5 Things You'll Regret If You Buy a Cheap Dining Table Instead of a Solid Wood One

Buying a dining table is a decision that has an impact for many years. A cheap table made of laminate or veneer often looks just as good as a solid wood one in the store. The difference, however, only becomes apparent over time – and that's when many people start to regret their choice.

Here are the five most common things people later mention when they chose a cheaper option instead of solid wood.

1. The tabletop starts to sag and the table loses stability

Cheap tables often have thin tops made of chipboard or MDF. With daily use (elbows, plates, children leaning on the table), the tabletop gradually sags. The joints start to creak, and the table never feels sturdy again.

A solid oak or ash tabletop, 38–45 mm thick, handles this load without problems. Thanks to proper drying and quality joints, it remains flat and stable even after years.

2. The surface gets damaged and can't be properly repaired

Scratches, scuffs, and chipped areas quickly appear on laminate or thin veneer. Once the surface layer is damaged, repair is practically impossible. A visible scar remains.

With solid wood treated with natural oil, the situation is different. Scratches and stains can be locally sanded and re-oiled. After repair, the table looks almost new. This is one of the biggest advantages of solid wood – the table can be renewed repeatedly.

3. After two to three years, the table looks tired and cheap

Cheap materials age poorly. The color fades, edges wear down, and the overall impression is tired. A table that was meant to look modern suddenly looks cheap.

Solid wood ages beautifully. It acquires a patina, the grain becomes more pronounced, and the table always looks valuable. Many owners say their table looks better after five years than on the day it was delivered.

4. The table cannot be renovated and has to be replaced after a few years

When a cheap table is damaged to the point where it can no longer be used, there's only one option left – throw it away and buy a new one. This is not only expensive but also environmentally unfriendly.

A solid wood table can be renovated at any time. Sanding and re-oiling will restore the tabletop to its original appearance. Some tables serve families for 30–50 years and still look dignified.

5. The overall costs are ultimately higher

A cheap table saves money initially. But after 4–7 years, most people buy another one. Add to that the stress, moving, and new furnishings.

A solid wood table is an investment. You pay more upfront, but you don't have to deal with replacements. In terms of years of use, it comes out significantly more cost-effective.

How to check a table before buying it

If you're in a store and hesitating, try these quick tests:

• Tap the tabletop – solid wood sounds different from hollow chipboard.
• Look at the edge of the tabletop – with solid wood, you'll see the wood grain across the entire thickness.
• Check the thickness – a quality dining tabletop is usually 38 mm or more.
• Ask about the material and finish – oil vs. lacquer, veneer vs. solid wood.
• Consider whether the table can be renovated in the future.

What Stolařství Mikel offers

We produce dining tables exclusively from solid oak and ash. The tabletops are sufficiently thick, the joints are strong, and the surface is treated with natural oil that can be easily renewed. Each table is handmade in the Beskydy Mountains, and you can have it customized exactly to your dimensions and preferences.

If you don't want to regret it in a few years, consider investing in a table that will last.

Would you like to view our current offer or have a custom table designed? Write to us or use the configurator on our website.