Oak table

[Norcon]

Sorry OP I was probably wrong.

But I'm wondering why use cheap oak as the core for the main section of the table surface and not plywood veneered over which should be cheaper still and more stable?

I made a mahogany door that way recently.

 

[RMS]

So in terms of practicality .... What disadvantages does this method present over a solid oak table surface?

 

[Norcon]

Well you've already seen one customer complain about the veneer peeling. Though that might be a one off.
At least they have the honesty to post the complaint.

My own preference would be solid top with a slip tenon for the end sections.

 

[RMS]

Untitled

• RMS
• 25 Nov 2014
• 1

Cotswold table "oak veneer top"

Untitled

• RMS
• 25 Nov 2014
• 1

Solid oak top from local shop. £100 difference in price.

 

[Dave54]

I'd rather have solid wood as Norcon says for this type of furniture. I don't really know why they would do them as veneered solid oak, as I said before I can only assume that it gives a better look to the top, while allowing them to mass produce the core.
If you look at the solid wood top it has the odd knot or bit where the grain comes out of the surface. That's what solid oak is like. If you wanted, really good carefully matched quarter sawn English oak to make a top like that, you'd have a large amount of waste, and it would probably cost as much as that table just for the top.
I reckon the solid top is worth the extra but you pays yer money and you makes yer choice.

 

[AronSearle]

But I'm wondering why use cheap oak as the core for the main section of the table surface and not plywood

They use oak as otherwise they can't describe it legally as solid oak.

Using veneered plywood might be cheaper, but then they would have to describe it as solid wood with an oak veneer, and that could lower the sale price by more than the savings made using cheaper materials.

They might also be using offcuts as well as crap bits for the core, so the savings might not be as great as you purchasing the materials separately.