Antique Coffee Table "Lesung", approx. 94 x 45 x 48.5 cm, made from a rice mortar

A solid wood table is not a mass-produced piece of furniture. It is a piece of nature that comes to your home – and for that reason, it requires special attention. Here we explain in detail and step by step how to care for your table, set it up correctly, and protect it long-term from damage such as cracks, warping, or stains.

The following instructions apply to waxed, oiled, sealed (e.g. Teak-Shield) and lacquered surfaces. Especially because these surfaces are constructed differently, it is important to know how to treat each table optimally.

Why does solid wood need care at all?

How does wood react in your home?
Solid wood is alive – even after processing. This means: It absorbs moisture, releases it, and reacts to temperature fluctuations. This is what gives the material its beauty, but it can lead to problems in the wrong environment.

Wood reacts particularly sensitively to:

• too dry air
• too high or direct heat
• strong temperature fluctuations
• intense sunlight

You may know it from grandma's old wooden doors: In summer they stuck, in winter they closed more easily. This basic principle also applies to your solid wood table, just in a more elegant form.

What values are ideal for your room climate?

To keep your table permanently stable, we recommend a balanced room climate as much as possible:

• Room temperature: approximately 18–22 °C
• Humidity: approximately 45–60 %

Within this range, the wood continues to work, but in a normal, non-critical framework. Anything significantly warmer, colder, or drier leads to unnecessary stress on the wood.

How do you properly care for oiled, waxed, or sealed surfaces?

What does an “open-pored” surface mean for your daily life?
Oiled, waxed, or sealed surfaces are open-pored. This means:

• The wood can continue to absorb and release moisture.
• The surface feels warm, natural, and alive.
• Small damages can often be repaired by you with proper care.

It is precisely this open-pored nature that is why you need to be a bit more attentive in your care than with a completely sealed lacquer surface.

How do you clean oiled or waxed surfaces in everyday life?
Daily and regular cleaning is uncomplicated if you observe a few basic rules:

• Wipe the table with a soft cotton cloth.
• Use a slightly damp, never soaking wet cloth.
• Regularly remove dust to prevent fine scratches from dirt particles.
• Immediately absorb spilled liquids to prevent anything from soaking into the wood.
• Avoid corrosive and acidic cleaning agents.

Which cleaners should you definitely avoid?

• Microfiber cloths with a coarse, abrasive structure
• Scouring agents and scouring sponges
• Glass cleaners or cleaners with alcohol
• Cleaners with solvents or strong surfactants
• “All-purpose cleaners” that degrease fats and oils heavily

How often do you need to re-treat – and how do you go about it?
Depending on usage, we recommend re-oiling or re-waxing your table approximately every 6–18 months. If the table is used very intensively (e.g., as a dining table in family everyday life), a shorter interval may be sensible.

Here’s how you ideally proceed with re-treatment:

1. Thoroughly clean the table surface of dust and dirt and let it dry completely.
2. Apply a suitable wood oil or furniture wax thinly and evenly with a soft cloth.
3. Let the care product sit for a few minutes.
4. Carefully remove excess oil or wax with a fresh cotton cloth.
5. Let the surface dry well for several hours, ideally overnight.

How do you properly care for a lacquered solid wood table?

A lacquered surface is very easy to care for in everyday life if you keep these points in mind:

• Use a soft, slightly damp cloth for cleaning.
• Wipe with a dry cloth afterwards to avoid water spots.
• Avoid sharp cleaning agents, solvents, or abrasive products.

What should you consider with a lacquered table?
Lacquer protects well – but not against everything. You should especially keep an eye on the following points:

• Never place hot pots, pans, or baking dishes on the table without a coaster.
• Do not drag heavy or rough objects across the surface, but lift them instead.
• Always use a cutting board when cutting.

What is the ideal location for your solid wood table?

Where should your table definitely not be placed?
Your new table prefers a quieter environment. A new setting can stress the wood – especially when there are temperature differences on and in the solid wood plate. In all these places, the wood is exposed to strong climate fluctuations:

• Direct sunlight: Heats the surface strongly, dries it out, and can promote cracks (e.g., conservatory, south side).
• Fireplaces and radiators: Cause uneven heating and dryness. One-sided tensions often lead to cracks.
• Underfloor heating: Allows very warm air to rise directly to the underside and creates tensions that can lead to cracks.
• Dry winter air: Extracts moisture and causes the wood to shrink.

How do you best protect your table permanently?

• Keep the humidity in the range of 45–60 %.
• Avoid direct sunlight on the tabletop.
• Do not place the table directly next to a fireplace, stove, or strong radiators.
• Avoid using underfloor heating under your table.
• Use coasters, placemats, and felt gliders in everyday life.
• Regularly care for the surface with suitable products.

We won't leave you alone!
Even with the best care, wood remains a natural product. If you discover cracks, stains, or other damages, just contact us. We will help you with recommendations for care products, repair kits, and tips on location. This way, you can enjoy your solid wood table for a long time – no matter if it is waxed, oiled, or lacquered.