Despite being one of the cheapest solid-wood tables we’ve found, it’s well made and sturdy, with a varnished solid-wood top that feels like it will last. Why it’s great: The butcher-block-style Coaster Home Furnishings Damen Dining Table is one of Amazon’s best sellers and has high customer reviews. We noticed more damage when retailers displayed other items on the tabletops and where there was more foot traffic (such as at West Elm). We found few tables with no damage at all. In general, almost all of the tables had some damage to their tabletops and to the bottoms of their legs (where a chair would typically hit the side of the table).
![pier 1 desktop frame pier 1 desktop frame](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/1UsAAOSw8DJaRJEW/s-l640.jpg)
![pier 1 desktop frame pier 1 desktop frame](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/71/c8/95/71c895390f0bc6792a9e490c5b64c3a3.jpg)
Many seemed bigger and darker than they did online-something to consider if you’re decorating a smaller space.
![pier 1 desktop frame pier 1 desktop frame](https://s.ecrater.com/stores/3693/47c00d9eb5479_3693b.jpg)
Our buyer’s guide will help you determine the right size, shape, and style of table for your space, and what the table’s material and construction can tell you about its longevity. To find out what makes a good dining table, we interviewed a master furniture restorer, an interior designer, and four more industry experts, we read dozens of articles, and we looked at hundreds of tables online (and 50 in person). A comfy place to sit and eat is essential to any home.