Congratulations! If you’re reading this you may have recently purchased the perfect Grain Designs dining table, office desk, or furniture piece for your home! Now, the question you may be asking; how to care for your solid wood furniture?
A solid wood dining table is a beautiful and timeless addition to any home. Not only is it a functional piece of furniture, but it can also serve as the centerpiece of your home. However, like any piece of furniture, a solid wood table requires proper care and maintenance to keep it looking its best. In this article, we’ll cover the best methods for cleaning and maintaining your custom wood dining table to ensure it stays in top condition for years to come.
One of the simplest ways to care for your solid wood dining table is to dust it regularly. Dust and dirt can accumulate on the surface of your table, causing it to look dull and feel rough. To dust your table, use a tack cloth or duster to gently remove any dirt or debris. For trickier dust and dirt, a damp rag can be used to remove often harder to gather dust particles. When a heavier cleaning is necessary, a simple mixture of mild dish soap and water, applied with a rag, will clean more stubborn stains and messes.
The finish of your dining table or wooden furniture plays a vital role in its overall appearance and durability. To protect the finish, avoid placing hot items directly on the surface of your table and use coasters or placemats to prevent water rings and heat marks. You should also avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on your table, as these can strip the finish and cause damage. Another potential pitfall many table owners run into is using cleaners that leave excessive oil residue after use. Products like Pledge may claim to be a wood polish but it may leave unwanted residue when used with our oil-based finishes so its best to stay clear. With matte or unfinished wood tones growing in popularity, many wood polishes will permanently alter the intended finish so it is recommended to avoid furniture polishes unless your furniture was finished with a high sheen topcoat.
Despite your best efforts, it’s possible that your solid wood dining table may sustain some damage over time. It’s important to address any damage as soon as possible to prevent it from worsening. If you have a small scratch or dent, you can try using a furniture repair marker or a wax stick in a color that closely matches the wood. For deeper scratches or dents, you may need to sand the area down and refinish it. This can be a more involved process, so it may be best to consult a professional if you are not comfortable doing it yourself.
Using tablecloths or place mats can help protect your solid wood dining table from spills, stains, and scratches. It’s a good idea to use them for special occasions or when you are serving particularly messy foods. When choosing tablecloths or place mats, look for ones made from natural materials like cotton or linen, as these are less likely to damage the finish of your table. Be sure to remove and wash the tablecloth or place mats regularly to keep them clean and fresh.
Over time, the finish of your solid wood dining table may start to look dull or show signs of wear. To restore the shine and protect the wood, you may need to re-oil or re-finish the surface. This can be a time-consuming process, but it’s worth it to keep your table looking its best. To re-oil your table, first clean the surface thoroughly and then apply a thin layer of oil using a soft cloth. Be sure to let the oil soak in for a few hours before wiping off any excess. To re-finish your table, you’ll need to sand it down to remove the old finish and then apply a new finish using a brush, roller, or ideally have it professionally applied with a spray gun. Again, this is a more involved process, so you may want to consult a professional if you are not comfortable doing it yourself.
Humidity control is essential for keeping your solid wood table in its original state. Real wood has moisture content and unlike most plastics and metals, it can either take on moisture or lose moisture if its environment is too dry or too humid. Finishes help regulate the absorption and dissipation of moisture in woods but they often can only do so much. When wood gets too dry it will shrink, which can cause warping and cracking. Conversely, when wood absorbs too much moisture, it will begin to warp and swell. Both scenarios can cause significant or possibly irreparable damage to your table. For these reasons, it is recommended that humidity levels be kept in the 50-60 percent range. The ranges can be achieved through the use of humidifiers and dehumidifiers. Application will depend on your geographical location and seasons.
Solid wood tables are a great investment. They stand the test of time both aesthetically and physically and because each piece of wood is unique, they provide each owner with a truly one of a kind product. With the proper care, you can keep your table in great condition and have a potential heirloom for generations to come.
Grain Designs builds custom wood wedding tables that bring warmth and character to your event. From rustic farmhouse tables with folding legs to industrial wood tops and solid wood reception tables, each piece is designed to be functional, durable, and linen-free. Our tables have been crafted for The Pines wedding venue and other event spaces across North Dakota and the surrounding region, offering a timeless alternative to standard rental tables.
In collaboration with Rhet Architecture and Epic Built, Grain Designs helped bring Pines White—an upscale barn-inspired wedding and event venue outside Fargo, ND—to life. Featuring rustic wood farmhouse tables, custom sliding barn doors, a handcrafted bar, and outdoor ceremony furnishings, the venue blends agricultural heritage with modern elegance to create a timeless space for weddings and events.
Opened in 2022, Pines Black is the second barn-like wedding venue at The Pines Weddings & Events near Fargo, ND. Grain Designs contributed custom furniture and architectural details throughout, including 45 solid wood folding event tables, 16 modern sliding barn doors, and extensive ash wood finishes for walls, countertops, and bars. Blending agricultural heritage with modern elegance, Pines Black offers an upscale setting for weddings and events
Grain Designs builds custom live edge tables that showcase the natural beauty of hardwood slabs and reclaimed wood. From dining tables and conference tables to console tables and coffee tables, each piece is handcrafted to highlight organic character while delivering durability and style. Serving Fargo, ND, the Midwest, and clients nationwide, our live edge furniture transforms any space into a statement of craftsmanship.
