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EXPERT ADVICE
ON TABLE MAINTENANCE

Our rustic wooden tables are crafted to exude charm and provide lasting utility. Proper dining table maintenance is essential to keep their beauty intact. Embrace our simple and effective maintenance tips to ensure your table withstands the test of time, maintaining its rustic appeal.

 

From protecting against weather conditions to applying appropriate finishes, our guidelines ensure your dining table maintenance is straightforward and effective.

Care of Your Dining Table

The following guidelines apply to our rustic scaffold board dining tables and solid pine tops, both treated for interior use. With the right care, your table will settle naturally into your home and last for many years.

Protecting Your Table

  • The tabletop finish is durable and requires little maintenance.

  • We recommend using a good quality furniture wax from time to time to build up protection and refresh the look. Choose a wax colour that closely matches your table.

  • All timber will expand or shrink depending on its environment. Most movement occurs in the first few weeks as the table adjusts to your home — this is normal behaviour for wood.

Early Days After Delivery

  • During the first few weeks, keep your table away from direct heat sources such as radiators, stoves, or underfloor heating vents.

  • Too much heat too quickly can cause the wood to dry unevenly, leading to splits or movement.

  • Allow the table to settle gradually at room temperature.

For Scaffold Board Tops

  • Scaffold boards carry a history of use and may include natural features. Your table may arrive without cracks or splits, but these can appear during the settling period. This is normal and does not affect strength or durability.

For Solid Pine Tops

  • Pine is a softwood with an open grain structure, making it more prone to small superficial cracks (“checks”) as it gains or loses moisture. These are natural, superficial, and do not compromise the table’s integrity.

  • If you prefer a perfectly consistent surface, we recommend choosing hardwoods such as oak, oak veneer, or bamboo.

General Care & Maintenance

  • Although UV-protected, wood may fade faster in direct sunlight. Try to avoid leaving the table in strong sun for prolonged periods (e.g. holidays).

  • Always carry the table evenly when moving it — never drag or push.

  • The table (and bench) legs are fitted with adjustable feet. Keep these in place to protect the frame if the table is moved.

  • Adjust the feet in opposing corners rather than one side only.

  • Do not place hot items directly on the surface — always use mats.

  • Mop up spills promptly to prevent staining.

  • Avoid strong detergents. Ask us about our care pack for safe cleaning options.

  • If you have a wooden frame, you may wish to touch up scuffs or knocks with matching paint or wax.

Summary

Your dining table will continue to improve with age if you give it simple, regular care — wax occasionally, clean gently, keep it away from excessive heat in the early days, and avoid extremes of moisture or sunlight. Both scaffold board and solid pine tops are living materials that will develop unique character over time.

Warranty Reminder

Following these care guidelines is part of maintaining your 5-year warranty. Natural wood features such as knots, checks, splits, or colour variations are not faults, but correct upkeep helps keep your table protected and your warranty valid.

Care of Your Patio Table

The following guidelines apply to rustic scaffold board patio tables that have been treated for outdoor use. With the right care, your table will last for many years.

Protecting Your Table

  • The OSMO Natural Oil wood stain will naturally dry out over time. How quickly depends on where the table is placed. If the table looks paler, it’s time for a recoat.

  • Always cover your table when not in use for long periods, whatever the season.

  • Place a soft object (e.g. a football or a ball of bubble wrap) under the cover to allow airflow. Without airflow, moisture can build up, causing mould or discolouration. Long tables may need 2–3 objects.

  • If left uncovered during winter, expect more movement in the boards and fading to grey as the weather bleaches the surface.

General Care & Maintenance

  • Timber will always shrink or expand with the weather. The gaps between the boards allow for this. Small splits may appear over time — this is natural and does not affect the table’s life if maintained.

  • Although UV-protected, wood may still mature or fade faster in direct sunlight. Cover your table whenever possible.

  • Legs are fitted with protective feet — keep these in place to avoid direct contact with wet surfaces.

  • Do not place the table directly on grass or gravel. If necessary, use a small plinth under each leg.

  • Adjust leg feet in opposing corners rather than one side only.

  • Do not place hot items directly on the surface — always use mats.

  • Mop up spills promptly.

  • Avoid strong detergents — ask us about our care pack.

  • Do not leave heavy items (e.g. plant pots) on the table for long periods.

  • Always carry the table evenly when moving it — never drag or push. The table is very heavy, so do not attempt to move it alone.

Re-Staining Your Table

Re-staining is simple and will make your table look like new.

  1. Only stain when the wood is completely dry — ideally at the end of summer, with a few dry days ahead.

  2. Lightly sand any rough or raised areas.

  3. Wipe down with a white spirit cloth and allow to dry.

  4. Apply OSMO stain sparingly with a 50–60mm brush. Brush out any excess. Allow at least 6 hours to dry.

  5. If needed, repeat — but do not apply more than two coats at a time.

Summary

By keeping up with simple maintenance — covering when not in use, avoiding prolonged exposure to moisture, and re-staining as required — your patio table will give you many years of use.

Warranty Reminder

Following these care guidelines is part of maintaining your 5-year warranty. Natural wood features (such as knots, cracks, and colour variations) are not faults, but correct upkeep — covering, cleaning, and re-staining — helps ensure your table stays protected and your warranty remains valid.

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