Solid Wood Coffee Table with Glass Inlay "Fjord" approx. 120 x 73-88 x 49 cm with Stainless Steel Frame

Manufacturer Information

Manufacturer Name:
GERKEN Wohndesign GmbH

Address:
Zum Krummwall 1-3
26847 Detern
Germany

Contact Information:
Phone: +49 (0) 4954 9287800
E-Mail: anfrage@tischonkel.de
Website: www.tischonkel.de

Care Instructions for Your Solid Wood Table – How to Keep It Beautiful for a Lifetime

A solid wood table is not an off-the-shelf piece of furniture. It is a piece of nature that comes 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 properly, 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 lives – even after processing. This means: It absorbs moisture, releases it, and reacts to temperature fluctuations. This is what gives the material its beauty 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: They stuck in summer and closed easier in winter. This basic principle also applies to your solid wood table, just in a more elegant form.

What values are ideal for your indoor climate?

To keep your table stable over time, we recommend a balanced indoor climate:

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

Within this range, the wood continues to work but in a normal, non-critical manner. Anything significantly warmer, colder, or drier causes 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. That means:

• The wood can still 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 why you need to be a bit more attentive with care than with a fully sealed lacquer surface.

How do you clean oiled or waxed surfaces in daily use?
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 prevent fine scratches from dirt particles.
• Immediately absorb spilled liquids to prevent penetration into 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 pads
• Glass cleaners or cleaners containing 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 re-waxing your table approximately every 6–18 months. If the table is used intensively (e.g., as a family dining table), shorter intervals may be advisable.

Here is the ideal procedure for aftercare:

1. Thoroughly clean the tabletop 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. Allow the surface to 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 daily use if you observe these points:

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

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

• Never place hot pots, pans, or casserole dishes on the table without coasters.
• Do not drag heavy or rough objects across the surface; always lift them.
• 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 calmer environment. A new location can stress the wood – especially if there are temperature differences on and within the solid wood slab. 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., conservatories, south-facing side).
• Fireplaces and radiators: Cause uneven heating and dryness. Uneven 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: Draws out moisture and causes the wood to shrink.

What to do if something does happen?

The wood used for our tables has been carefully dried and aged. Usually, nothing will happen, but the above conditions can cause problems.

Why are such damages not covered by warranty?

Such damages do not result from a product defect but from environmental influences that we as manufacturer or retailer cannot control. The wood simply reacts naturally to unnatural conditions.

Therefore, cracks caused by incorrect indoor climate, heat, dryness, or extreme location conditions are not covered by warranty.

How do you best protect your table permanently?

• Maintain humidity between 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 pads in daily use.
• 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 for the location. This way, you will enjoy your solid wood table for a long time – whether waxed, oiled, or lacquered.