Oak table top maintenance: how to keep your table beautiful for years

A solid oak table top is a classic that never goes out of style. The warm appearance, natural grain and robust character have made oak one of the most beloved wood species for furniture for centuries. But unlike a ceramic table top, wood does require regular care. With the right approach, your oak table will remain as beautiful as the day you bought it for years to come.

Why does oak need maintenance?

Oak shrinks and expands with the seasons. A top of 200 cm can become up to 3 mm narrower in winter than in summer. This is normal and precisely why we always allow for movement in the construction. An untreated oak top will discolour over time, develop rings from glasses and become susceptible to dirt.

The protective layer on your oak table top, whether oil, wax or lacquer, acts as a shield. This layer prevents moisture and dirt from penetrating the pores of the wood. But like any shield, this protection gradually wears down through daily use. That is why regular maintenance is essential.

What finish does your table top have?

Before you start with maintenance, it is important to know which finish your table top has. The three most common finishes are:

• Oiled: the wood has been treated with a hardwax oil that penetrates the pores. You can feel the natural texture of the wood. This is the most common finish for solid oak tables.
• Waxed: a wax layer protects the wood and gives a soft, matte appearance. Wax sits more on the surface than in the wood.
• Lacquered: a lacquer layer forms a hard, sealed film over the wood. The wood feels smooth and even. Lacquered oak is the lowest maintenance but gives a less natural feel.

At Tulmans we use a high-quality hardwax oil finish as standard on our oak table tops. This finish combines the natural feel of oil with the protection of wax.

Daily maintenance: the basics

Good daily maintenance prevents most problems. It takes just a few minutes per day:

• Wipe your table with a slightly damp cloth after eating. Use lukewarm water, optionally with a drop of pH-neutral soap.
• Always dry afterwards with a dry cloth. Never leave water standing on the wood, even briefly.
• Use coasters for hot pans, glasses and cups. Heat and moisture are wood's greatest enemies.
• Avoid abrasive cloths and aggressive cleaning products. Microfibre cloths are ideal.

What you absolutely should not do

There are a number of things that can quickly damage your oak table top:

• Do not use bleach or ammonia. These products damage the protective layer and bleach the wood.
• No scouring pads. These cause scratches in the oil or wax layer.
• Do not leave a wet dishcloth on the table. This causes dark stains and can make the wood swell.
• Do not slide furniture across the top. Use felt pads under decorations and accessories.
• Do not place in direct sunlight. UV radiation bleaches the wood unevenly. Consider using net curtains or window coverings.

Periodic maintenance: oiling and waxing

In addition to daily maintenance, your oak table top needs a thorough treatment a few times a year. How often depends on usage: a family table that is used intensively every day needs treatment more frequently than a table that is less heavily used.

Step-by-step: oiling your oak table

What you need:

• Hardwax oil suitable for oak, such as Rubio Monocoat or Osmo
• Fine sanding pads or sandpaper (grit 180-220)
• Lint-free cloths or a brush
• Gloves

Step 1: Clean the top thoroughly. Wipe the table with a damp cloth and allow it to dry completely. Remove any stains first — see the tips below.

Step 2: Sand lightly. Sand the entire top lightly with grit 180-220, always in the direction of the grain. This opens the pores of the wood and ensures the new oil absorbs properly. Remove all sanding dust with a dry cloth.

Step 3: Apply the oil. Apply a thin, even layer of oil with a lint-free cloth or brush. Always work in the direction of the grain. Less is more: too thick a layer will dry sticky.

Step 4: Allow to absorb. Let the oil absorb for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the product instructions.

Step 5: Remove excess oil. Wipe away excess oil with a clean, dry cloth. This is a crucial step. Oil that remains on the surface becomes sticky and attracts dirt.

Step 6: Allow to cure. Let the table dry for at least 24 hours before using it normally again. Avoid moisture during this period.

Removing stains from oak

Despite your best precautions, a stain may still occur. Don't panic — most stains can be removed:

Water rings

White rings from glasses are usually superficial and are in the oil or wax layer, not in the wood itself. Gently rub the ring with a mixture of olive oil and salt. Leave it for an hour and wipe it away. Doesn't work? Then sand locally with fine grit (220) and reapply oil.

Dark stains

Dark stains are often caused by prolonged contact with moisture or metal. This is a chemical reaction between the iron in the water and the tannin in the oak wood. These stains are more stubborn. Try a solution of oxalic acid, available at DIY stores. Apply it to the stain, let it work and rinse off. Sand afterwards and re-oil.

Grease stains

You can draw grease stains out of the wood with clay powder or cornflour. Sprinkle the powder on the stain, leave it for at least an hour so it can absorb the grease, and wipe it away. Repeat if necessary.

Seasonal tips for your oak table

Wood reacts to climate changes in your home. Here are tips per season:

• Winter: heating dries the air. Wood can shrink and develop small cracks. Use a humidifier to keep the humidity between 40% and 60%.
• Summer: higher humidity can cause the wood to expand slightly. This is normal and will resolve itself when the humidity drops again.
• Spring and autumn: ideal times to give your table a maintenance treatment with oil or wax.

When to have it professionally refurbished?

Sometimes a table needs more than regular maintenance. If your top is deeply scratched, has stubborn stains you can't remove yourself, or if the finish is largely worn away, then a professional refurbishment can work wonders.

This involves sanding the table top down completely to bare wood and refinishing it. The result is a table that looks as good as new. This is one of the great advantages of solid wood over veneer: you can always refinish it.

The charm of ageing

Finally: an oak table top that shows signs of life is not necessarily a poorly maintained table. Small signs of use, a gentle patina and the occasional character mark tell the story of years of eating, working and living together. That is the charm of solid wood.

Do you want a table that always remains spotless without any form of maintenance? Then a ceramic table top may be a better choice. But if you love the warmth and character of wood, a well-maintained oak table is unbeatable.

Curious about the possibilities? In our showroom in Maasbree you can view and feel our oak table tops, and with our 3D configurator you can design your ideal oak table.