Finish Options Matrix Setup Guide

A finish-options matrix helps customers compare codes that appear across a furniture, hardware, or decor range. This table separates the finish name from its code and surface description. Table Master can make the reference searchable while product variants remain the source for available purchase options.

Setup tutorial · Table Master · Updated 2026-09-07 · By Activory

Try the storefront example

Filter Oak veneer to compare two finish codes on the same base material. Search black to find the textured steel example.

This example uses Table Master storefront code with sample data and the settings below. Your theme’s fonts and available width can change the result. Example links show their destination; purchase controls use a sample cart. Use the checks below to confirm the finished setup in your store.

Build it in Table Master

1. In Table Master, create a database from Google Sheets or a spreadsheet file. Put the headings below in the first row and one record on each following row. Import only public storefront data.
2. Create a table view from that database. In Column type, set text identifiers to String. Set measurements and amounts to Number. Keep each unit in its heading.
3. Add Surface and Base material filters. Keep the code and finish name visible together.
4. Use String for codes. Preserve any punctuation used by your approved swatch records.
5. A finish list does not create a product option. Check the actual variants and provide a physical-sample route where needed.
6. Save and publish the table view. Open the target page template in the theme editor. Add the Table Master app block and choose the table view. Save the theme and test the public page.

Example settings

• The starting design is Ocean blue with 8 px padding, left-aligned text, and Medium (6 px) rounded corners. In Design, choose Ocean blue under Table colors → Design template. Set all four Cell padding values to 8. Under Table style, choose Left for Text alignment and Medium (6px) for Rounded corners. Try the other presets and corner sizes above; Reset example restores this starting design.
• This example uses a standard table with Responsive table enabled and row borders. On phones, use the row control to read columns that do not fit. Use the starting design above before you compare the result.

Sample data and content

Use these values for a test. Replace them with checked product data, published destinations, and offers that your store can supply.

Can a finish name or screen image replace a physical swatch?

A colour name is not a precise visual sample. Keep an approved swatch reference and explain when customers should request a physical sample. The same finish name can look different on different materials, so record the substrate if that affects the range.

1. Collect approved finish codes and swatches. Separate the finish from the material underneath it.
2. Replace sample rows and add an internal source record for each swatch. Keep customer-facing notes concise.
3. Import the spreadsheet and enable code search plus material or surface filters where useful.
4. Link to a sample-order product or contact page if you offer that service. Verify that listed finishes are available on the linked product range.

Read the Table Master setup guide for the full app controls and placement options.

Check the finished setup

• Search a finish code exactly and confirm it returns the intended name and material.
• Inspect two similar finish names and confirm that their codes remain distinct.
• Compare the matrix with the currently available variant options so retired finishes are clearly marked.

Common mistakes

• Do not promise an exact screen-to-product colour match.
• Do not describe every product as available in every finish merely because the finish appears in a reference table.

Supported use

These examples contain reference data. They do not create Shopify products, stock, prices, shipping rules, or cart controls. Use the Shopify product import workflow when you need product and variant cart controls. Spreadsheet data changes when you import or sync it. Check the source before you use it as an inventory reference.

Table Master features, current app plans, and Table Master data sources explain the supported setup.

Related tutorials

• Product Comparison Setup Guide
• Fabric Reference Table Setup Guide
• Garment Size Chart Setup Guide

Browse all Table Master tutorials. Read how the examples are made or report a correction.