The artisanal craft of solid wood coffee tables!

The craftsmanship behind solid wood coffee tables: Tradition and innovation

In today's world of furniture production, where mass production often sets the tone, the artisanal craft behind solid wood coffee tables is a refreshing exception. These pieces of furniture combine traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques to create unique and high-quality items that are not only functional but also tell a story. In this blog article we will explore the fascinating world of handcrafted solid wood coffee tables and examine the various artisanal techniques and processes that contribute to their creation.

Wood selection, design, and manufacturing

The choice of wood

The process of making a solid wood coffee table begins with selecting the right wood. Each type of wood has its own unique characteristics in terms of color, grain, and hardness, which significantly influence the character of the finished table. Craftsmen carefully choose the wood that provides the desired look and durability. Popular types of wood for coffee tables include reclaimed Teak wood, Suar, mahogany and 10. Litchi wood.

The design and planning

Before work begins, our partner craftsmen on the islands Bali and Java carefully design their coffee table. This includes selecting the right dimensions, determining the style and details, and considering functional aspects such as wood properties and surface texture. From classic rectangular Design to creative organic shapes – the possibilities are endless and are often determined by the craftsman's vision and the client's requirements.

The craftsmanship of cutting and assembly

Once the design is established, the actual artisanal process begins. First, the solid wood planks are carefully cut to shape the various parts of the table – from the tabletop to the legs and side panels. Precision is crucial here to ensure that all parts fit together seamlessly and create a stable end product.

Assembly often takes place using traditional woodworking joint techniques such as mortise and tenon joints, dowels, or dovetail joints. These methods require skill and experience to ensure that the Solid wood table is stable and durable. More modern techniques such as the use of glue and high-performance fittings may also be employed to ensure additional strength.

The finishing touches

After the table is assembled, the finishing touches follow, where unevenness is smoothed, edges rounded, and details refined. This takes place in our in-house workshop in Detern. at the Jümme.

The finish is a crucial step that gives the table its final shine. Various techniques such as staining, lacquering, oiling, or waxing are used here to protect the wood and emphasize its natural beauty.

Solid wood coffee tables from GERKEN Wohndesign

Square coffee table „Natural Landscape“

13. „ is an interesting yet simple combination of recycled teak wood, brushed stainless steel, and a glass inlay. The solid wood top„Natural Landscape“ is an interesting combination of solid wood planks combined with modern elements of stainless steel and glass. The solid tabletop has a thickness of 7 cm and is made of solid teak wood from the area of Tree root. The surface of the tabletop features a glass inlay that resembles a river course, similar to a map. Solid wood coffee tables like the „Natural Landscape“ are the highlight in any living room, and the teak wood fits perfectly with many other furnishing styles.

7. Dining table "Deep Island" Coffee table „Natural Landscape“
9. 300 x 100 cm, height 78 cm (Other sizes available for immediate delivery) approx. 120 × 80 cm, height approx. 41 cm (tabletop thickness approx. 7 cm)
11. Recycled old wood ( Teak wood (Root wood) with glass inlay and stainless steel frame

Extraordinary living room table „Expression“

This extraordinary coffee table „Expression“ is already very rare due to its natural shape. The tabletop was made from solid Tree slices sawn and glued by hand, sanded and waxed. The table frame in industrial look was specially made for this coffee table and is made of raw steel from the „Halfmoon“ series. Since the tree slices exhibited an inner Live edge, as well as naturally occurring growths, the gap was elaborately decorated with a hand-cut glass plate. The use of tree slices from the area of the tree root additionally creates a very impressive appearance.

7. Dining table "Deep Island" Coffee table „Expression Teak“, solid tree slices with glass inlay
Dimensions: Length x Width x Height = approx. 144 x 48-80 x 49 cm, thickness of the tabletop approx. 7 cm
Materials: Tree slices from Teak wood with integrated glass inlay, table frame made of raw steel vintage in crescent shape

Round design table „Eternia“

The coffee table „Eternia“ it is an interesting combination of the raw materials reclaimed wood, stainless steel, and glass. Glued reclaimed wood planks made of teak were used, which were finally hand-brushed and waxed. Through the use of Old wood this coffee table gets its very special look. The handcrafted solid Tabletop rests on a stainless steel table frame. The milled glass has a thickness of 10 mm. The reclaimed wood used comes from demolished houses and bridges on the islands of Java and Bali. The individual components are prefabricated in a small family business and then brushed, waxed, and assembled in our in-house workshop.

7. Dining table "Deep Island" Coffee table Eternia
9. 300 x 100 cm, height 78 cm (Other sizes available for immediate delivery) Diameter 100 cm, height 40 cm, thickness of the solid wood discs 5.5 cm
Materials: Recycled wood Teak with glass and stainless steel

Your online shop for furniture artworks

The craftsmanship of solid wood coffee tables is a tribute to the past and a celebration of creativity and skill. In a world shaped by mass production and consumerism, these handcrafted masterpieces remind us that true beauty and quality require time, patience, and craftsmanship.

Are you interested in our special furniture? Then feel free to visit our online shop “Der Tischonkel” by GERKEN Wohndesign or in our Exhibition in East Frisia Detern. All questions are answered by our colleagues with their expertise.