At Sterling Furniture, we know the dining table isn’t just a piece of furniture—it’s the true heart of a busy, growing family. For generations of Salt Lake City families, our tables have witnessed everything from homework and craft projects to daily meals and holiday gatherings. When you’re dealing with kids and pets, your table needs to be a workhorse.

Choosing the right durable dining table material is the key to having a beautiful, family-friendly dining table that lasts through it all. Here’s the advice we give to our neighbors in Sugarhouse when they’re looking for a table where durability is non-negotiable.

1. Solid Hardwood (Our Timeless Legacy Pick)

Solid hardwood is the champion of durability and the backbone of the furniture we’ve sold since 1875. While it represents a higher initial investment, it offers unmatched resilience against the inevitable dents and dings of family life.

• Why We Love It: It’s strong, stable, and offers the ultimate long-term value. Unlike other materials, solid hardwood can be sanded down and refinished many times. If the surface gets too scratched or damaged, you can restore it to new—a huge plus for long-term ownership with young children. Look for sturdy woods like oak, maple, and walnut.
• A Note on Patina: High-quality hardwood will develop a beautiful patina over time, telling the story of your family. A small dent is just a memory!

2. Quartz or Stone Composite (The Stain-Proof Modern Solution)

If your main concern is staining from juice, markers, or wine, a high-quality quartz or a stone composite top is an excellent, contemporary choice we stand behind.

• Why We Love It: This material is extremely non-porous and virtually stain-proof. It’s easy to wipe clean, highly resistant to heat, and incredibly scratch-resistant. It provides a sleek aesthetic that complements many modern Utah homes.
• Keep in Mind: It is very heavy and difficult to move, and any major chipping would require professional repair.

3. High-Quality Laminate or Veneer (The Smart, Budget-Friendly Option)

For families on a tighter budget who need maximum protection right now, a durable, high-pressure laminate (HPL) or a quality veneer on a stable base is a smart choice.

• Why We Love It: This material offers excellent protection against scratches and heat due to the hard top layer. It’s cost-effective, easy to clean, and non-porous—meaning spills are never an issue.
• Keep in Mind: Because the hard surface cannot be refinished, you should treat this as a table you might replace after a decade or so, once the kids are older.

Material	Sterling’s Durability Rating	Scratch Resistance	Refinishing Potential
Solid Hardwood	5/5 (Built for Generations)	3/5	Excellent
Quartz/Stone	4/5	5/5	None
Laminate/Veneer	3/5	4/5	None

Quality and Longevity: Choosing a Table Built for Generations

Choosing the right table is ultimately about finding the perfect balance between enduring beauty and family resilience. While modern materials like Quartz offer superior immediate stain resistance, our century-and-a-half of experience at Sterling Furniture Co. tells us that solid hardwood provides the best long-term solution—it’s repairable, restorable, and built to gather your family for generations. Don’t settle for a table you’re afraid to use! Come visit us in our Sugarhouse showroom, and let our team help you feel the quality of a table built to withstand the beautiful chaos of family life.