5 Best Finish for Dining Table: Waterproof, Scratch-Resistant & More

The best finish for dining table is always a question many ask when they want to keep the natural beauty of a wood table. The right finish doesn’t just add style. It will protect against water, scratches, and everyday wear. 

With years of working with wood, Lumber Grand has rounded up 5 top picks that are trusted and widely used: polyurethane, epoxy, varnish, lacquer, and oil. Each brings its own look and feel, from a sleek, glossy shine to a warm, natural wood vibe. If you’re looking for the perfect solution or planning to resurface wood table, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in! 

Best Finish for Dining Table: Quick Comparison Table

We've combined the best wood finish for dining table into one handy chart so you can compare them at a glance. Prices can vary with time, so check your local market for the most accurate info before purchasing.

Read more: Waterproof Finish for Dining Table

4 Key Factors Make the Best Finish for Dining Table 

Your dining table faces daily use, spills, and food contact, so it deserves a lasting finish. Consider these four factors to find what is the best finish for a dining table top.  

1. Durability: Durability is the most important factor since your dining table needs protection from scratches, stains, and spills. When it comes to strength, epoxy and polyurethane are the top choices. 

2. Aesthetic: You'll want to choose a finish that fits the look you're going for when restain dining room table. For example, epoxy or lacquer is an excellent choice if you love a glossy, elegant vibe. Oil brings out the wood grain beautifully, while polyurethane offers a nice balance of durability and classic style. 

3. Application and maintenance: Application and upkeep also play a role in finding the best finish for dining room table. Oil is easier to apply and touch up, while polyurethane needs multiple coats and more maintenance. 

4. Health and safety: Some finishes, especially oil-based ones, can give off strong smells and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) while applying and waiting to cure. If you're worried about indoor air quality, using a water-based or low-VOC option is best. 

How to choose the best finish for dining table

Credit: Lumber Grand 

Shop now: Round Wood Epoxy Dining Table 41" Diameter

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5 Best Finish for Dining Table That Last for Years

Every finish type contributes a distinct set of qualities. Lumber Grand is breaking down the five most popular finishes so you can easily see the pros and cons and choose the one that fits your dining table best. 

1. Polyurethane: Best Finish for Daily Durability  

Polyurethane is one of the most popular finishes for dining tables thanks to its durability and excellent resistance to water and scratches. It comes in 2 main types: 

1.1 Oil-based

Oil-based polyurethane gives wood a warm, rich tone, though it will yellow over time. It's a great choice if durability is your top priority. The trade-off is the strong odor and higher VOCs, and it takes longer to dry than other finishes. Still, waiting a bit longer for that flawless finish is worth it. 

1.2 Water-based

Conversely, water-based polyurethane may not last as long, but dries clear, keeps the natural look of the wood, and has a much lighter smell. It also dries faster and has lower VOCs, making you feel more comfortable about safety. The only catch is that water-based polyurethane often has a higher price tag.  

• Drying time: 6 — 10 hours (oil-based) and 2 — 4 hours (water-based) between coats, 24 hours for light use, complete cure in 48 hours 

• Popular brands: Minwax, Varathane, General Finishes, Target Coatings

• Recommended use: Most hardwoods (like oak, walnut, and maple) need a durable finish. Since it preserves their natural color, water-based polyurethane is especially great for lighter woods (such as maple, ash, and birch).

• Price range: around $15 — $40 per quart 

Polyurethane finish

Photo: Freepik

Related blog: Oil vs Water Based Polyurethane

2. Epoxy: Best Finish for Glossy Protection  

One of the best finish for wood dining table you can’t overlook is epoxy resin. Epoxy table top creates a thick, glass-like coating that offers outstanding protection against water, heat, and heavy impacts. It’s often considered the “super durable” choice for surfaces that see a lot of use. 

Another plus is that epoxy can be tinted with different colors, letting you design a dining table that's truly one of a kind. However, epoxy coatings can be costly and challenging to apply flawlessly without bubbles. 

• Drying time: 6 — 12 hours for touch dry, complete cure in 72 hours

• Popular brands: TotalBoat, Pro Marine, Stone Coat Countertops

• Recommended use: Perfect for solid wood slabs (live edge tables) or tops with cracks and voids that need filling. It is not recommended for thin surfaces or tables prone to warping since epoxy is quite heavy.

• Price range: around $40 — $120 per gallon

Epoxy gives your table a striking, standout look

Credit: Lumber Grand 

Shop now: Square Black Epoxy Dining Table 29" x 29"

3. Varnish: Best Finish for Classic Strength

A classic treatment that gives the wood table top a classic, natural look is varnish. Its exceptional durability and UV resistance make it suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Spar varnish especially offers excellent UV resistance and withstands harsh conditions. 

However, varnish has the disadvantage of taking longer to cure and may require more than one layer for complete protection. You'll also need to sand between layers lightly to ensure proper adhesion.

• Drying time: 30 — 90 minutes for touch dry, 24 hours to handle, complete cure in 7 — 14 days

• Popular brands: Helmsman Spar Urethane, McCloskey Man O’ War

• Recommended use: Great for outdoor wood or dining tables in open spaces like patios or verandas. It also works well on weather-resistant hardwoods such as teak, mahogany, or other durable species. 

