What to Ask Before Buying a Handmade Dining Table

Buying a handmade dining table is a different process to buying from a retailer. There's no showroom to visit, no stock to inspect, and the piece doesn't exist yet when you order it. That's not a problem — it's actually an advantage — but it does mean the questions you ask before you buy matter more.

Here are the ones worth asking.

1. What timber is it made from, and where does it come from?

This is the most important question. "Reclaimed wood" can mean anything from genuinely salvaged Victorian floorboards to offcuts from a recent construction site. Ask specifically: what was the timber used for previously? How old is it? Where was it sourced?

At Eco-Wood Projects, we use reclaimed pine — primarily from old buildings, flooring, and structural timber. Each board is hand-selected. We're happy to talk through the timber for any specific order.

2. How thick is the tabletop?

Thickness affects both the look and the feel of a table. A thin top (under 40mm) can feel insubstantial and may flex slightly. A proper dining table should have a top of at least 40–45mm — enough to feel genuinely solid and to hold fixings securely.

Our dining tables are built with tops of 40mm+, depending on the timber selected.

3. What finish is applied, and how is it maintained?

The finish determines how the table looks, how it wears, and how easy it is to maintain. Wax finishes are the most traditional and the most repairable — they can be re-applied at home with a tin of furniture wax. Oil finishes are more durable but harder to repair if damaged. Lacquer is the most protective but the least repairable.

We use hand-applied wax finishes on all our tables. Our blog post on choosing the right wax finish explains each option in detail.

4. Can I specify the exact size?

With a handmade table, the answer should always be yes. If a maker can only offer standard sizes, they're not really making to order — they're making to stock and calling it bespoke.

Our Reclaimed Wood Dining Table is available in any size. Width, length, and height can all be specified.

5. What's the lead time, and what does it include?

A realistic lead time for a genuinely handmade table is 2–4 weeks. Shorter than that and you should ask questions; longer than 6 weeks without a clear reason is unusual.

Our lead time is approximately 3 weeks. That covers timber selection, construction, finishing, and quality checking before dispatch.

6. How is it delivered?

A solid wood dining table is heavy. Ask whether it's delivered assembled or flat-packed, whether it's a two-person delivery, and whether the courier will bring it inside or leave it at the door.

We offer free UK delivery on all our tables. Delivery details are confirmed at the point of order.

7. What happens if something goes wrong?

Ask about the returns policy and what the maker will do if the table arrives damaged or doesn't match what was agreed. A maker who stands behind their work will have a clear answer.

We stand behind everything we make. If there's an issue, we'll resolve it.

Ready to Order?

Browse our Reclaimed Wood Dining Tables and Dining Table Sets with Benches. If you have questions before ordering, get in touch — we're always happy to talk through a project.