The Most Scratch-Resistant Tabletop Finishes for Airbnbs and Vacation Rentals

Short-term rentals experience constant turnover, which means your furniture needs to withstand frequent cleanings, unpredictable guest use, and everyday wear. One of the most important ways to protect your investment is by choosing a tabletop finish that offers strong scratch resistance without compromising the natural look of the wood.

At TableCo, our solid wood tops are finished with oil-based polyurethane, a durable and long-lasting coating designed specifically for high-use environments. This finish forms a hard, protective layer over woods like walnut, oak, beech, and reclaimed elm, making them far more resistant to scratches, spills, and repeated wipe-downs with cleaning products. It also enhances the wood’s natural grain without making the surface look overly glossy or artificial.

For our epoxy river tables, we take protection a step further by adding a UV topcoat. This prevents the epoxy from yellowing or becoming cloudy over time, even in rentals with a lot of natural light. Guests can place drinks, laptops, and décor items on the surface without worrying about leaving marks or affecting the clarity of the river design.

Choosing the right finish is especially important for Airbnb hosts, because surfaces are used not just for dining, but for working, unpacking luggage, playing games, and even meal prep. A well-finished tabletop helps maintain that fresh, polished appearance between bookings, reducing your long-term maintenance costs.

Different finishes also affect how visible small marks appear. Oil-based polyurethane on oak or beech hides minor wear exceptionally well, while darker walnut finished with the same coating offers a premium look with excellent protection. Epoxy with a UV topcoat provides a smooth, glass-like surface that is both durable and visually striking — perfect for rentals that rely on bold statement pieces to boost booking rates.

Final Thoughts: Scratch resistance is an essential feature for furniture in any short-term rental. With oil-based polyurethane for solid wood and UV-protected epoxy finishes for river tables, TableCo ensures your tabletops stay stunning, practical, and rental-ready for years — even with guests checking in week after week.