It’s not surprising that slab tables have grown in popularity over the last few years. Aside from being sturdy and long-lasting, they are beautiful, impressive pieces that make a statement in any room. They are also environmentally-friendly and promote upcycling. To know if you’re getting a quality piece, below are a few factors to keep in mind.

Do:

Determine how you want your slab.

Slab tables come in a myriad of choices — some are thicker, wider, darker, or have more grains than others. Start the search by figuring out what you’re looking for in a slab, how you’ll use it, and how much wood is needed. Wood is priced by volume — the wider and thicker it is, the higher its price. The wood species also determines the cost. For instance, walnut costs significantly more than oak, pine, and maple.   

Know where it’s sourced.

Ask the furniture maker or supplier where the slab will come from. Some slabs are sourced from protected forests or harvested by illegal loggers using shady practices. To support sustainable forestry, choose wood that is upcycled or cut from well-managed forests like the ones in North America.

Choose kiln-dried slabs.

Wood has to be dried first before being turned into furniture. As a rule of thumb, an inch of slab thickness has to be dried for at least a year. Also, the method of drying affects the lumber’s quality. An air-dried slab tends to shrink more, warp, and may have pests living inside of it, compared to kiln-dried ones.

Don’t:

Buy the least expensive choice.

Slab tables — even the smallest ones — can be pricey because a lot of time goes into producing them. After drying, slabs have to be milled, fabricated, and finished for a striking, polished appearance. While it’s tempting to buy one that’s a fraction of the regular price, be wary, as the wood may not be a decent quality.

Assume that all slabs are equal.

No two individual slabs are the same because of the grains, grooves, and inherent defects like cracks and notches that make each piece unique. Each species has different characteristics and colors as well, so take your time in picking out a slab table that will suit your room’s decor.  

Purchase without seeing.

If you’re spending money on a slab table, view it in person before buying. Most sellers have a showroom of pieces, allowing you to touch, feel, and see how it looks up close. Raw slabs do not show their true hues so ask them to spray the surface with water to demonstrate the finished color.

For high-quality slab tables and wood countertops, look no further than Forest Products Supply of Saint Paul, MN. Serving the community across Ramsey County, they deliver one-of-a-kind furniture pieces, from bathroom cabinets to kitchen tables, using only the finest wood. They also provide custom kitchen designs for renovation projects. Call (651) 770-2834 or browse their portfolio of projects online.