What type of wood is better for a pub table and pub chairs, beech or oak?

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Request for Question Clarification by beckybob-ga on 16 Aug 2003 13:27 PDT

Are you planning to build these yourself, or have you seen them in a
store and are trying to decide which is better?

If you are planning to build them, part of the answer may have to do
with the woodworking tools at your disposal for this project.

Do you want to know which will last longer? Are you concerned about
splinters, splitting and cracking? Is this merely an aesthetic
question, like which wood looks better?

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Clarification of Question by apirate33-ga on 16 Aug 2003 14:21 PDT

Thank you for your reply and request for clarification.  I am trying
to decide if Oak or Beech would be better for a table and pub chair.  
I am looking to buy this from an unfinished furniture store.   I am
going to paint this myself, and I am wondering which will be the most
sturdy, and which on will provide the most smooth surface (I don't
want to have a very grainy look ... prefer a more smooth surface).

Hi apirate,

I consulted my father on this one, as he is a professional woodworker.
 He was very suprised to hear that you are planning on painting the
furniture and at the same time are concerned about the wood grain;
painting will cover up any visible grain.  Pigmented wood STAIN,
however, perhaps followed by a clear finish coat, is the most logical
choice, and I get the feeling this is what you were speaking of in
your question.

So, for this use and of those two options, you will want to use Beech
wood, because it has a much less evident grain, and will result in the
smoother surface you described.

I hope this answered your question!  If necessary, please request a
question clarification, especially before rating this answer.  Thank
you for bringing your question to us!

Sincerely,
Andrewxmp


PS- If you ARE actually planning on painting these pieces, keep in
mind that you will not see the grain at all.  If this is the case,
there are much better woods to use than beech or oak, such as maple,
simply because they are harder and will be more sturdy.

Very thorough and full of good information.