Furniture Care Guide: Keep Your Oak Tables Looking New

Furniture Care Guide: Keep Your Oak Tables Looking New

Oak tables are more than just functional furniture - they’re timeless investment pieces that bring warmth, character, and enduring quality to your home. Whether it’s a dining table that sees daily family meals or a showpiece in your living room, oak furniture is known for its resilience and beauty. With a little care and attention, your oak table can look as good as new for decades.

In this furniture care guide, we’ll share practical tips on maintaining and protecting your oak furniture to help you get the best from your investment and keep them looking new.

Why Oak Is Worth the Effort

Oak is one of the most durable and hard-wearing woods used in furniture making. Its dense grain and strength make it highly resistant to everyday knocks, which is why it’s a favourite choice for dining tables and sideboards. Over time, oak develops a rich patina - a subtle sheen that reflects its age and character. With proper maintenance, that finish only improves, adding to the story of the furniture piece.

At Reynolds Furniture, we stock a wide range of solid oak dining tables, including the Fontwell Oak Dining 190 Table, known for its robust construction and timeless look.

Daily Care: Keep It Simple

The best care for oak is consistent, gentle cleaning. Here’s what we recommend:

• Use a soft, dry cloth to dust the surface daily or every few days.
• Wipe spills immediately with a slightly damp cloth, then dry the area with a soft towel. Prolonged exposure to moisture can cause staining or warping.
• Avoid harsh chemicals and sprays. Stick to mild, non-abrasive products designed for wood surfaces.
• Use coasters and placemats under glasses, mugs, and plates to prevent heat rings and stains.

Weekly and Monthly Maintenance

To keep your oak table looking its best:

• Dust weekly using a microfibre cloth, always following the wood grain.
• Polish with a natural beeswax or specialist wood polish once a month to nourish the timber and enhance its finish. Avoid silicone-based sprays, as they can build up and dull the surface over time.
• Check for minor scuffs or marks and treat them with a light rub of wood oil or touch-up wax in a matching shade.

If you’re unsure about what to use, our team in Bognor Regis are happy to advise on the right products for your table’s finish.

Protecting Against Seasonal Changes

As the seasons change, so can the atmosphere inside your home. Wood is a natural material, and it reacts to shifts in humidity and temperature. To prevent warping or cracking:

• Avoid placing your table near radiators, wood burners, or direct sunlight. Heat can dry out the timber and cause it to shrink or split.
• Use blinds or curtains to shield your table from prolonged sun exposure, which can fade the finish over time.
• Maintain a consistent indoor environment where possible. A humidifier in winter or good ventilation in summer can help.

Long-Term Care: Re-Oiling and Refinishing

Depending on your table’s use and finish, you may want to re-oil or refinish it every few years. This refreshes the wood and helps maintain its protective layer.

• Oiled oak tables benefit from a re-oiling once or twice a year. Use a high-quality Danish oil or natural wood oil and apply it evenly with a cloth. Allow it to soak in before wiping off the excess.
• Waxed finishes can be topped up with beeswax polish as needed.
• Lacquered tables tend to need less maintenance but may require professional refinishing if scratched or damaged.

If in doubt, consult with Reynolds Furniture or a trusted woodcare expert before attempting any refinishing work.

Extra Tips for Dining Tables

Dining tables tend to see the most use in any home. To keep yours looking its best:

• Always use placemats and heat-resistant pads when serving hot dishes.
• Avoid dragging objects like bowls or vases across the surface - lift them to prevent scratches.
• Rotate items that live on your table (like centrepieces) so the finish wears evenly.

For tables with extension leaves, take extra care when opening and closing the mechanism. Keep the extending sections clean and dry so they slide smoothly.

Keep Your Oak Dining Table Looking New

Here’s a simple and effective kit to help you keep your oak dining table looking new, maintain its natural beauty, and extend its lifespan. Using the right tools not only protects the finish, but also keeps the surface smooth, nourished, and resistant to daily wear.

• Natural beeswax polish
• Danish oil and wood treatment solutions
• Microfibre cloths
• Heat-resistant mats and placemats

Our in-store team are always happy to help you find the right match for your furniture and offer advice tailored to your table’s wood type and finish.

FAQs About Oak Table Care

How often should I oil my oak dining table?
If your table has an oiled finish, it’s a good idea to apply a fresh coat of Danish oil once or twice a year. For high-use tables, you may want to oil more frequently — every 4–6 months — especially in drier environments.

What’s the best way to clean daily spills?
Wipe spills promptly with a slightly damp, soft cloth and follow up with a dry cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive sponges that could damage the finish.

Can I use furniture polish on an oak table?
Yes, but only use polish made for real wood — ideally beeswax-based. Avoid silicone-based sprays, which can build up and leave a dull residue over time.

What can I do if my oak table gets scratched?
Minor scratches can often be treated with matching wax filler or a touch of Danish oil. For deeper scratches, consult a professional before refinishing.

Preserve the Character, Enjoy the Beauty

Caring for your oak furniture isn’t about keeping it pristine - it’s about protecting its story. Every knot, grain, and natural mark contributes to its charm. With regular care, your oak table can remain a centrepiece in your home for many years to come.

Explore our full range of oak dining tables here, or visit our showroom on Bognor Regis High Street to speak to our team and find everything you need to care for your furniture with confidence.

 

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Posted by Freya Reynolds
30th April 2025

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