Your dining table is the heart of your home. It’s where meals are shared, homework is done, and drinks are enjoyed. Your dining table will inevitably endure plenty of wear and tear over the years. The finish you choose is what protects your table top from all this daily degradation, so it must be strong, durable, and able to stand the test of time. Whether you’re refinishing an existing table or selecting a finish for a new one, it’s crucial to pick the best finish timber dining table to suit your lifestyle.
There are a variety of finishes to choose from, including epoxy resin, polyurethane, oils, varnishes and stains, with each one offering different benefits. With so many options, it can feel overwhelming to know where to begin. That’s why the experts at Jarrimber have created this comprehensive guide to help you choose the best finish for your timber dining table, ensuring it stays beautiful, practical, and long-lasting for years to come.
Why a quality finish matters for timber dining tables
Your finish is your first defence against water, heat, chemicals, UV rays, and daily wear. It also plays a significant role in enhancing the appearance of your timber — bringing out its colour and grain. Without a good finish, even the most stunning timber like Jarrah, Marri, or Tasmanian Oak can quickly look tired.
Popular types of finish for timber dining tables
Each finish offers its own pros and cons. Knowing what you want from your timber will help you choose the best finish timber dining table for your lifestyle.
Lacquer
Strong and smooth.
Single Pac Lacquer:
This classic lacquer is built up in layers — usually two coats of sealer to fill the grain, then two coats of lacquer for water resistance and sheen. Applied in a dust-free booth, single pac lacquer is long-lasting and affordable.
Two Pac Lacquer:
Two pac lacquer is a tougher version. Its two-part formula hardens into a very durable surface that’s perfect for busy homes with kids or dining tables that do double duty for homework and working from home.
Polyurethane Lacquer:
Polyurethane is top of the class for hardness and water resistance — the ideal choice for high-traffic areas. It’s also extremely low-maintenance and perfect if you want a glossy, silky surface that can take a beating.
Polyester resin
The affordable option. Polyester resin is a fast-curing, lower-cost resin often used for jewellery or short-term projects. However, it’s water-permeable and can crack or peel more easily than other finishes. Given its relative fragility, it’s rarely the best finish for a timber dining table that you intend to use every day.
Epoxy resin
Strong, beautiful and water-resistant. If you want a durable, ultra-clear finish that will enhance every natural feature of the wood, epoxy is your best bet. It bonds perfectly with timber, is highly water-resistant, and can take the heat of everyday dining. Epoxy is also less odorous and doesn’t catch fire like some other finishes.
That’s why at Jarrimber, we believe epoxy is hands-down one of the best finishes for a timber dining table — especially for river tables, large dining tables, or feature pieces where you want to highlight the timber’s grain.
Oils and stains
Natural and easy to apply. If you’d prefer a subtle, natural look, oils and stains are a lovely way to enhance the timber. Oils penetrate the surface to enhance colour and highlight the grain, while stains can add a richer hue. However, they offer less water and scratch resistance than lacquer or epoxy, so you’ll need to re-oil every 6–12 months to keep your table looking fresh.
Varnish
The classic choice. Varnishes dry slowly and require careful application. They can also yellow over time. The upside? Varnishes are often UV-resistant and can add years of life to an outdoor timber table. But for most dining tables indoors, polyurethane or epoxy offer better durability and ease of care.
What sheen level is best for a timber dining table?
Your best finish timber dining table doesn’t just come down to the product you use—sheen matters too. Gloss level is a personal style choice. High gloss finishes look sleek and formal but show every fingerprint. Semi-gloss is more forgiving. Satin finishes (our most popular) add warmth and hide everyday marks better. Matte and oiled finishes give a rustic, natural look that’s perfect for character-grade timbers like Marri.
Factors to consider when choosing the best finish timber dining table
Your perfect finish depends on lifestyle, timber species, and intended use:
Durability
If your dining table hosts family meals every night, a tough two pac lacquer, polyurethane, or epoxy is best.
Ease of repair
Oils and waxes can be refreshed at home. Polyurethane and epoxy require professional touch-ups if damaged.
Style
Want a natural look? Oils and stains. Going for a modern glass-like surface? Epoxy or polyurethane.
Timber species
Dense timbers like Jarrah and Marri can take a range of finishes beautifully. Lighter Tasmanian Oak suits subtle satin or matte options that won’t overpower its fine grain.
Why Jarrimber recommends epoxy resin for your timber dining table
At Jarrimber, we believe epoxy resin is the best finish timber dining table option for most clients. Why? Because it’s incredibly tough, crystal-clear and long-lasting—protecting your table from heat, water, UV light, and daily wear. Plus, epoxy really allows the timber to shine, bringing every natural feature into focus.
Our experienced team handcrafts each table using top-quality Australian timbers like Jarrah, Marri timber furniture, and Tasmanian Oak timber. Every piece is one-of-a-kind and built to last.
Let us help you choose the best finish timber dining table
Not sure which finish would suit your timber dining table? Our experienced team can help. Visit our showroom or contact us for expert guidance, timber samples, or a custom quote for timber furniture. Whether you’re after a glossy epoxy finish or a rustic oiled look, Jarrimber will help you select the best finish timber dining table so that your furniture stays beautiful and practical for years to come.