Commonly used metal table tops

• Brass
• Copper
• Steel
• Zinc
• Aluminium

Brass gives that golden glow that adds a luxurious feel to furniture. It can be finished in a variety of ways, whether made matte or shiny or allowed to tarnish. The tarnishing of brass gives it more character, though it is initially coated with a protective layer to slow the natural tarnishing process. It is popular for the ease with which it can be shaped and retain hardness and strength.

Copper can also tarnish for extra rustic style; its signature orangey colour is always on trend and gives an expensive look to a piece of furniture. It is easily joined by brazing, soldering, bolting or adhesives.

Steel is a really hard-wearing material that is known to be used for industrial purposes. It can bring that industrial look to a design or just bring the industrial-level of durability whilst still appearing stylishly modern.

Zinc starts out as a bright silvery finish and in time and with use, the finish will patina to a beautiful grey. It will age naturally but can also be tarnished beforehand to give that rustic feel immediately.

Aluminium is a popular choice for the variety of finishes it offers; it can be matte, shiny, painted and coated. It is another durable option that is often used for outdoor furniture due to its tough qualities.

Metal finishes

• Brushed
• Aged
• Patina
• Hammered

Brushed metal gives that matte look or satin finish produced by polishing the metal with something rough like a grit belt or abrasive pad. Common brushed metals include aluminium, brass, and steel.

Aged metal is purposefully tarnished to give that pre-loved look. It results in an inconsistent colouring that adds to the character of the piece.

Patina is a thin layer that appears on the surface of metals such as copper and brass that changes its colour by way of a chemical reaction.

Hammered metal is what it sounds; metal that is hammered to create indentations that add relief and texture to the material, so that it doesn't just appear as a flat sheet.

As well as our metal tables and table tops, we also offer a range of metal-edged table tops which can offer designs a note of luxury and glamour as well as prevent chips and and scratches that might occur on wood when tables are being moved around. This is often done in brass, steel, or aluminium. There are also options regarding the shaping of the metal edge:

• straight
  
• edge-only (without top lip)
• rounded
• round rib (only available in brass and stainless steel).

Where to next?

View our collection of tables here >>

Check out our range of table bases >>

Take a look at our projects here >>