Dining Tables have always occupied a central space and significance in our homes and generally are the place where we gather for meals, conversations, work, play, and relaxation. It’s a comfortable space where family and friends gather. Over the decades fashion & function have changed the design & materials used in Dining Tables and in recent years Ceramic has emerged not only as a serious alternative to more traditional materials but a material of outstanding beauty, flexibility, and longevity in terms of design & aesthetic. In this blog, we hope we can share some of the many reasons to consider a Ceramic dining table but also give you some background on the amazing properties and benefits of Ceramic which make it ideal for both contemporary & traditional dining Tables.
How Ceramic is Made?
Firstly, a quick background on how Ceramic is made and why it’s such an amazing material. Ceramic is produced using a mixture of naturally occurring Clays & Minerals which are combined &put through very high temperatures in a firing process. This process gives Ceramic the unique properties of Heat, Scratch, Impact, Chemical & Liquid resistance.
After Firing the Decoration and Surface Finish are applied & this is where Ceramic comes to life. A multitude of patterns, finishes, and textures are created from the very popular, Polished Marble finishes, to more sporadic colour blasts with different levels of sheen& texture. This variety gives a spectrum of tactile grades and brings Ceramic Tops to a different level of Customer experience. Early blends of Carrara White are still hugely popular, but we are now seeing more sleek and sporadic patterns and ornate finishes becoming available, with advances in Ceramic Production. Larger sheet sizes are becoming available up to 3.6 x 1.2M which has increased the sizes and visual appeal of Tables now available. Below is a very small example of different patterns now available.
5 Advantages of Ceramic Dining Table
Apart from the obvious aesthetic design appeal of Ceramic Tables, the unique properties of ceramics make this a game changer. The 5 main advantages it has are as follows;
- The inherent heat resistance of ceramic allows you to place your hot plates and dishes on the table without causing any damage.
- Ceramic boasts exceptional durability and impact resistance, making it an ideal choice for dining tables that are subjected to regular use and wear.
- Ceramic is Scratch Resistant and in normal use, this prevents your Tabletop from marking or developing blemishes and keeping in great condition.
- The glazing creates an impermeable and stain-resistant surface which is also liquid-resistant so all those daily spills and stains can be easily wiped away.
- Finally, Ceramic is also Chemical Resistant so, whilst it is recommended to not use any abrasive cleaners or polishes, Ceramic has a much higher resistance to these than Wood or Glass.
As with all natural materials, it is advisable to take care of your table and taking any of the above to extremes may lead to unnecessary or unforeseen damages.
Ongoing Production Innovations have led to Ceramic dining tables coming in many different shapes and sizes adding greatly to the aesthetic design appeal of your Tables. Generally higher quality and larger sizes are coupled with matching Toughed Glass Sheets which adds to the rigidity and durability. This also is a significant design feature as the Glass is a great contrast to the Ceramic as you can see below.
How to Maintain a Ceramic Dining Table
Ceramic Dining Tables are really easy to maintain, and the following simple tips can keep your Table in great condition for many years.
- Regularly clean your Table Top using a soft Microfibre Cloth to remove any loose stains or marks.
- For tough stains, mild soapy water can be used to gently clean the top and then wipe it clean with water and dry it off.
- Avoid using cleaning abrasives or scrubbing too vigorously to avoid damaging the finish.
Ceramic dining tables are known for their exceptional design aesthetic, durability and longevity. Unlike other materials, ceramic maintains its beauty and structure throughout the years, making it a worthwhile investment and a true design statement for your home.
Below is a small example of some of the different designs, shapes and finishes available in the Red Tree Range of Ceramic Tables currently available.