Dining table maintenance: how to keep your table looking new

Written by Erik Tobben — Founder & Furniture Expert, Industrial Home

Solid walnut is fully sandable and treatable — a big plus for maintenance — check out our walnut dining table.

Dining table maintenance: how to keep your table like new

Are you looking for ways to extend the life of your dining table and always keep it in top condition? Maintenance is crucial for the long-term brilliance and functionality of a dining table. In this article, we share our most effective tips for implementing the perfect dining table maintenance routine, so your table always stays like new. Industrial Home offers you the opportunity to independently design a custom dining table with our configurator.

First and foremost, it is important to understand what material your dining table is made of. Both wood and metal require different maintenance strategies. Wooden tables, such as those from Industrial Home, can, for example, be treated with a special oil or lacquer to protect the wood from damage and fading. These coating products also help preserve the natural beauty of the wood.

To ensure your table always stays shiny, it is essential to clean it regularly. This can be done with a damp cloth and a mild cleaner specifically designed for your type of table. Make sure you don't rub the table unnecessarily often, as this could damage the wood.

Furthermore, it is advisable to clean up moisture and food stains as quickly as possible. Food residues left on a dining table for too long can cause stains or even make the surface look worn. If you notice a stain, use a special stain remover for wood or metal to remove it.

A dining table that is used frequently can also suffer from scratches and scuffs. To prevent this, you can protect the table with a glass plate or other protective layer. If there are already small scratches, these can often be resolved by polishing them with a special product developed for polishing wood or metal.

To have the perfect dining table you need

Maintenance per material type

Not every tabletop requires the same approach. Here are the most important tips per material:

• Solid oak (oiled finish) — polish once or twice a year with a special wood maintenance oil. Never use aggressive cleaning agents. Dry moisture immediately.
• Solid oak (lacquered) — wiping with a damp cloth is sufficient. Avoid abrasive sponges. Have the lacquer professionally renewed after years.
• HPL or Fenix — wipe daily with a damp cloth. Fully stain resistant. No special agents needed.
• Ceramic — virtually indestructible. Wipe with a glass cleaner or mild all-purpose cleaner. Avoid abrasive agents that can dull the coating.
• Walnut — similar to oak, but slightly more sensitive to moisture. Annual oil treatments keep the color deep and the structure supple.

Protect your table in daily use

Small habits make a big difference in the long run:

• Use coasters for hot pans and cups — even with ceramic tables
• Place a placemat under plates and cutting boards to prevent scratch damage
• Never wipe a wooden table dry — always lightly dampen the cloth
• Avoid prolonged direct sunlight on the tabletop — it will fade the color over time

What to do in case of stains or damage?

Small scratches in an oiled wooden table are easy to fix yourself: lightly sand with fine sandpaper (180 or 220 grit) along the grain and then treat the spot with oil. For deeper scratches or stains in lacquered wood, it is advisable to contact a professional furniture repair company. For HPL and ceramic, scratches cannot be repaired yourself, but due to their robustness, damage is rare in practice.

Do you already have a table from us? Also check our tabletop materials page for more maintenance tips per material.

View the full collection: Dining tables →

For metal tables, such as steel factory or shiny aluminum, it is advisable to use a protective layer that protects against abrasion and corrosion. This paint or lacquer can not only beautify the surface but also provide long-lasting protection against both mechanical and chemical damage. Periodically reapplying this protective layer will ensure that your table always remains shiny and clean.

A final important tip is to regularly check the legs and feet of your dining table. Both wood and metal can wear through, leading to an unstable table. If necessary, correct any unevenness using carefully selected supporting screws or reinforcement materials.

By following these dining table maintenance rules, you can ensure that your dining table not only remains usable for years but also always offers a beautiful appearance. Would you like more information or are you curious about the different models we have? Visit our webshop for more inspiration and quality furniture.

View everything live in our showroom in Beusichem

Prefer to see before you decide? In our showroom in Beusichem, you can view, touch, and compare live: dining tables, chairs, coffee tables, armchairs, bar tables, bar stools, dining benches, and various bases. Everything set up as it would be in a real interior.

The showroom can be visited by appointment — this way you get all the attention and time to choose calmly.

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