Materials & Finishes

Every material we work with has been chosen for how it looks, how it feels, and how it ages. Here's what goes into a Groundwork table.

Zinc

Zinc is one of our most requested finishes — and for good reason. The muted zinc surface introduces a distinctive material that complements interiors already layered with wood, stone, or tile. It develops a living patina that deepens with every use. Water rings, scratches, and the marks of daily life become part of the story. It's the opposite of precious. It's a surface that invites you to actually live with it. The occasional addition of a coat of paste wax adds depth to the finish as well as additional protection. Over time, the buildup of wax and patina gives the zinc the look of an old French bar top.

Solid hardwood dining table showing natural wood grain, handmade custom furniture Pennsylvania

Natural Hardwoods

We work with walnut, cherry, white oak, and maple — all sourced from Pennsylvania mills whenever possible. Each species has its own character. Walnut needs nothing more than a clear matte finish to bring out the deep chocolate flavor and purplish undertones. Cherry has a warm, russet tone that needs nothing more than a clear finish to enhance the grain and bring out the richness. Maple has a calming, neutral color with interesting graining.. great as it is, but also receptive to staining in a variety of tones. White oak is the workhorse — strong, stable, and stunning with a clear finish. Also the best choice to accept a variety of stains from white to ebony and everything in between.

Reclaimed Wood

Reclaimed wood carries a century of character that no new lumber can replicate. We source barn beams, factory floors, and architectural salvage — each plank with its own history of knots, nail holes, and weathering.

Steel

We primarily use steel to fabricate table bases. Our metalwork includes flat and angle stock as well as laser-cut sheet steel in any pattern you can imagine.

Steel bases are perfect when paired with zinc tops for a chic industrial look. They also add a contemporary edge to any of our wood tabletops.

Our steel bases can be left with a natural industrial finish and a coat of wax or powder-coated to any one of hundreds of colors.

Custom painted dining table base with natural wood top, whitewash finish, handmade Pennsylvania

Painted & Specialized Finishes

Sometimes the right finish isn't natural — it's a specific color that ties the table to your space. We offer painted bases in any color, from classic whites and warm grays to bold accent tones.

Whitewash and cerused finishes are among our most popular options for oak. This technique softens the grain while keeping every knot and figure visible — the warmth of natural wood with a lighter, more casual presence.