How do I care for my table?

Maintenance and Care For Your New Table

Proper care for your table is essential so that it withstands the test of time. You invested a lot in your new table so you’ll want to properly care for it to ensure it’s worth the investment.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to care for your new table.

Quick Tips To Care For Your Tabletop

• Clean your table with a slightly damp microfiber rag using only warm water (no chemicals!).

• Use hot pads, placemats, and coasters as a preventative measure to keep your table from getting damaged and scratched. It’s important to remember that real wood can be damaged by anything that’s harder than the wood – which typically includes glasses, bowls, plates, silverware, etc.

• Store indoors only in homes with consistent temperatures. If stored outdoors or in areas with varying moisture levels, warping will occur with time. Make sure it’s not in direct sunlight without a blind or filter on the window.

• If your table is in a newly finished basement please ensure you have a dehumidifier and that it is set to 50-55% humidity. Shrinking and growing with humidity can cause flaws in your table. Too hot and dry and the wood will shrink. Too wet and the table will expand. This can cause problems with joints.

• Avoid using nail polish and nail polish remover near your table. Markers can also damage the finish.

How To Clean Your Table

Every dining room table should be cleaned after it’s used to remove germs, as well as any spilled food or drinks.

Cleaning may vary based on what finish was used on the table. Our most common finish, a catalyzed polyurethane, as well as other finishes such as epoxy, can be cleaned using a rag and warm water. When cleaning your table, a soft rag should be used. We recommend microfiber, but any soft rag will do!

We recommend our customers NOT use pledge and other sprays to clean their dining tables as it will leave a residue and may compromise the finish. Waxes and polishes should also NOT be used. NEVER use an abrasive sponge as it will scratch.

Coasters, Placemats, & Hot Pads. Do I Need To Use Them?

Coasters and placemats are highly recommended. Our finish is extremely water resistant, but not waterproof. It takes 30 days for your custom finish to cure. Avoid leaving anything wet on it for 30 days.

We have had very few issues with swelling from customers who prefer to not use coasters or placemats, but the manufacturer of the finish does recommend it.

Placements can be used to also protect the top. These can help you avoid minor scratches caused by moving dinnerware around your table. Stoneware, a very popular type of dish, is the worst.

If you plan on putting a hot pot, pan, or even bowl on the table, we highly recommend using a hot pad to avoid damage. High heat can easily mark wood surfaces and mar the finish.

Where To Store A Live Edge Table

Proper storage is essential for your table. You’ll want to keep your table in an area that’s room temperature. These tables are only designed for indoor use.

Areas that vary in temperature frequently are not usually the best fit for your table, as the wood will expand and contract frequently which causes cracks, warping and ultimately damage. Again, avoid direct sunlight as well as placing the table against baseboard heat.

We do not recommend live edge tables for areas such as unheated cabins or garages since they aren’t typically heated year-round. A cabin that is maintained at temperatures of at least 50 degrees is fine.