Wood Dining Table

Regardless of the type of material your wood dining table is made from, it is essential that you take some basic steps in its upkeep and maintenance in order to enable it to retain a beautiful appearance. Here are some steps for both regular and rare measures in the maintenance of your wood dining table.

Regular cleaning procedures for your wood dining table will depend on the finish that has been applied to it. Tables with a waxed finish will require frequent dusting with a dry instrument, and should also be polished with a natural beeswax, applied along the grain, every couple of months.

Wood dining tables that have an oil finishing will need to have some linseed oil applied to them every quarter in order to replenish the finish. The easiest finish to upkeep for a wood dining table is the lacquered easy care finish, which requires only daily dusting with occasional damp-then-dry applications. You can also choose to use a high quality wood polisher on your table, but be sure to read both the designer recommendations and the instructions on the polish itself before applying it to the table.

Choose the location of your furniture wisely. Sunlight tends to fade most materials, and a wood dining table will prove no exception. To avoid the damage the sun can, make sure that the table is covered with a tablecloth when convenient. You may also want to ensure that any drapes or blinds in the dining room stay closed when the room is not in use. You can also try moving your table every once in a while to avoid the concentration of the sun’s rays on any one spot. However, this will probably prove to be quite inconvenient.

If your wood dining table includes a leaf, leave the it fully extended as much as possible, or make sure the leaf is exposed to the same amount of sunlight as the table itself in order to avoid having the pieces taking on different hues.

Remember that wood dining tables, like other wood furniture, should be placed in a room that has a low amount of humidity. A wood dining table will absorb excess moisture in the air, and this absorption will lead to expansion, which may cause gaps and cracks. Conversely, placing your table in a room that is too dry will also cause wood dining tables to warp or twist. Plants or small humidifiers will help compensate for moisture levels in a room with a wooden dining table.

Finally, avoid the common mistakes that will score or otherwise damage your wood dining table. Utensils and cutlery can put a serious dent in your table, and dragging crockery across it can also lead to scratch damage. Use coasters or mats when placing glasses containing beverages on the table, as wood can be damaged by both heat and cold.

If it comes to pass that your wood dining table does get damaged despite your precautions, you may want to take it in to a local establishment to have it refinished. Refinishing a wood dining table or any other piece of furniture can prove costly. The best corrective measures are preventative ones.