Complimentary Expert Guide

The Complete
Luxury Dining
Table Guide

From forest to heirloom — the knowledge you need before committing to a piece you will pass down for generations.

A gift from Iron Wood  ·  Fort Wayne, Indiana
Why a custom table changes everything
Handcrafted in Fort Wayne  ·  No two tables alike  ·  Built to outlast its owner
100+
Year lifespan
0
Two alike
Memories made
Chapter One

The Wood Species

The species is the soul of the table. It defines colour, texture, the way light moves across the surface, and how the piece will transform over the decades you spend with it. Every image below is the actual wood — photographed raw, before finish, before glory. This is what you are choosing.

Chapter Two

Dining Table Sizing Guide

The most expensive mistake in custom furniture is choosing the wrong size. This is not a measurement problem — it is a vision problem. Use this tool to see precisely what your space demands before any commitment is made.

6
guests to seat
Table footprint
01
24" per person
The minimum comfortable elbow room per seated guest at the table.
02
36" clearance
Minimum space from table edge to wall so chairs pull out fully.
03
30" table height
Counter height is 36" and requires taller chairs — confirm before ordering.
04
Chandelier drop
Hang 30–36" above the tabletop. Shade 12" narrower than the table width.
05
Rug clearance
Extend the rug at least 24" beyond every table edge so chairs stay on it.
06
Size for more
Size for your maximum. An heirloom table should be the one you never outgrow.
Chapter Three

The Builder's Interrogation

Most people shopping at this level still ask the wrong questions — or none at all. These are the ones that actually matter. A maker confident in their craft will not just answer them — they will enjoy answering them. Use that reaction as data.

0
/0
questions reviewed
Walk away immediately if you encounter these
Cannot tell you where the lumber was sourced and how long it was dried before milling
"Solid wood" is the only species information offered — this is never an acceptable answer
No wood movement allowance in the base design — this guarantees cracking within years
Won't show you the actual slab or grain you are purchasing before you commit a deposit
Flat-rate pricing with no customisation — this is catalogue furniture masquerading as custom
Compressed timelines — genuine heirloom-grade work requires a minimum of 8 to 16 weeks
No written warranty — a maker confident in their work never hesitates on this point
Chapter Four

Caring for Your Investment

A hand-crafted solid wood table, properly maintained, will outlast every other piece of furniture you will ever own. This is the routine that guarantees it — simple, consistent, and non-negotiable.

01
Daily
  • Wipe spills immediately — always, without exception
  • Never leave wet or damp objects on the surface
  • Use placemats and coasters as a standard practice
02
Weekly
  • Dust with a dry, lint-free microfibre cloth
  • Lightly damp-wipe if needed, then dry immediately
  • Check for any loose hardware or joints
03
Monthly
  • Apply food-safe mineral oil or your specified finish product
  • Inspect for minor scratches or any lifting grain
  • Rotate decorative objects to prevent uneven light patina
04
Seasonally
  • Maintain 45–55% relative humidity indoors year-round
  • Move the table away from heating vents each winter
  • Plan a professional refinish every 7–12 years as needed
05
Never
  • Never use bleach, ammonia, or all-purpose household cleaners
  • Never allow prolonged direct sunlight to fall on the surface
  • Never use silicone-based polishes or aerosol spray waxes
06
Epoxy Tops
  • Never place very hot items directly on the epoxy surface
  • Clean with warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap only
  • Use felt or rubber pads under every object placed on the surface
Your Next Step

Ready to build something
extraordinary?

Every Iron Wood table begins with a single conversation. No pressure, no agenda — just two people deciding what becomes possible with the right piece of wood.

Book a Free Consultation
or reach us directly
(260) 445-2516
Fort Wayne, IN  ·  Mon–Fri 9am–5pm  ·  Sat 11am–5pm