The majority of medium and large Barker and Stonehouse furniture arrives pre-assembled with a few exceptions. Make sure to check the product page of your chosen dining table as select items may require assembly or will be assembled by our delivery staff upon arrival.

While our dining tables are made of strong materials that stand the test of time, we recommend that any spills are mopped up immediately to minimise damage and prevent any possible staining. You can take further steps to prevent spills by adding a protective tablecloth to your Barker and Stonehouse dining room table.

Your dining table will require a different maintenance routine depending on its material:

Wooden dining tables should be dusted regularly and cleaned with a cloth and mild soap. Applying an appropriate protective layer, such as teak oil for teak wood tables, can also strengthen your table against damage.

Glass dining tables can be cleaned with mild soap and a cloth but should be protected against scratches and damage by using coasters, place mats, and tablecloths where necessary. Avoid placing heavy items on your glass dining table.

Marble dining tables should be cleaned regularly with warm soapy water, and a sealer should be applied every 3-5 years to prevent damage.

Avoid treating your dining room table with harsh chemicals and be sure to test any treatments in an inconspicuous area first.

Still looking for some more advice on caring for your dining table? Then take a look at our dining furniture care guide where we go into more detail about the process of looking after for your table and other furniture.

The lifespan of a dining table varies depending on its material and how well it is maintained, but certain units can last decades with the right level of care. Hardwood and marble dining room tables last especially long, but applying protective layers such as teak oil and marble wax, respectively, can help them stay in good shape for even longer.

The size of your dining table all depends on the size of your kitchen or dining room. You need enough space for people to move about the room and to pull chairs out comfortably, so if you have a lot of space to work with, you can go for a larger dining table.

Conversely, if your space is limited, you may want to go for a dining table that is a bit smaller or has a mechanism to fold in and out so you can utilise more of the space. Extending dining tables are perfect for this, as these can be easily altered to fit the space and your required needs.

For an average-sized dining table, it should comfortably seat 4 people with enough elbow room and dining space. Larger ones will be able to fit 6 or even 8, depending on how you plan to use it. If you are using the table for meals, you will want to make sure there is enough room for people to eat without knocking into someone else. But for social gatherings, there just needs to be enough space for people to sit and feel involved in the conversation. If you feel like you are going to need more room, you can always add extra dining chairs.

The style you prefer and the space available will determine the shape of the dining table you choose. Oval and round tables are great for smaller spaces and for those who host parties, as it promotes conversation while not taking up too much room. Rectangular dining tables are highly versatile but are normally suited for larger dining areas, as they provide more seating and evoke a more formal style. Square tables are ideal for people who enjoy symmetry and elegance, but they can be limiting in smaller spaces, so it’s good to keep that in mind.

We also have a handy 'Will It Fit?' guide so you can make sure your new dining table will fit comfortably in your space.

Round and oval tables are the best designs for smaller kitchens as they eliminate sharp corners and allow more room for flow and movement. Dining tables with space-saving features are also recommended, such as extending dining tables, as these can be altered to fit your needs and the number of people you are hosting. We also recommend glass tables as these create the illusion of more space and bring an airy feel to the room, making it feel more open and less compact.

When it comes to finding the right dining table for a smaller space, extending dining tables are the perfect solution. So, yes! They’re totally worth it. Not only do they have an easy-to-use fold-out mechanism, but they can also be tailored to fit all manner of occasions. Keep it folded if you and your partner are enjoying an evening meal, but when it’s time to host guests, you can extend it to create ample seating for everyone. They even come in a wide variety of styles so you will be able to find one that matches your home’s design.

For a solid investment, we recommend oak and other types of wood for a dining table. Not only is this a timeless material that will last a long time, but it’s also durable, which makes it perfect for families with children.

Marble provides a luxurious finish and durability, making it ideal for formal spaces and households looking for a striking centrepiece. However, they can chip quite easily, so you have to take more care with this type of dining table.

Glass dining tables are easy to clean and create a light and airy feel, but they are scratch-prone and can show fingerprints, so we don’t recommend this style for large families with children.