Comparison of Pine, Birch, and Oak for Dining Tables: Durability, Appearance, and Practical Maintenance

Are you planning to purchase a new dining table but unsure which wood type would be the best choice? Each wood species has its own strengths and weaknesses – some look more elegant, others last longer, and some better match your budget. Let’s take a closer look at three popular wood types in Estonia – pine, birch, and oak – and compare their properties from a practical perspective.

Wood Type Durability and Brinell Hardness

Oak – Hard and Long-lasting

Oak is the most durable of the three compared wood types, confirmed by its Janka hardness test – white oak measures 1360 lbf and red oak 1290 lbf. This makes oak an excellent choice for a dining table intended for everyday use.

Very resistant to daily wear and tear
Resistant to scratches and dents
Can last multiple generations with proper care

Birch – Medium-hardness Option

Birch falls between pine and oak in terms of durability. It’s shock-resistant but more susceptible to wear and may absorb moisture more readily than oak.

Medium-durability wood material
More susceptible to moisture damage than oak
May crack over time, requires more careful maintenance

Pine – Soft yet Beautiful

Pine is the softest of the three compared wood types, with a Janka hardness of about 380 lbf. This makes it significantly softer than oak.

More susceptible to scratches and dents
Requires a protective finish to increase durability
Better suited for less intensive use

Appearance and Aesthetics

Oak – Classic and Powerful

Oak has been considered a prestigious wood for centuries, valued for its striking texture and warm tone.

Wavy pattern with characteristic knots
Natural golden tone that ages beautifully over time
Wood grain that gives the table character and depth

Birch – Light and Modern

Birch offers a modern and clean aesthetic that fits especially well with minimalist interior design.

Straight grain and uniform texture
Naturally light appearance that makes spaces feel more airy
Smooth finish that gives an elegant impression

Pine – Warm and Rustic

Pine wood offers a homey and rustic appearance that fits well in traditional or country-style interiors.

Prominent darker knots and clear wood grain
Color ranging from creamy white to yellowish
Earthy and warm appearance that creates a cozy atmosphere

Maintenance and Cleaning

Oak – Low Maintenance Needs

Oak is easy to maintain and retains its beautiful appearance for a long time.

Handles everyday stains and liquids well
Requires oiling or waxing about once a year
Easy to clean with a damp cloth

Riverbank’s oak glulam dining tables are treated with high-quality oil, ensuring long-term protection and easy maintenance.

Birch – Regular Maintenance

Birch requires a bit more attention to maintain its beauty and functionality.

Needs regular oiling (approximately every 6 months)
Sensitive to moisture, stains should be removed immediately
May start to scratch over time, requiring periodic restoration

Riverbank’s birch glulam is a popular material valued for its workability and good price-to-quality ratio.

Pine – Higher Maintenance Needs

A pine dining table requires more careful handling and frequent maintenance to preserve its appearance.

Needs a protective finish (oil, lacquer, or wax)
Sensitive to stains and scratches
Requires more careful handling in daily use
Recommended to oil or wax every 3-6 months

For maintaining oiled wood, comprehensive information can be found in our guide on oiled wood countertops, which provides practical advice that also applies to dining tables.

Price and Value

Oak – Premium Choice

An oak dining table is the most expensive of the three options but offers the best long-term value.

Higher initial investment
Excellent durability and long lifespan compensate for the higher price
Can last multiple generations, becoming more valuable over time

Riverbank offers several oak dining tables in various sizes, such as the elegant MERI dining table, which features a unique live edge and is available in different dimensions.

Solid oak dining table MERI with live edge, oil finish, and metal U-legs

- -40%
  
  Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

Birch – Mid-range Option

Birch offers a good balance between price and quality.

More affordable than oak but more durable than pine
Good choice if you want a quality table at a reasonable price
Medium lifespan, can last 15-20 years

Riverbank offers birch glulam products, which are also used to make durable dining tables.

Pine – Budget-friendly Option

Pine wood is the most affordable of the three options.

Significantly cheaper than oak or birch
Suitable for buyers with limited budgets
Shorter lifespan, but can be restored through sanding and refinishing

Riverbank also offers solid wood tables in various price ranges, such as the LIIV dining table, which fits well with different interiors.

Solid oak dining table LIIV with oil finish and black U-legs in a modern interior

- -40%
  
  Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

Practical Recommendations Based on Use Scenarios

For Everyday Family Use

If you have a family with children and the dining table is in intensive use:

Best choice: oak – durability against scratches and impact loads
Second choice: birch – good ratio of durability to price

We recommend considering the PÄRL dining table model, made from solid oak and suitable for intensive daily use.

Solid oak dining table PÄRL with oil-wax finish and solid oak legs, family-friendly dining table

- -40%
  
  Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

For Formal Dining Rooms

If the dining table is more for formal use and not in daily intensive use:

Best choice: oak or birch – elegant appearance and sufficient durability
Second choice: pine – warm appearance and sufficient durability for less frequent use

For Smaller Kitchens or Studios

For smaller spaces where the table needs to be multifunctional:

Best choice: birch or pine – lighter and often available in more compact dimensions
Recommendation: Birch or pine glulam solutions allow customizing table dimensions to fit your space

Which Wood to Choose for Your Dining Table?

Oak – best long-term investment if you value durability and classic beauty
Birch – good compromise between price and durability, fits modern interiors
Pine – affordable option that brings warmth and rustic charm to a room

A solid wood dining table is an investment that, with proper care, can last for years or even decades. Riverbank OÜ offers quality glulam products suitable for every taste and budget. In our dining tables category, you’ll find various designs, dimensions, and wood types.