How to Protect a Wooden Table

Wooden tables are commonly used for both indoor and outdoor functions such as picnics and family dinners. The tables can be taller for meals or shorter to stand in front of a couch in a living room. Wood is usually pretty durable but it can scratch easily and can be stained by many substances, including water which can seep into wood and cause it to warp or rot. Protecting a wooden table is not difficult but it does require some regular diligence and the enforcement of good habits. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Place the table at least 5 feet away from any heat sources such as radiators or ovens to avoid burning.

2

Cover the table with a table cloth or a pad whenever it is in use. The material will help prevent the wood from getting scratched or stained.

3

Use coasters whenever beverages are put on the table. Moisture can soak through a tablecloth and still damage wood so a coaster is useful in preventing moisture from ever coming into contact with the table surface.

4

Prevent pets from getting near the table. Dogs and cats can both scratch the wood and badly damage the material and dogs could even chew on the legs and require extensive repair or replacement.

5

Avoid putting your feet or any heavy objects on the table. This could scratch or otherwise damage the surface. Likewise, sitting on the table could break it and should be avoided.

6

Use a humidifier to keep your humidity at about 35 percent. If the humidity gets too high, the wood can absorb the moisture and damage the table over time.

7

Draw the curtains whenever the table is in direct sunlight. The sunlight will cause the wood to fade over an extended period of time.

8

Wash the table as needed with a damp sponge treated with a non-alkaline soap. Test the soap solution first on a small area of the table that is not visible to check for possible staining. Dry the table immediately by wiping it with a dry towel with the grain to remove any excess moisture.

9

Wax the table once or twice a year. The old wax can be removed through washing with a mild non-alkaline soap; then re-apply a wood wax with a soft cloth. Avoid waxing a table with a urethane-finish, since this will cause the table to collect dust.