{"id":141054,"date":"2025-09-13T13:19:09","date_gmt":"2025-09-13T13:19:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/141054\/"},"modified":"2025-09-13T13:19:09","modified_gmt":"2025-09-13T13:19:09","slug":"looking-for-a-new-dining-table-consider-one-crafted-in-canada","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/141054\/","title":{"rendered":"Looking for a new dining table? Consider one crafted in Canada"},"content":{"rendered":"

Open this photo in gallery:<\/a><\/p>\n

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. And while many of us will be sourcing local ingredients \u2013 turkeys raised in Ontario, B.C.-grown cranberries, Prince Edward Island spuds \u2013 the table itself can be just as patriotic as the meal.<\/p>\n

Across the country, a number of Canadian designers and manufacturers are crafting beautiful dining tables from local hardwoods. Yes, it\u2019s possible to serve Nova Scotia sweet potatoes glazed in Quebec maple syrup on a table fashioned from proudly Canadian maple timber. O Canada, indeed.<\/p>\n

But choosing the right table is a bit like picking between butter tarts and Nanaimo bars and tarte au sucre \u2013 entirely personal, and everyone has a favourite.<\/p>\n

According to Toronto architect Heather Asquith, an important factor is in the dimensions of the eating surface. For one, it should be just wide enough to facilitate conversation, while leaving room to lay the stuffing, without feeling overwhelmingly large. <\/p>\n

The Big Guide to Canadian Shopping<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t want to be too close or too far away from the person across from you,\u201d she says. \u201cBetween 36 inches and 38 inches is a good width for a rectangular table.\u201d<\/p>\n

The length, adds Asquith, depends on the number of dinner guests. \u201cBut seven feet is a good, versatile size for a rectangular table,\u201d she says. \u201cIt\u2019s not too long for a small group, but can still fit a crowd.\u201d (Quick math: A seven-foot table comfortably seats eight; for every added foot or foot and a half, you can squeeze in two more people.)<\/p>\n

Montreal<\/a> architect Andrew Curtis has a clear preference on the material. \u201cA natural, solid wood surface is a must for me,\u201d he says. His own table is Danish modern teak, but if he were in the market today, he\u2019d buy local. <\/p>\n

\u201cEverything Kastella produces is beautiful, warm and soft to the touch,\u201d he says. \u201cThey exclusively hand-make each piece in Montreal from white oak, walnut or maple.\u201d<\/p>\n

Asquith agrees that wood is wonderful (she also seconds Kastella tables). \u201cWood is warm and has a nice, tactile feeling,\u201d she says. \u201cIt can have a nice patina over time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Buying Canadian? Here are readers\u2019 picks for the best products and brands<\/a><\/p>\n

Wood can also be quite durable. Particularly a solid wood surface, which can be sanded and refinished when it takes a beating \u2013 say, from a toddler\u2019s rattle or a guest who can\u2019t remember to use a coaster.<\/p>\n

The downside? Solid lumber is pricey<\/a>, with real-wood options, especially those made in Canada, rarely costing less than $4,000. Wood veneers cost less, but can\u2019t always be refinished, depending on the thickness of the veneer. Look for options where the veneer is at least one millimetre thick (many are less). EQ3\u2019s Bon table for $3,500 is a good example. <\/p>\n

The table\u2019s supports are another consideration. Interior designer Maia Roffey says there are typically three options. Corner legs, offset legs and pedestals. While offset legs can have a sleek, modern look, corner legs and pedestals are better for fitting more people around the table,\u201d she says. \u201cYou want people to be able to sit comfortably, not worry about where to put their own legs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Six buys to try<\/p>\n

When shopping for a made-in-Canada dining table, consider the size, materials and leg configuration that will work best for your home. Here are six heirloom-worthy options. <\/p>\n

Kastella T113 Table
<\/p>\n

Every Kastella piece is made in Montreal from solid North American hardwoods, including Canadian maple. Clean-lined and minimalist, their designs, such as the T113, come sealed with a water-based, low-VOC finish, making them ecofriendly as well as elegant. Sizes vary to accommodate six, eight or 10 people.<\/p>\n

Buying options
From $4,095, buy at Kastella<\/a><\/p>\n

Hollis + Morris Isthmus Table
<\/p>\n

Toronto\u2019s Hollis + Morris elevates the classic trestle table with luxe detailing: solid oak or walnut slabs paired with a glossy central spine in brass, copper or stainless steel. Seats eight to 10.<\/p>\n

Buying options
From $7,000, buy at\u00a0Hollis + Morris<\/a>
$5,900 from 2Modern<\/a>
Lock & Mortice Essential Table
<\/p>\n

Based in Vancouver, Lock & Mortice offers more than 100 custom configurations of its Essential table \u2013 including variations in the shape, location of the legs and the wood finish. The round surface is a popular option for those who don\u2019t want to have an argument about who sits at the head. Available in natural maple or black walnut. Seats four to 10. <\/p>\n

Buying options
 From $3,655, buy at\u00a0Lock & Mortice<\/a><\/p>\n

Woodcraft Thin Piper Racetrack Table
<\/p>\n

Since 1974, Woodcraft has been making furniture in the Toronto suburb of Markham. Its Thin Piper Racetrack, available in cherry, maple, ash and oak, has a central pedestal and an oval or rectangular top, accommodating up to 12 people without corner legs getting in the way.<\/p>\n

Buying options
From $4,496, buy at\u00a0Woodcraft<\/a><\/p>\n

Daniel Gruetter Dining Table
<\/p>\n

Crafted in Toronto, Daniel Gruetter\u2019s tables turn natural wood imperfections into works of art. Cracks in the white oak are joined by precision-cut ties, highlighting rather than hiding the organic character of the wood. A poetic pick for a meal that\u2019s (hopefully) all about connection, not division. Seats eight.<\/p>\n

Buying options
From $10,000, buy at\u00a0Daniel Gruetter<\/a><\/p>\n

EQ3 Bon Table
<\/p>\n

Winnipeg-based EQ3 produces its Bon table in Quebec using solid oak or walnut. A hidden extension leaf rests neatly on a ledge beneath the tabletop, ready to swing into action for extra guests. Casters on the legs prevent floor scratches, making this a great choice for multiuse spaces. Seats six to 10.<\/p>\n

Buying options
From $3,500, buy at EQ3<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Open this photo in gallery: Thanksgiving is just around the corner. And while many of us will be…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":141055,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[1397,49,48,28501,44],"class_list":["post-141054","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-canada","tag-appwebview","tag-ca","tag-canada","tag-lf-gr","tag-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/141054","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=141054"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/141054\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/141055"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=141054"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=141054"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=141054"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}