Oak or walnut? Choosing timber for hospitality furniture

Oak and walnut are the two hardwoods we are asked about most. Both are durable, beautiful and widely used in hospitality — but they behave differently and suit different schemes.

Oak: versatile and hard-wearing

Oak is dense, strong and has a pronounced grain with visible rays. It takes oils, stains and lacquers well, so the same species can look pale and Scandinavian or dark and smoked. That makes it an excellent choice when furniture needs to match joinery or flooring.

Walnut: rich colour, understated finish

Walnut has a deep chocolate tone with flowing figure. It rarely needs staining — an oil or matt lacquer is enough — and it pairs naturally with brass, leather and stone. Walnut lightens over time in direct sunlight, which is worth considering for sunny terraces or window tables.

Solid or veneer?

Solid timber is ideal for chair frames, legs and table edges that take knocks. Veneer over a stable core is often the better engineering choice for large case goods and wide tops, where it reduces movement. A good specification sheet will tell you which construction is used where.

Finishes and maintenance

Oiled finishes are easy to refresh and repair locally, which suits dining tables in daily use. Lacquers give a more uniform, wipe-clean surface. Whatever you choose, ask for the care guide and plan periodic maintenance into your operations.