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As you begin your search for a quality walnut dining table, keep in mind that there are many styles to choose from because designers and furniture makers have used this excellent wood in dozens of creative ways. You will find that walnut is used not only to create the entire table, from top to floor, but also as support for different tops made of various materials.
Walnut, especially black walnut, eastern walnut, and American walnut, was a type of wood used during the earliest years of American history. However, it was not until after 1830 that this wood became appreciated as a fine natural material for furniture. Prices for the best black walnut soared in the 1970s because it was scarce and because people preferred it to other types of wood. Today, large walnut trees can be found but they are quite rare.
The walnut dining table can be purchased as a pre-made table, something you might find on display at your local retail or department store, as well as a custom-made table in a design you choose with help from the artisan. Prices for the simplest designs, again those purchased from the stock at a department store could begin somewhere around $100 while other, more elaborate styles include a combination of walnut and stone, or you could buy a round walnut dining table with chairs in the $400 to $600 range.
Continuing through the price ranges, you may eventually consider a custom-made walnut dining table, one with individual design and feel that would work specifically in your dining area. These higher priced tables would be constructed without veneer, featuring beautiful grain of walnut, an American wood. Keep in mind that custom-made tables differ quite a bit from the higher-priced pre-made tables made from walnut wood or with a walnut finish. However, even these pre-made tables could cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000, depending on the size, embellishments, and manufacturer.
One of the most important things you can do to keep your walnut dining table looking great is to clean and care for it in the appropriate way. Interestingly, genuine hardwood furniture, such as that made from quality walnut, can last several lifetimes if properly cared for, which is simply a matter of common sense. Approximately 50% of the weight of fresh wood consists of water. For this reason, it is carefully dried and treated when creating quality furniture. The result is the furniture having the right amount of moisture.
Homes with air conditioning can easily become too dry for hardwood tables such as the walnut dining table. On the other hand, without air conditioning, the home’s air can be too moist, which can cause wood to expand. For the best results, you should keep the humidity in your home between 25 and 35%. In addition, keep the wood furniture away from heaters and radiators, helping the wood not to dry out too much. The bottom line is that if you treat it with tender, loving care, your walnut dining table will provide you and your family years of enjoyment.
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Tables