Custom Table Coffee Table "Old Elements" made of recycled teak wood with glass and stainless steel

A solid wood table is not an off-the-shelf piece of furniture. It is a piece of nature coming to your home – and that is why it needs 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. Since 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. That means: it absorbs moisture, releases it, and reacts to temperature fluctuations. This is what ensures the beauty of the material but can cause problems in the wrong environment.

Wood is particularly sensitive to:

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

You might 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 Are the Ideal Values for Your Indoor Climate?

To keep your table stable in the long term, we recommend a balanced indoor climate:

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

Within this range, the wood still works but in a normal, non-critical frame. Anything significantly warmer, colder, or drier causes unnecessary stress in the wood.

How Do You Properly Care for Oiled, Waxed, or Sealed Surfaces?

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

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

This openness is exactly why you need to be a bit more attentive in care than with a fully sealed lacquer surface.

How do you clean oiled or waxed surfaces daily?
Daily and regular cleaning is uncomplicated if you follow a few basic rules:

• Wipe the table with a soft cotton cloth.
• Use a slightly damp, never dripping wet cloth.
• Remove dust regularly to avoid fine scratches from dirt particles.
• Immediately absorb spilled liquids so nothing can penetrate the wood.
• Do not use caustic or acidic cleaning agents.

Which cleaners should you definitely avoid?

• Microfiber cloths with coarse, abrasive texture
• Abrasive cleaners and scouring sponges
• Glass cleaners or cleaners with alcohol
• Cleaners with solvents or strong surfactants
• “All-purpose cleaners” that strongly degrease fats and oils

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

Here is the ideal procedure for re-treatment:

1. Thoroughly clean the table surface from 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 soak in 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 observe these points:

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

What should you consider with a lacquered table?
Lacquer offers good protection – but not against everything. Especially keep the following points in mind:

• Never place hot pots, pans, or casserole dishes on the table without coasters.
• Do not drag heavy or rough objects across the surface; 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 somewhat calmer environment. A new environment can stress the wood – especially if 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 cause cracks.
• Dry winter air: Removes moisture and causes the wood to shrink.

How Do You Best Protect Your Table Permanently?

• Keep humidity in the range of 45–60 %.
• Avoid direct sunlight on the tabletop.
• Do not place the table directly next to fireplaces, stoves, or strong radiators.
• Avoid using underfloor heating under your table.
• Use coasters, placemats, and felt gliders in everyday life.
• Care for the surface regularly 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 will enjoy your solid wood table for a long time – whether waxed, oiled, or lacquered.