Tabletop materials: compare wood, ceramic, HPL and Fenix

Your tabletop material determines how your dining table looks, feels and needs to be cared for. Would you like the grain of real wood, a calm matt surface or a marble look? Compare the materials below, then choose the shape, size and matching base.

Design your dining table in 3D or compare tabletop materials first.

Which material suits your tabletop?

Oak and herringbone: wood with its own character

An oak tabletop has a natural wood grain. Its colour also depends on the finish: two tops described as natural may therefore differ in shade. For a light dining area, see our guide to a light oak dining table.

Herringbone oak is a pattern choice within wood. The direction of the pieces gives the top a different rhythm from continuous planks. Check the construction and finish of the model. Do not oil a lacquered top on your own initiative: care depends on the treatment applied to your table.

Walnut: warm brown tones

A walnut table adds a darker accent to your dining area. Pair it with light chairs, for example, or echo its brown tone in the base. Natural colour differences are part of wood; a photograph is not an exact colour sample. Use care products suited to the applied finish.

Ceramic: a stone or marble look

Ceramic tabletops come in various designs. A ceramic top with a marble effect is not solid marble. The surface is practical for everyday use, but scratch-resistant does not mean damage is impossible. Use coasters and a chopping board, and avoid hard knocks against the edge. Also read our comparison for a marble-look dining table.

Comparing HPL, Fenix and melamine

HPL is a decorative high-pressure laminate layer. A wood effect creates a wood-like appearance, but does not make the top solid wood. Compare the colour, edge finish and available shapes for each model.

Fenix is worth considering if you want a matt surface. Avoid abrasive cleaning, which can alter its matt appearance. The manufacturer explains the correct steps in its Fenix care advice.

Melamine tabletops have a decorative layer on a substrate. Consider the entire table specification, not just the material name. Use coasters and remove spills promptly, including along the edges.

From choosing a material to a complete table

First decide what matters to you every day: wood grain, a matt surface, a particular design or easy cleaning. Then compare the available shapes and table bases. The combination of tabletop size, weight and base must suit the model.

Oak: Oval with Cone

Solid oak with a wooden base. View the available finishes.

View model and options

HPL: Stonehaze Ivory

Straight Danish oval with a Matrix base. Compare the design and edge.

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Fenix: Beige Arizona

A matt finish with a Kiezel B shape and an oak Cone base.

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Frequently asked questions about tabletops

Can I order just a separate tabletop?

This guide covers materials for our dining tables. Looking for a separate top for an existing base? Send us the dimensions and a photo so we can assess the options and fixing method before you order.

Which tabletop needs the least maintenance?

Ceramic, HPL and melamine do not need periodic wood oiling. These surfaces still need cleaning according to the product instructions. For wood, the choice between lacquer and oil, for example, makes a difference.

Is a scratch-resistant top also suitable for outdoor use?

That does not follow automatically from the material. The entire product, including the substrate, edges and base, must be suitable for outdoor use. Only use an indoor table outside if the product specifications allow it.

Compare your table in the 3D configurator or prepare for a showroom visit.