The Best Wood for Hotel and Restaurant Furniture, Room by Room
Written by Andrius Misiunas, Founder & Commercial Director, WOODAIM.
The right wood depends on where the furniture will stand and how hard it will be used. Here is how we match wood to each space in a hotel or restaurant.
Restaurant and café
Ash suits chairs and stools. It is lighter and more elastic, so it works well for stacking chairs and curved backs that get moved all day.
Oak suits tables. It is heavier, stands firm, and hides the wear of daily service.
Lobby and reception
Oak is our choice for benches and desks that need presence in a busy lobby.
Walnut works for statement pieces, reception desks and accents, where its dark colour sets the tone of the room.
Guest rooms and holiday apartments
Oak or ash for the pieces guests handle every day. Pine for built-ins, beds and shelving, especially in holiday homes and cabins.
We recently made pine furniture components for 8 holiday apartments.
Spa, sauna and pool area
Thermo ash, because it stays stable when humidity changes and resists moisture and rot.
Terraces and outdoor areas
Teak, because it handles water and weather. Left untreated, it weathers to a silver-grey.
Quick guide
| Space | First choice | Alternative | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant and café | Ash for chairs, oak for tables | Oak for chairs | Ash is light and elastic; oak is heavy and hides wear |
| Lobby and reception | Oak | Walnut for statement pieces | Presence in a busy space |
| Guest rooms and holiday apartments | Oak or ash | Pine for built-ins, beds and shelving | Daily handling; pine suits holiday homes and cabins |
| Spa, sauna and pool area | Thermo ash | Teak near water | Stable when humidity changes, resists moisture and rot |
| Terraces and outdoor areas | Teak | Thermo ash | Handles water and weather |
Mixing woods in one project
Ash chairs around oak tables is a combination we make often. Walnut works well as an accent next to oak.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best wood for restaurant chairs?
Ash, or oak.
What is the best wood for hotel furniture?
Oak and ash for most pieces.
What wood is best for humid spaces like spas and saunas?
Thermo ash; teak near water and outdoors.
Is pine good enough for hotel furniture?
For built-ins, beds and shelving, yes; less so for restaurant chairs and table tops that take heavy daily wear.
Tell us where the furniture will stand and we'll suggest the wood.