Durability of pine kitchen table?

How durable is pine for a kitchen/casual dining table





I ask because I want to build a table to math some chairs that I have and the chairs are pine. I originally thought oak would be the best, but I want it to match the chairs. And, needless to say, pine is more economical.





I just want to make sure that if I put the effort and cash into designing, and building the piece, I will have it for many years to come.





So, if you have a pine table that you use everyday, how has it stood the test of time?





Or, if you know alot about wood what are your thoughts?

Durability of pine kitchen table?
pine is a soft wood, therefore is not as durable as oak, maple, or other hardwoods. But pine can take on a very desirable distressed look, and since it matches your chairs, it will look nice with them.





Seal the wood well as it will take up spills readily and potentially stain. Avoid writing directly on the table---put a manila folder beneath your sheet of paper so your writing doesn't end up permanently engraved in the wood. Edges that are rounded do better than square edges as they tend to become blemished and torn up over time.





I had a pine table in daily use for years. It is in attractive condition in my friend's home as we speak. Some thoughtful care and a strong durable finish to start with will keep it nice forever.
Reply:Pine is soft and will dent a scratch easily. If you give it an antique look by scratching it and denting it at the time of finishing, then wipe a darker stain in the scratches, it will look great. After you wear it in later you can add more dark stain to the new scratches and it will continue to look good. If you wanted something that holds up better and doesn't have the dents and scratches you should use a hardwood like oak. You don't have to match the chairs to the table exactly, You can make them compliment each other with similar tones.
Reply:I have made many pieces of furniture from knotty pine over the years, including tables. I usually apply 3 or 4 coats of clear polyethylene varnish (ie Minwax) to protect the finish. Pine is softer than say, oak , and more susceptable to scratching , but easy to re-finish simply by sanding and re-appling varnish. Some people like a few nicks for that old fashioned look. I have yet to refinish a piece of furniture , but some stair treads installed about 10 years ago could use a touch-up. I use a Makita palm sander with 220 grit paper.
Reply:I've had a gorgeous pine bedroom suit for years. Its been very durable and still looks beautiful. The night stand has held up really well. I've had no problem with scratching or marring and its been thru 5 grandchildren, dogs and cats. I think it would be a good choice.