitchens or breakfast nooks. Elevated dining tables do come in other heights. A counter height table, at 36” high, is the same height as a kitchen countertop or gathering table. These tables are a great option for informal spaces. Another relaxed option, a 42” bar height table, makes for a quick transition from standing to sitting. Also called a pub table or a gathering table, bar height tables are perfect for entertaining in both residential and commercial spaces.

Generally you want three feet of walking space around the table with the chairs not in use (slid under the table). Also, most dining tables come in one of the basic shapes: rectangular, square, and round. The width and depth of the table vary based on the shape. Rectangular dining room tables are the most common shape, and generally range between 36” and 48” wide. In order to seat at least four to eight people, the dining table should be 48” to 90” long. The rule of thumb is allow 24" to 30” of space per seat at your dining table. Square and round tables are better suited for smaller groups; popular sizes range from 42” to 54” and may seat four to six people.