Hey guys, I’m working on a dining table for a client. Solid walnut, finished thickness 2.25”, double bullnose bent lam edging. Total surface size: 42”x90”x2.5”

My issue is that the client has chosen a walnut burl veneer for the top. It’s a 22mil BFV from Oakwood Veneers and they want a “natural finish”. Everything online points to the darlings of the day: Rubio and Osmo. Neither of these hard wax finishes are going to stand up to the every day abuse of a dining room table. The client does have kids. Any suggestions on a satin/natural looking finish that can take a bit of a beating? The plan is custom-made tabletop pads to cover the table for every day use but with kids you just never really know.

The 4 x 8 sheet of veneer costs about $1k so it’s something that definitely needs some consideration. Any options/suggestions are much appreciated.

Ok so first each of those things contradicts i cannot understand if its solid wood with a veneer? Dont understand the construction but nonetheless you will have to go back to the customer and explain each of the options of finish and thier limitations. Sounds like you are the one who will be schellacked once the finish fails.

Putting veneer on a solid walnut table will be a disaster since solid wood expands and contracts.

@RichC Seeing as examples of veneered furniture from 200 years ago are still available I’d say that there shouldn’t be problems. Assuming the stock has been sufficiently dried and acclimated to the moisture of the space, as well as milled and glued correctly, veneer on solid wood substrate is perfectly viable. Additionally, the question was about recommended finishing options such as CV, hard wax, etc so posts such as this do nothing for the thread.

If you have suggestions about finishing, I’d be happy to hear.

If you're looking for suggestions regarding the finish I would post your inquiry in the finishing section.

West, you posted in the veneer section, so I assumed it had to do with veneer. 200 years ago there were no central furnaces and wind blew through houses. Also solid wood from that time period was old growth and a lot different characteristics. You don't have to listen to my 51 years of woodworking experience, you can let the customer tell you how to do woodworking, but I think I have more experience than they do.

Considering the delicacy of walnut burl veneer, have you thought about trying a conversion varnish? It's known for being durable and resistant to wear and tear, making it a solid choice for a high-traffic area like a dining table. The satin finish could maintain that natural look you're going for.

Another option worth exploring could be a water-based polyurethane with a satin sheen. It tends to be clear and should help preserve the natural beauty of the walnut burl while providing the necessary protection.

I totally understand the unpredictability of kids, and having custom-made tabletop pads is a smart move for daily protection. But having a finish that can hold its own is equally crucial.

Best of luck with your project, and I hope the finish you choose does justice to that gorgeous walnut burl veneer!

Watco oil is a possibility. My choice would likely be that or a oil based varnish. I have used catalyzed water based finishes on cabinets successfully but don't think I'd try that on a table top.

Also, like you, I see now problem with veneer on solid wood. It has been done for hundreds of years and those pieces are surviving in modern heated/air conditioned buildings. I've done it myself.

BH Davis

If they want a "natural" finish, whatever that means it'll come with all the natural issues of wear and tear. 2k poly or bust imo. Used water based and maybe that will pass for "natural". Or go squeeze some lac beetles by hand haha. At a certain point you have to steer the client to the obvious best course and not let them dictate areas of the job they may be misinformed about. Most finishes are inert once they've cured- that's probably all they're worried about with their kids. Good luck and this does belong in the finishing section.

It would work but you have to have to have the walnut veneer two plied. We did it for years. The two ply would lessen the solid moving the veneer face. Otherwise, I can hear the checking from here.