• Price range: around $20 — $50 per quart

How to refinish dining table with varnish 

Photo: Freepik

4. Lacquer: Best Finish for Sleek Shine

Regarding the best finish for the dining table, lacquer deserves a spot on the list. Lacquer is often used in high-end furniture due to its quick-drying ability and the smooth, glossy finish. It's usually applied with a spray gun to achieve an even surface.  

The downside is that lacquer isn’t the most durable option. It can chip and crack over time despite its sleek appearance. In addition, it tends to have high VOC levels, so you’ll need to work in a well-ventilated space or outdoors.  

• Drying time: 30 minutes — 2 hours for touch dry, complete cure in 24 — 48 hours

• Popular brands: Deft, Mohawk, Rust-Oleum Lacquer

• Recommended use: Works well on veneer or fine hardwoods like walnut and cherry. An excellent match for modern-style dining tables where you want an ultra-smooth, high-gloss finish. 

• Price range: around $25 — $40 per gallon

How to restain your kitchen table with lacquer

Photo: Freepik

Read more: How to Refinish Dining Table Top

5. Oil: Best Finish for Natural Warmth

Oils penetrate deep into the wood, highlighting its natural grain and warm tones. They’re non-toxic, eco-friendly, and easy to apply by hand. Here are a few popular options you might like:

• Tung oil: soaks in easily, gives a subtle shine, and offers moderate water resistance
• Boiled linseed oil: absorbs faster than raw linseed oil, and provides the wood with a naturally warm glow
• Danish oil: a blend of oil and resin that penetrates deeply while creating a thin protective finish on the surface.

However, oil finishes aren't very durable and must be reapplied periodically to keep the wood looking its best. 

• Drying time: 12 — 24 hours for touch dry, can recoat in 24 hours, complete cure in 3 — 7 days

• Popular brands: Tried & True, Watco Danish Oil, Hope’s 100% Tung Oil

• Recommended use: Perfect for wood with beautiful grain, like walnut, oak, or cherry, as oils bring out the natural patterns. Ideal for dining tables with light use, or for anyone who loves a rustic, natural look. 

• Price range: around $15 — $40 per quart

Oil finishes are easy to apply and maintain

Photo: Freepik

Smart Tips for Perfect Wood Finish

Besides choosing the best finish for dining table, knowing how to apply it for perfect results is essential. These handy pointers will guide you through using and caring for your wood finish to make it look polished and last for years.  

• Prep the surface: Ensure the surface is prepared correctly before making a dining table. Start lightly sanding, then wipe away all dust and stains with a clean cloth. Ensure the table top is completely dry and free of oils or contaminants to ensure optimal adhesion.
• Choose the correct application method: Each type of finish has its optimal application method. Lacquer works well when sprayed for an even coat, while varnish or polyurethane is usually applied with a brush. It's best to pour epoxy in thin layers and follow the recommended thickness. 
• Curing and drying times: You should watch the cure time recommended by each product. Avoid placing heavy objects on the surface until the finish has fully cured to prevent damaging your table top.
• Ongoing care: Apply a moderate, pH-neutral cleaner and a soft, wet cloth to clean instead of abrasive pads or strong chemicals that degrade coatings. You also should use coasters, placemats, and trivets to shield the surface from heat and dampness.

Wipe down your table regularly to keep it looking beautiful for years

Credit: Lumber Grand 

Shop now: Round Epoxy Dining Table 29" Diameter

Related blog: How to Pour Epoxy Table

FAQs 

1. What is the Most Durable Finish for a Table Top?

The most durable finishes for a table top are epoxy resin and polyurethane (oil-based). These finishes create a strong protective layer on your table top, offering excellent resistance to water, scratches, and stains.  

2. What Sheen Should a Dining Table Be?

Consider warm, rich stains or a glossy varnish if you love a traditional look. But if a modern style is what you're after, sleek lacquer or matte finishes are perfect.  

3. What is the Best Way to Finish a Dining Room Table?

The best way to finish a dining table depends on your value: durability, natural beauty, or easy maintenance.

• For durability: go with strong finishes like epoxy, polyurethane, or varnish.

• For natural beauty: oils such as tung, linseed, or Danish are great choices.

• For easy maintenance: lacquer or oil will be your go-to options.

4. Is it Better to Varnish or Wax a Table?

Varnish is better for tables that need high durability. It forms a hard layer on the wood's surface, better protecting it against water and scratches. Conversely, wax leaves a smooth, natural, and warm feel but is more prone to scratches and requires more upkeep.  

Best Finish for Dining Table: Final Choice

Here’s our takeaway on selecting the best finish for your dining table. 

• Polyurethane — best finish for durability and everyday protection 

• Epoxy — best finish for a glossy, rock-hard surface

• Varnish — best finish for outdoor tables or moisture-prone areas 

• Lacquer —  best finish for a sleek, modern, high-gloss look 

• Oil — best finish for a natural, rustic feel that highlights wood grain 

The best finish for dining table depends on what you value most: durability, looks, or easy application and maintenance. With the right finish, you’ll enjoy both beauty and durability every time you sit down for a meal. And now you’re all set to refinish your dining table right at home. Be sure to check out more fun DIY ideas on our blogs!