How to Choose the Right Wood Chairs for Your Restaurant

Wood chairs bring a natural warmth and timeless beauty to any restaurant setting. But with so many different options available in wood types, finishes, designs, and comfort features. Choosing the right ones can feel overwhelming.

This guide breaks it all down to help you make the best decision for your space, budget, and brand.

Why Wood Chairs Are a Restaurant Favorite

Wood chairs have long been a top pick for restaurants because of their:
Natural aesthetic that complements both rustic and modern styles
Durability when made from quality hardwoods
Customizable finishes to match your interior design
Versatility across dining styles for casual cafés, upscale dining, bistros and more

But not all wood chairs are created equal. Let’s explore how to choose the right one for your needs.

Types of Wood Used in Restaurant Chairs

Each wood type has its own strengths (and a few trade-offs). Here's a quick breakdown of popular options:

Not all wood is created equal. The type of wood used in your restaurant chairs can affect durability, weight, appearance, comfort, and cost. Here’s a closer look at the most popular woods used in commercial restaurant furniture and what makes each one unique.

1. Walnut

Appearance: Rich, dark brown with occasional purplish or grey undertones
Grain: Fine and straight, sometimes with waves or curls
Hardness: Medium-hard

Pros:

Strong and durable resists warping and wear over time
Naturally beautiful grain; adds elegance without needing heavy stains
Ideal for high-end, modern, or luxury restaurant spaces
Great for detailed carving and premium finishes

Cons:

Higher cost compared to other hardwoods
Natural color variation may not be ideal for uniform design themes
Requires some care to maintain its natural richness

Best for: Upscale dining, wine bars, lounges, luxury cafes

2. Oak (White & Red)

Appearance: Light to medium brown with golden or reddish hues
Grain: Prominent, open grain – gives a rustic, hearty look
Hardness: High

Pros:

Incredibly strong and resistant to heavy use perfect for high-traffic restaurants
Holds fasteners (screws, joints) tightly ensures solid construction
Classic appearance fits a variety of restaurant themes
Long-lasting investment with timeless appeal

Cons:

Absorbs stains unevenly best to use clear finishes or light staining
Heavier wood, which may make chairs harder to move or stack

Best for: Casual dining, family restaurants, breweries, steakhouses

3. Cherry

Appearance: Deep red to reddish-brown; darkens over time
Grain: Smooth and fine, with a straight pattern
Hardness: Medium

Pros:

Rich, warm tones that deepen naturally with age (develops a beautiful patina)
Polishes well — excellent for upscale interiors
Consistent, elegant grain perfect for minimalist or classic looks

Cons:

More expensive due to slower growth and limited availability
Color changes with exposure to light (may darken unevenly)
Slightly softer than oak or walnut may require gentle care

Best for: Fine dining, traditional restaurants, romantic bistros, boutique hotel restaurants

4. Pine

Appearance: Pale yellow to light brown; sometimes with visible knots
Grain: Straight with visible knots and character marks
Hardness: Softwood

Pros:

Budget-friendly and widely available
Lightweight and easy to rearrange and handle
Develops a rustic, weathered look over time (great for farmhouse styles)
Takes paint and stain well for custom color schemes

Cons:

Soft and prone to scratches, dents, and damage in heavy-use environments
May require more frequent replacement or maintenance
Not ideal for fine details or heavy-duty commercial use

Best for: Rustic cafes, country-themed restaurants, pop-up diners, budget-conscious eateries

5. Beech

Appearance: Pale cream to pinkish-brown
Grain: Tight, fine, and uniform
Hardness: Medium-high

Pros:

Excellent strength-to-weight ratio — strong yet not too heavy
Very smooth finish, making it ideal for painted or stained surfaces
Often used in bentwood chairs for its flexibility and strength
More affordable than walnut or cherry

Cons:

Slightly less resistant to moisture — not ideal for humid or outdoor areas
Can dent under sharp impacts

Best for: Modern cafes, mid-range restaurants, fast-casual eateries

6. Mahogany

Appearance: Rich reddish-brown with fine grain
Grain: Straight, smooth, often glossy
Hardness: Medium

Pros:

Classic, elegant appearance that adds a formal feel
Naturally resists moisture and wear
Stains and polishes exceptionally well
Light weight for its strength

Cons:

More expensive, often imported
Quality can vary; Always source from a trusted supplier

Best for: Heritage-style restaurants, traditional fine dining, luxury lounges

7. Rubberwood (Eco-Friendly Option)

Appearance: Light yellow to pale cream
Grain: Fine and straight
Hardness: Medium

Pros:

Affordable and sustainable, made from retired rubber trees
Takes stain and finish well
Uniform appearance ideal for clean, modern interiors
Resistant to shrinkage and cracking

Cons:

Slightly less durable than oak or walnut
Susceptible to damage from moisture or rough use

Best for: Sustainable restaurants, cafés, modern casual eateries

Quick Comparison Chart

Wood Type	Durability	Appearance	Price Range	Best For
Walnut	★★★★☆	Elegant, dark brown	$$$$	Upscale dining
Oak	★★★★★	Rustic, heavy grain	$$$	High-traffic venues
Cherry	★★★★☆	Deep red, ages well	$$$$	Fine dining
Pine	★★☆☆☆	Light, rustic, knotty	$	Budget, casual
Beech	★★★★☆	Smooth, uniform	$$	Modern casual
Mahogany	★★★★☆	Rich, polished	$$$$	Classic luxury
Rubberwood	★★★☆☆	Pale, modern	$$	Eco-conscious brands

Stain & Finish Options: The Look You Want

Even if two chairs are made from the same wood, they can look completely different depending on the stain color and finish.

Popular stain colors include:

Walnut: deep and rich
Espresso: bold and contemporary
Cherry: warm and vibrant
Natural: light and airy
Mahogany: classic and elegant

Tip: Choose stains based on your restaurant’s color palette and lighting. Dark stains add drama, while lighter stains make a space feel open and inviting.

Comfort Counts: Don’t Overlook Seating Experience

Let’s be real: a beautiful chair isn’t much use if it’s uncomfortable. Here’s what to consider:

Wood Seat vs Upholstered Seat

Wood Seat: Easy to clean and durable, but can feel firm over time.

Upholstered Seat: Adds softness and comfort, ideal for longer dining periods. Choose commercial-grade vinyl or fabric for easy maintenance.

Saddle Seats

These slightly curved seats offer more ergonomic support than flat ones and are a great option if you're sticking with all-wood construction.

Final Tips for Buying Wood Restaurant Chairs

Order samples or view in-person if possible – stains and finishes often look different in real life than online.
Think about maintenance – will staff need to wipe them down quickly between seatings?
Measure your layout carefully – how many can fit without crowding the dining area?
Mix and match smartly – use the same chair in different finishes to define zones (e.g., bar area vs dining room).

Need Help Choosing?

At GoTable, we offer a wide range of commercial-grade wood restaurant chairs, from timeless classics to contemporary designs. Our team is happy to help you find the perfect match for your space, brand, and budget.