How to care for your wooden dining room table
A wood dining room table requires a little TLC to stay at its very best. They need far more care than a simple dusting every so often. These pieces of furniture are often long term investments, so it makes sense to give them a little bit of love from a financial standpoint. If you want to know how to best care for your wood dining room table, read on.
Consider The Environment
Wood is sensitive to atmosphere and weather. In fact, extreme temperatures and humidity can wreak havoc on wood dining tables. It is best to try and keep your table out of direct sunlight as this can cause it to prematurely fade or crack. It is also best to keep your table away from any other heat sources, such as radiators or fireplaces which can cause wood to split and warp. Humidity levels under 40% may cause the wood to dry out and crack, while levels over 45% may lead to the wood swelling.
Provide Some TLC
It is key that you dust, clean, and polish your table. Rubbing a dry cloth over a dusty or dirty table to clean it can actually damage the wood and cause surface scratches. Instead, use a soft, damp, clean cloth. Dusting should happen regularly, and at least weekly. When polishing, avoid furniture polishes that have silicones in them, which can leech into your table’s wood grain and cause permanent damage. Clean your table with care using non-alkaline soap and then dry it with a soft cloth to avoid any damage. Polish your table annually for the best results.
Protection Is Key
Do not put hot pans or dishes directly on your table, as these can leave burn marks in the wood. Also cover your table with a cloth to protect its top surface from damaging ultraviolet rays. You can also place a felt tabletop pad beneath your tablecloth to help prevent dings, marks, scratches, and gouges. Some table pads also liquid-proof, which will offer your table extra protection from pesky spills.
HIRE A WONDERFUL CRAFTSMAN FOR YOUR INTERIOR DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURAL MILLWORK
Mahogany Inc. is a general contractor that specializes in quality construction for residential and commercial projects. We have the expertise and experience to tackle whatever your custom woodwork job is (and acquire those hard to find woods you might want to use!). If you are looking for work that will set your living room, kitchen, or business apart, contact us online or give us a call at (410) 727-0334. To see examples of our wonderful work and see what our customers have to say, check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest.