You’ve found the perfect dining room set that fits your family and your style – let us help you make sure the table lasts as long as your Sunday night dinner traditions.
The biggest concern people have when buying a solid wood dining table is how to deal with common wear and tear of using it every day. Hot plates, spills, scratches – take some advice from us and your table will still look beautiful 20 years from now.
Avoid placing hot items directly on your table.
Instead, use a trivet or placemat to serve as a barrier. Remember to not make these a permanent fixture though, remove them when not in use to give your table time to breathe. Plus, it lets you enjoy the beautiful wood!
Don’t forget about cold items as well; these can leave water marks due to the condensation. If you are having a cold drink or have a vase of flowers on the table, use a coaster or trivet underneath.
Think about sunlight when placing your dining set.
You’ll want to avoid direct sunlight (using the furniture outdoors) as this will bleach the wood and degrade the finish. If you live in a newer home or have windows with a UV coating you don’t have to be too concerned with fading as these windows will block the harmful sun rays.
Try to rotate your chairs occasionally: this will allow all the chairs to be exposed to the same light conditions and it will keep all your seat cushioning at an even wear level. You can also rotate your table for the same reasons – light exposure and wear and tear.
Temperature matters to your solid wood products.
Keep the table away from direct heat: fireplaces, heaters or radiators can cause the wood to split or warp over time because of the temperature changes.
Natural wood will shrink and expand due to the heat and humidity in your home; having a relatively stable temperature and keeping the humidity level around 40% will ensure the wood does not swell (too humid) or crack (too dry).
Don’t forget about your leaf!
Although they are usually stored away, it is important to bring them out once in a while to make sure they are exposed to the same lighting and temperatures as the rest of your table. Going away for a few days? Bring out the leaf and put it in the table while you’re gone – it won’t be in your way and you can pop it back into storage when you return.
Clean your table regularly.
Use a clean dust cloth, or a microfibre one, to gently remove any surface dust and particles. It’s useful to do this following a meal to get rid of any crumbs that may be left behind. You won’t need any elaborate supplies to clean your table, a little mild dish soap will do the trick! Create a slightly soapy solution and wipe down the table using a soft cloth. Dry afterwards using a microfibre cloth.
Avoid using chemical cleaners or wood polishes, as silicone and ammonia can damage the finish. Ask us for suggestions on how to clean your specific table.
We hate to break it to you, but scratches are going to happen. If you have kids or host dinner parties, there are bound to be some things that leave a mark.
Don’t worry. There are ways and products out there that can help eliminate or conceal a scratch. Furniture stain markers are a real product that can help mask the scratch. Scratches are going to become part of your table and will add to its charm over time.
At the end of the day – your table is there for you to enjoy, don’t be afraid to use it.
Have a question about how to care for your table? Contact us and we will always provide you with advice based on years of experience.