How Much Do Handmade Oak Dining Tables Cost in the UK?
How much should you expect to pay for a handmade oak dining table in 2025?
Handmade oak dining tables in the UK typically range from £500 for entry level options to over £7,000 for large, heirloom quality pieces. The final cost depends on size, timber grade, joinery detail, finish, and whether the piece is made to order. Trade buyers, interior designers and restaurant groups can also access bulk pricing or contract rates, which affects unit pricing.
In this article about handmade oak dining tables, we have covered:
- How much should you expect to pay for a handmade oak dining table in 2025?
- What do we mean by “handmade oak” dining tables?
- What affects the cost of a handmade oak dining table?
- UK Price Ranges: What can you expect to pay in 2025?
- What are you paying for? A cost breakdown
- Hidden or extra costs to budget for
- Buying for a business? Key points for trade buyers
- How to control costs without lowering quality
- Real world commission examples
- Smart questions to ask before placing an order
- Best Value Checklist
- Summary: What is a fair price for a handmade oak table in the UK?
An AI photo of a solid oak table by Tablemaker.
What do we mean by “handmade oak” dining tables?
Not all oak tables are equal. Handmade oak means the table is constructed by skilled makers, often in independent workshops using solid timber and traditional joinery. This differs from mass produced or flat pack options. Solid oak is milled from single species hardwood, while oak veneer is thin slices applied to engineered core. Handmade doesn’t always mean rustic—modern, minimal styles can be just as bespoke.
Workshop versus factory
Workshops may use hand planed surfaces, dowel joinery, and timber sourced from FSC certified or PEFC suppliers. They often use kiln dried oak planks and follow chain of custody certification protocols to verify sustainable sourcing. Factories often use automated cutting, composite materials, and a veneer finish. The difference is tactile, visual, and structural.
Key terms to know
Solid oak: Not veneer or engineered
Dowel joinery: Traditional and strong
Grain consistency: Tells you about timber matching
Hand planed: Indicates true workshop finishing
Timber sourcing comparison
| Source | Sustainability | Price Impact | Appearance Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK Oak | High (FSC) | Higher | Rustic, knottier grain |
| French Oak | High (PEFC) | Mid | Clean, consistent grain |
| Eastern EU Oak | Variable | Lower | Mixed colour and texture |
Pro Tip: Always check if VAT is included in your quote before comparing prices.
Pro Tip: Opting for character grade oak can cut costs without sacrificing natural beauty.
What affects the cost of a handmade oak dining table?
Material and size
Timber grade: Prime oak costs more than character grade
Dimensions: Larger tops = more timber and labour
Thickness: A chunky 50mm top will cost more than 32mm
Joinery and features
Breadboard ends, live edges, extension mechanisms, and custom base designs can increase cost.
Finish and detailing
Lacquer gives a hardwearing seal
Oil offers a soft sheen but needs upkeep
Wax is traditional but less durable
Local versus imported oak
Locally sourced oak (British or French) may cost more but often has better sustainability credentials and shorter lead times. Look for timber from sustainably managed forests with verified certification.
Commission a Made to Measure Oak Table
Speak to Tablemaker about your project, size, style and commercial use.
Start My QuoteUK Price Ranges: What can you expect to pay in 2025?
Entry level handmade oak tables: £500 to £950 (basic design, 4 to 6 seats, slim top, no extensions)
Mid range: £1,200 to £2,500 (6 to 8 seats, better finish, optional features)
Premium bespoke: £3,000 to £7,000 plus (extendable, thick slab tops, design led)
Typical add ons
Extra leaves for extension: £200 to £600
Matching benches: £350 to £1,200 each
Delivery and setup: £80 to £200 depending on location and access
What are you paying for? A cost breakdown
| Element | Typical percent of final price |
| Timber material | 25 to 35 percent |
| Labour and joinery | 35 to 45 percent |
| Finish and sealant | 10 to 15 percent |
| Overheads and VAT | 15 to 20 percent |
| Packaging and delivery | 5 to 10 percent |
Why labour is the largest part
Bespoke joinery such as dovetails or slab matching takes time. It’s one of the biggest reasons workshop labour affects price more than the oak itself.
Hidden or extra costs to budget for
VAT: Some smaller makers quote ex VAT; always confirm
White glove delivery: Extra charge for stairs, assembly, or access
Seal coat upgrades: Second coats or custom tints cost more
Warranty terms: Not all include servicing or seasonal adjustments
Buying for a business? Key points for trade buyers
Volume pricing: Discounted rates available for five or more units
Lead time: Allow six to ten weeks; longer for large quantities
Finish durability: Commercial grade lacquer or oil mix is often advised
Repeat ordering: Builders, designers and hospitality firms benefit from established maker relationships
Contract terms: Make sure invoice and delivery timings are clearly agreed
For guidance, look to groups like the British Contract Furnishing Association or Guild of Master Craftsmen for recommended supplier standards.
Tablemaker works directly with commercial clients across the UK to supply made to measure oak tables and surfaces, with finishes suitable for high traffic use in hospitality and retail spaces.
How to control costs without lowering quality
Use thinner tops with reinforced bases
Choose standard finishes instead of custom tints
Simplify base design (for example, fixed trestle instead of sliding)
Use character grade oak instead of prime
Avoid urgent lead times, which usually incur surcharges
Real world commission examples
Six seater refectory table with fixed top and oiled finish: £1,195
Ten seater extendable with live edge and slab legs: £3,475
Commercial café order (ten four seaters) with hard lacquer: £9,800 total
Reclaimed oak table (eight seats) with aged patina: £2,200
Bespoke oak dining tables built to project brief and spec: £2,500 to £6,000
Smart questions to ask before placing an order
Is the oak solid or veneer?
What thickness is the top?
Are breadboard ends or extensions included in the quote?
What sealant or finish is standard?
Is the oak FSC or PEFC certified?
What’s the expected lead time?
Do you offer servicing or seasonal adjustment?
Is delivery ground floor only?
Do prices include VAT?
Best Value Checklist
✔ Solid oak, not veneer
✔ FSC or PEFC certified timber
✔ Joinery details listed clearly (for example, dowels, mortice tenon)
✔ VAT and delivery stated in writing
✔ Clear timeline and finish specification
✔ Breakdown of add ons and optional features
✔ Proven trade history or reviews if buying for business
Summary: What is a fair price for a handmade oak table in the UK?
A fair price reflects size, joinery, timber quality, finish and delivery. For most buyers, expect to pay £950 to £2,500 for a well made, mid range handmade oak table that seats six to eight. Larger, extendable or design led builds can exceed £4,000 to £5,000. Trade buyers and repeat clients often access better rates through bulk quotes.
Getting clarity on what affects the cost helps you budget with confidence—and find a piece that meets both aesthetic and durability goals. Whether you’re looking for a commissioned solid wood centrepiece or made to order oak table pricing for a commercial fit out, asking the right questions and comparing fee structures can help you get real value.
For workshops like Tablemaker, clear briefs and flexibility with specs can help streamline lead times and unlock the best possible pricing across multiple units.
An AI photo of a solid oak table in London by Tablemaker.
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