A large Swamp Kauri slab changes character as it moves through the workshop. In its raw state, the timber is weathered, uneven and full of marks. Once shaped and finished, those same features become the centre of a substantial dining table.
This project is a custom Swamp Kauri dining table measuring 3 m by 1.2 m. The finished piece keeps the natural outline of the slab, including its irregular live edge, while the dark base gives the table a clear, grounded structure.
Starting with the character of the slab
The first images show the timber before the final surface is developed. The slab has an uneven perimeter, darker areas along the edge and a broad grain pattern running through its length. That variation is what makes a piece like this different from a standard rectangular tabletop.
For a table this size, the proportions matter. At 3 m long and 1.2 m wide, the top has a strong presence without losing the visual movement of the timber. The design leaves enough of the natural edge visible for the material to remain the main feature.
Shaping a made-to-measure dining table
A custom dining table is built around more than a length and width. The edges, corners, top thickness, base position and finish all affect how the table feels in a room and how it works day to day.
Here, the top is shaped to follow the slab rather than forcing the material into a perfectly uniform rectangle. Some sections are more pronounced than others, giving the table a one-off outline. The long form also allows the grain to read from end to end, which is especially effective on a large surface.
The workshop images show the table at different angles, including the underside and the support structure. This is useful in a project story because the finished result is not only about the surface. A large top needs a base that supports it visually and practically.
A clear contrast between timber and steel
The dark base creates a simple contrast with the warm Swamp Kauri. Against the honey, amber and darker grain in the top, the black support reads as a clean architectural element.
That contrast helps the natural edge stand out. The table does not need decorative detailing added to the top; the timber already provides the detail. The base keeps the focus on the slab while giving the long tabletop a stable, balanced appearance.
Finishing the surface
The later gallery images show the change brought by the finish. Reflections move across the top, picking out the grain, knots and darker sections in the timber. The surface has a smooth, glossy appearance while the outside edge retains its natural irregularity.
That combination is part of the appeal of a custom timber dining table. The working surface can be finished for regular use, but the piece still looks connected to the original slab rather than manufactured from a standard board.
A one-off table with practical proportions
The result is a large custom Swamp Kauri dining table with a strong natural profile, a polished timber surface and a restrained dark base. Its 3 m by 1.2 m format gives the table generous presence, while the live edge and changing grain ensure that no two views are quite the same.
The full image sequence, including the earlier slab views and finished details, is available in the Swamp Kauri dining table project gallery.
Planning a custom timber dining table in Auckland?
If you are considering a custom dining table, it helps to begin with the approximate size of the room, the number of people you want to seat, a few reference images and your preferred timber direction. Those details give the design process a useful starting point.
To discuss a custom Swamp Kauri dining table or another made-to-measure timber piece, send an enquiry to INWOOD Furniture. Include your approximate dimensions, photos of the space and any material or style preferences.