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Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Teak vs. Oak
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Question
Hello, I was wondering if you could help me with a difficult decision. I am choosing between two equal dining room tables. The tables are identical (including price) except for the fact that one is solid oak and the other is solid teak. The tables are rather large solid wood pieces (86 x 40). Is there any reason to choose one over the other? Other than aesthetics, is there a durability/quality/longer term appreciation that I should consider? Thank you for your help.
Dan
Hi Dan, really no appreciable difference, as long as the manufacturer used properly dried wood.Both are pretty stable woods, due to the higher resin content of the Teak, it might have the edge in stability because it will tend to take up and release moisture less. The important thing, if these are indeed solid tops, is how they are attached to the base, They need to be attached in such a way as to allow expansion and contraction. This is extremely important as the slab will move around from season to season.......Hope that helps-post back if need be- Greg
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| Comment | Thank you Greg, I really appreciate the help. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Greg Scholl
Expertise
Questions on Woodworking, wood finishing and refinishing of all kinds, repairing furniture and wooden objects, Architectural details, Woodturning, carving, tool usage, product usage, some chemistry as it applies to woodworking and related interests,cabinet making and furniture construction/design, etc. I have experience with all manners of colorants, finishes, paints, stains, dyes, glazes, and coatings, wood species recognition and usage,tool recommendations, blade types and recommendation,techniques and methods for many Woodworking related issues, etc.
Experience
Fine furniture restorer and cabinet maker for over 30 years,serving high end Antique dealers, Interior designers, Collectors in the CT area. Consulting for area Painting/Decorating and Building contractors on non painting issues..(staining, wood prep.,clear finishing, floor restoration and architectural detail restoration and repair, etc.) Sold, built, serviced, setup Home, Industrial, and Commercial stationary woodworking tools for a major tool retailer in CT. for three years, sold hand and power tools , provided knowledge, parts replacement, service, and on site service, Trade show Demo, and training as well.
Publications
Published in Fine Woodworking Magazine (12/97), included on Fine Woodworkings first "Best of Fine Woodworking" CD-ROM (2002) ...("27 year compilation of expert know-how")
Education/Credentials
Art School at Silvermine Guild in Norwalk, CT., 9 year apprenticeship in a European run Cabinet and Restoration shop in CT., various classes on subjects having to do with the field. Seminars from major Tool manufacturers, Skil/Bosch, Delta, Powermatic, Ritter, Porter cable, Milwaukee, Dewalt/B&Decker, Performax.
Past/Present Clients
Many varied clients including work on Martha Stewarts' Westport, CT. show house, many fine Antique dealers and private collectors in and around Fairfield County and in Woodbury, CT. (the Antiques capital of CT.), Golden Age of Trucking Museum, Wilton Historical Society.
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