Canadian Table Company

Why Not All “Walnut Tables” Are Actually Walnut

When you hear the words “walnut table,” it’s easy to picture a deep, rich brown surface with swirling grain and timeless character. Real walnut — especially black walnut — has a natural warmth and elegance that make it one of the most sought-after hardwoods in furniture design. But here’s a surpr...
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End Grain vs. Face Grain vs. Edge Grain: What’s Best for Your Tabletop?

Why Grain Direction Matters in a Tabletop When choosing a custom tabletop, most people focus on wood species — walnut, oak, elm, or maple. But one of the most important design decisions actually lies in the grain orientation. The way the wood is cut — whether end grain, face grain, or edge grain ...
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The Hidden Cost of Veneer Furniture

At first glance, veneer furniture can look like a cost-effective alternative to solid wood. It offers sleek design options, consistent finishes, and a variety of styles, often at a more accessible price point. While some buyers may worry about durability when it comes to veneer, the reality is th...
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How DIY Table Finishing Can Ruin Premium Wood

There’s something satisfying about taking on a DIY project, especially when it involves furniture. The idea of finishing your own table — choosing the stain, sealant, and final look — can feel empowering. But when it comes to premium solid wood, DIY finishing can quickly turn from a creative ende...
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Why Sanding Too Much Can Damage Your Table’s Character

Sanding is often considered the essential step in preparing a tabletop, but when it comes to premium solid wood, more isn’t always better. Many DIY enthusiasts assume that aggressive sanding will create the perfect smooth surface, but over-sanding can actually harm the wood’s natural beauty and l...
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The Common Joinery Mistake That Shortens a Table’s Lifespan

When it comes to solid wood tabletops, the beauty of the wood is just one piece of the puzzle. How the boards are joined together — the craftsmanship behind the seams — plays an equally important role in the table’s durability and longevity. Surprisingly, one of the most common mistakes that shor...
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Does the Moisture Content in Wood Tables Matter?

When shopping for a solid wood tabletop, many people focus on species, finish, or style — but overlook one of the most critical factors: moisture content. The amount of water in the wood dramatically affects how it behaves over time, impacting durability, stability, and even appearance. Understan...
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The Biggest Mistake People Make When Buying a “Solid Wood” Tabletop

When you hear the phrase “solid wood tabletop,” it conjures images of craftsmanship, quality, and lasting beauty. But not every table labelled as solid wood is created equal. Likewise, not all veneer tabletops are the same. One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is assuming that the label alone ...
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Kiln-Dried vs. Air-Dried Lumber: Why Moisture Content Matters for Longevity

When it comes to building a solid wood tabletop that lasts, one of the most critical factors is how the wood is dried. It’s a detail many customers overlook, but moisture content can determine whether a tabletop stays smooth and strong — or warps and cracks over time. The difference between kiln-...
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How Wood Grain Affects Tabletop Stability

When choosing a wood tabletop, understanding how grain affects stability is just as important as choosing the right species. Wood is a living material, and the way its fibres are aligned — from growth rings to grain direction — determines how it responds to changes in temperature, humidity, and d...
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Understanding Wood Figure: Curl, Flame, Birdseye, and More

When you admire a stunning tabletop, what often catches your eye isn’t just the color of the wood — it’s the figure. Wood figure refers to the unique patterns that appear on the surface of a board due to the tree’s growth, grain orientation, and natural variations. At TableCo, our selection of so...
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The Secret Life of Knots: How Natural Imperfections Add Character and Strength to Your Table

When it comes to solid wood tabletops, what some people might see as a flaw, woodworkers see as character. Knots — those circular or oval marks where branches once grew — are natural features that tell the story of the tree’s life. At TableCo, our selection of solid black walnut, oak, beech, and ...
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