Table made of quartz surface, large ceramic slab or acrylic solid surface as an interesting alternative to wood

The table is more than just a piece of furniture - it is considered to be the heart of the home. It is where we consume meals, have conversations, celebrate important events or simply spend time with loved ones over board games and tea. The table is therefore the focal point of social and family affairs. It is thus worth choosing a table that can withstand all the "dangers" of everyday use. 

When considering the choice of a table, the first consideration is usually the material from which the furniture shall be made. Wood is often the option of choice - valued for bringing its naturalness, warmth and cosiness to the interior, with the added bonus of its appearance becoming more refined over time. However, despite its advantages, wood also has its disadvantages. It requires regular maintenance and thorough care to maintain its aesthetic and functional properties. It is also susceptible to scratches, deformation due to moisture, and stains from food or drink can be a struggle to remove. In homes where the table would have a primarily decorative function, this is unlikely to be a problem. However, where it will be a piece of furniture used on a daily basis, it is advisable to consider an alternative to wood. 

Over the last few years, natural stone substitutes such as quartz surface, large ceramic slabs and acrylic solid surface have become enormously sought-after. What has made these materials such a preferred choice for tables?

• Durability, robustness and strength - these materials are resistant to abrasion, scratches and other mechanical damage. Humid rooms (e.g. the kitchen), spilled wine, food or crayon stains (little artists love to create their first works of art at the table! 😊) do not threaten them. 

• Easy maintenance - compared to wood, it is far less time-consuming and requires no complicated, regular care. To remove dirt from the surface of the furniture, it is sufficient to wipe with a soft, damp cloth accompanied, if necessary, by a mild detergent.

• A wide range of patterns and colours - nowadays, a table is not only a functional piece of furniture, but also an essential interior design element with a strong impact on the room's character. Natural stone substitutes offer a multitude of colours (light and delicate, subdued, vivid and distinctive, deep and dark), patterns (from subtle and fine, through clear, striking, to those imitating natural stone, such as marble or granite) and finishes (glossy, matt, structured). It enables the table material to be fully matched to the rest of the furnishings. So, for example, we can have a kitchen where the countertops, kitchen island, window sills and table are made of the same stone.

Quartz surface, large ceramic slabs and acrylic solid surface  are materials which find their uses not only in large dining tables or kitchen tables, but also in smaller pieces of furniture such as coffee tables or auxiliary tables. They often require no less strength and resistance - after all, we also place heavier objects, drinks or snacks on them. 

Natural stone substitutes are also a popular choice for designers and architects designing commercial spaces. Tables and coffee-tables made of quartz surface, large ceramic slabs and acrylic solid surface  are employed in cafés, restaurants, hotels and offices, where they are exposed to moisture and stains and have to withstand intensive use, frequent cleaning or decontamination. Beautiful decors, on the other hand, mean that this furniture can not only fulfil a utilitarian role, but also enhance the prestige of the interior, adding a modern or elegant touch.

What's more, the ductility of the acrylic solid surface allows you to create designs where only your imagination is the limit! Unusual table sizes, original table shapes - this material is made for those looking for imaginative, unorthodox solutions.

Check also: Possibilities and advantages of using acrylic stone in commercial properties

While wood has its undeniable advantages, it is natural stone substitutes that may prove to be a preferable choice for those who value modernity, durability and versatility. They are ideal for both residential and commercial spaces, combining aesthetics with practicality. Thanks to them, we can create an interior that not only impresses with its appearance, but also meets all usability requirements, whether it is a large dining table, a coffee table or an auxiliary piece of furniture in the office. However, we are convinced that combining them with other materials can also produce great results! Experiment, combine them with wood, glass or steel. Mix and match colours, textures and finishes, using the best of each material.

Check also: 9 decors that work best in combination with wood