Black Marble Dining Table with Golden Veining

Black marble is the ground where the vein reads most clearly. Because golden and copper veining composes a pattern in itself over black, slab selection is the design in tables like this: where the vein crosses the top is the single decision determining how the table looks once assembled. On the oval top shown here the vein runs at a shallow angle to the long axis, so a continuous movement forms along the table and the top does not look divided in half.

The oval (stadium) form was cut on a CNC bridge saw and the edge softened with a radius profile. Thickness for a table top is never decided on its own: the weight of the top depends on the base, and the base on the edge detail of the top. This table uses a black metal spider base; because its arms grip the centre of gravity of the top, no deflection forms in the middle.

Polished gives depth on black stone; honed turns the same stone matt and calmer. On dining tables we point out that acidic foods — lemon, vinegar, wine — can leave local etching; an impregnator reduces the risk, and using coasters is the most practical precaution.