The Sugarberry Modern Dining Table (2024)

The Sugarberry Modern Dining Table (1)
We love the new Sugarberry wood option from Room & Board found in its Chilton line, so we dug a bit further to find out exactly what Sugarberry is. With the help of Michael Brotman, Room & Board Merchandise Manager for Casegoods, we learned that Sugarberry is a tree species that is native to the South Eastern portion of the U.S.While the Sugarberry wood may be new to most of us it, has been used sparingly in furniture for many years.

The Sugarberry Modern Dining Table (2)

What differentiates Room & Board Sugarberry from anyone else’s is that it’s spalted, which creates one-of-a-kind patterning throughout the material. Spalting is a naturally occurring process—when the tree dies, it often pulls minerals from the soil and those minerals create these patterns in the wood.“The reason you never see spalted material used in furniture is because the process is random and rare to catch a tree right at the perfect moment of decline when the wood is still in usable condition,” said Brotman. “Our partners have discovered a way to introduce these minerals to the tree at just the right time and know exactly when to harvest it to achieve the amazing material that we are able to use.”

The Sugarberry Modern Dining Table (3)

So why this wood for this particular line? “Chilton is all about the wood,” said Brotman.“The grain, the color, the live edge, the butterfly joints … it is a table that celebrates how beautiful wood can be all on its own.No adornment, no color, just the natural wood as it existed inside the tree.The cracks, splits, and marks in the wood are all revered as part of the history of the tree.”

The Sugarberry Modern Dining Table (4)

The Chilton line is a collection of 11 unique tables, and every Chilton table is as unique as the tree from which it came. The tabletops are created with solid slabs of wood and showcase natural markings like knots, splits, and distinct grain patterns. “I love knowing that each table is completely unique and that they are a product of nature,” said Brotman. “We take great pride in our materials and the honesty with which we utilize them.The natural table form and beautiful markings combine to make it a truly functional piece of art.”

The Sugarberry Modern Dining Table (2024)

FAQs

What is spalted sugarberry? ›

Behind the Sugarberry Wood at Room & Board

Spalting is a naturally occurring process—when the tree dies, it often pulls minerals from the soil and those minerals create these patterns in the wood.

Is 32 inches too high for a dining table? ›

The standard dining room table height is 28 to 32 inches tall. This height generally feels a bit more formal, so it's perfect for spaces you're trying to give that sophisticated, grown up feel.

What is the best height for a dining table? ›

So, how tall should a dining table be? The standard dining table height is 28 to 30 inches (71-76cm), which will suit most people. Dining chairs should be 17-19 inches (45-50cm) to match. If a different height is selected, the proportions of the chairs should be made to match.

What is sugarberry wood good for? ›

The wood has been used for furniture, uphol- stered frames, and millwork. It can be used for container veneer.

Is spalted wood desirable? ›

Spalted wood is extremely desirable for woodworkers. It has black wavy streaks that are eye-catching and add a level of detail to any piece of hardwood. The spalted areas of the lumber have a black marble pattern.

How do you make a table look expensive? ›

Try to pick pieces that speak the same visual language—even if they're working with contrasting styles. Pair a traditional table with acrylic chairs. Or buy a modern table and flank it with French country dining chairs and a mid-century style bench. You also want to make sure the chairs have equal visual weight.

How do you make a modern table look old? ›

You could place it out in the sun for a couple of months. You could Burn it with a torch and then using metal brush. You could stain it gray and then use a white pickling or white wash over it. There are lots of ways to create that aged look.

How high above a table should a chandelier hang? ›

As a general rule of thumb, the chandelier should be positioned about 30 to 36 inches above the table surface. You want enough clearance to get in and out of your seat without bonking your head, but you also want the chandelier to be a star in the show.

Can 4 people sit at a 30 inch table? ›

30" Round Table - seats 3-4 guests. 36" Round Table - seats 4 guests. 42" Round Table - seats 4-5 guests. 48" Round Table - seats 5-6 guests.

How many inches should be between a table and a chair? ›

Most chairs have a seat height between 17” and 20”, and most standard dining tables are approx. 30” tall, so try and allow for between 10” and 12” of clearance between your chair seat and your tabletop.

What does it mean if wood is spalted? ›

Spalting is any form of wood coloration caused by fungi. Although primarily found in dead trees, spalting can also occur in living trees under stress. Although spalting can cause weight loss and strength loss in the wood, the unique coloration and patterns of spalted wood are sought by woodworkers.

What is the difference between hackberry and sugarberry? ›

Sugarberry is easily confused with common hackberry (C. occidentalis) where the range overlaps. Sugarberry has narrower leaves with mostly smooth margins, the berries are juicier and sweeter, while the bark is less corky.

Can you eat sugarberry fruit? ›

Sugarberry was commonly used by many Native American tribes. The Comanche beat the fruit to a pulp and then mixed it with animal fat, rolled it into balls, and roasted it in the fire. The resulting balls had a long shelf life and became nutritious food reserves. Native people also had other uses for sugarberry fruit.

Is spalted hackberry a hardwood? ›

Hackberry is reputed to among the very best woods for steam bending among hardwoods native to the United States and Canada.

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