Wood is a beautiful, durable, natural material that is often used to make dining tables. As durable as wood is, you should never place pots and pans that have just been removed from the oven or the stove directly on a wooden table's surface, as the heat can burn or mar the table. If you'd like the convenience of a table that can handle hot pots and pans, consider one made with a heat-resistant surface.
Granite
Granite is natural stone and makes an excellent surface for a tabletop, as it can handle high heat without any danger of becoming burned or marked. Because it is also an extremely hard material, you can even chop foods directly on it without leaving any cuts or scratches. Make sure the table you purchase has a genuine granite top, as manufacturers sometimes replicate granite with plastic or resin. Additionally, consumers sometimes confuse marble and granite. Marble is softer than granite and may become scratched.
Metal
Dining tables are sometimes made with a stainless-steel, iron or aluminum top. These metals are not harmed by heat, although placing pots and pans directly on them may cause scratches. Scratches can sometimes be polished out, but your best bet is often to leave them and allow them to accumulate over time, which gives your table desirable patina.
Glass
Glass tabletops can be tricky. Tempered glass can withstand heat, but has been known to shatter if exposed to sudden or extreme temperature changes. Glass is also prone to become scratched and chipped. If you do choose a glass tabletop, treat it carefully. You may want to play it safe and use a trivet or hot pad under very hot items placed on your table. Also, make sure your tabletop is tempered glass.
Tile
From ceramic to porcelain to natural stone, many types of tile can withstand heat, making it a good choice for a tabletop. Natural stone and glazed ceramic tile are especially heat resistant. However, keep in mind that prolonged or very high heat can crack the tiles, damage grout, and cause "crazing," which is when glazed tile develops tiny surface cracks. For this reason, using a hot pad or some other type of heat protection is a smart idea.
Heat-Resistant Table Pads
No matter what material your tabletop is made of, but especially if it is made of wood or some other surface that is easily damaged by heat, consider purchasing a heat-resistant table pad. These pads are custom-made to fit your table's size and shape. Not only do table pads prevent heat damage, but they protect your table against scratches, moisture, greasy food spills and day-to-day wear and tear.
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