Finding the perfect dining table is one of the most important decisions when furnishing your home. It’s where families gather, friends share meals, and memories are made—especially in our beautiful Central Coast lifestyle with its relaxed coastal vibe. At Coastal Design Furniture in Erina, we specialise in high-quality, custom-made dining tables crafted to suit Australian homes. Here’s a practical guide to help you choose the right materials and sizes.
Step 1: Understanding Materials When Choosing a Dining Table.
The material you choose affects durability, look, maintenance, and how well it fits your coastal lifestyle.
Solid Timber (Our Specialty)
Australian hardwoods like Tasmanian Oak, Blackwood, or offer warmth, strength, and timeless appeal. They develop a beautiful patina over time and can be custom-finished in natural stains, white washes, or painted colours to match your decor.
- Pros: Extremely durable, easy to repair, eco-friendly options available, and perfect for our humid coastal climate when properly sealed.
- Cons: Can be heavier and may require occasional maintenance (e.g., re-oiling).
Our Blackwood Dining Table and Coastal White Wash ranges showcase how stunning solid timber looks in open-plan Central Coast homes.
Pro Tip for Central Coast Homes: Choose materials that handle coastal conditions—sealed timbers resist moisture and salt air better. Our team can advise on the best protective finishes for your dining table.
Step 2: Getting the Size Right When Choosing a Dining Table
Measure your dining space carefully before buying. Allow at least 90–120 cm clearance around the table for chairs to pull out and people to walk comfortably.
Standard Height
Most dining tables are 75–76 cm high. This pairs perfectly with standard dining chairs (seat height around 45–48 cm).
Common Sizes by Seating Capacity (Metric guide for Australian homes):
| Seating Capacity | Dimensions (Length x Width) | Notes |
| 4 people | 120–150 cm long x 75–90 cm wide | Ideal for smaller apartments, townhouses, or cosy nooks in Terrigal or Avoca homes. |
| 6 people | 180–200 cm long x 90–100 cm wide | The sweet spot for many Central Coast families. |
| 8 people | 220–250 cm long x 100–110 cm wide | Great for larger entertaining spaces. |
| 10+ people | 280 cm+ with extension options | We can custom-build these. |
Shape Considerations:
- Rectangular: Most versatile and space-efficient. Fits well against walls or in open-plan areas.
- Round or Oval: Promotes conversation and works beautifully in square rooms or for a softer coastal feel. A 120–135 cm diameter round table seats 4–6 comfortably.
- Square: Modern and intimate for smaller gatherings.
Custom Sizing at Coastal Design Furniture
Don’t settle for off-the-shelf limitations. We can build your dining table to exact measurements—whether you need a narrower table for a tight Gosford apartment or an extendable one for growing families in Wamberal.
Additional Tips for Choosing Your Dining Table
- Room Flow: In open-plan living (common on the Central Coast), consider how the table interacts with your kitchen and lounge.
- Lifestyle: Do you host big Christmas lunches? Need kid-friendly rounded corners? We can tailor it.
- Pairing with Chairs: Allow 50–60 cm per person. Our range of dining chairs (including custom upholstery) complements our tables perfectly.
- Budget & Longevity: Investing in custom solid timber often saves money long-term compared to replacing cheaper pieces.
Why Shop Local at Coastal Design Furniture in Erina?
With nearly 30 years of experience, we offer custom-made dining tables using quality Australian timbers, built right here in NSW. Visit our showroom at 166 Central Coast Highway, Erina, for a free measure and quote. We serve the entire Central Coast, from Ettalong to The Entrance and beyond.
Ready to create your perfect dining space? Contact us today or drop in—we’d love to help you design a table that becomes the heart of your home.
Coastal Design Furniture – Custom Made Furniture Specialists, Erina NSW.
Bing He
Founder
Based at Erina on the Central Coast, Coastal Design Furniture is an Australian-owned and operated company established in 1995. Owner Bing He has been designing and handcrafting fine timber furniture in Australia since 1995, drawing on his family’s 50+ years of experience creating bespoke, high-quality custom pieces for local homes.