Marble Tables Vs. Wood

Marble Table

• Often on the pricey end, marble tables exude elegance and sophistication in the home. Tables made from marble slabs tend to have different edging: beveled, chamfered or rounded. Rounded is a curved edge, while beveled and chamfered are types of edges that feature different angles. When shopping for a marble table, it is important to run a hand over the top to feel for any cracks, divots or other deformities, as these can indicate poor quality marble.

Wood Table

• Wooden tables are extremely versatile. They can be simple or they can be intricately hand-carved. There are many different varieties of wood that can be used, giving each table a unique look. Wood can also be painted, stained or left natural to match a variety of aesthetics.

Similarities

• Both marble and hard species of wood are durable to withstand everyday tasks, such as doing homework at the table or working on a drawing project. Marble comes in a variety of colors and wood can be painted or stained to a variety of colors, making them relatively equal in terms of customization. However, some softer species of wood, such as pine, can be easily damaged. Marble, being a softer stone, can also be easily damaged, as it scratches and stains surprisingly easily. Both wood tables and marble tables require regular maintenance. For a wood table, this can mean regularly sealing the wood to protect it from various elements, such as spills. In marble, this also means regularly sealing or polishing to protect the stone from damage.

Differences

• Wooden tables are much easier to build and if desired, an amateur woodworker could build a custom table to suit his needs. Wood is readily available at local lumberyards and exotic species can also be special ordered. Meanwhile, marble is not for the do-it-yourself enthusiast and requires the skills of a professional. Furthermore, marble must be custom ordered through quarries or through stone countertop sales centers. Lastly, wood can be reclaimed and reused for other projects in combination with other pieces of wood, but once marble is cut into a certain shape or size, it can only be cut smaller and not necessarily re-used for other projects, such as countertops.