How to Care for a Solid Wood Table in BC's Climate
A solid wood table is meant to be used every day for decades. A little care, plus an understanding of how wood responds to BC's seasons, keeps it looking the way it did on delivery day.
Wood Moves With the Seasons
Solid wood takes on and gives off moisture with the air around it. In the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, that means two very different seasons indoors:
Fall and winter: the furnace, heat pump or fireplace dries indoor air. Wood shrinks slightly, and boards can show fine gaps or small checks.
Spring and summer: damp coastal air returns and the wood swells back.
This movement is normal, and we build for it: tops are fastened so they can expand and contract, and breadboard ends are attached to let the top move. What helps most is keeping the swings small.
Aim for indoor relative humidity of about 35 to 55% year round. A simple hygrometer costs a few dollars.
In heating season, a humidifier in the room helps a lot.
Keep tables away from heat registers, baseboard heaters and the direct path of a fireplace.
Everyday Cleaning
Wipe with a soft cloth that's barely damp, then dry it right away.
For grease or sticky spots, add a drop of mild dish soap to the water.
Avoid: silicone furniture sprays, all-purpose kitchen cleaners, vinegar, ammonia and microfibre cloths that are gritty from other jobs. Silicone in particular makes future refinishing harder.
Heat, Water and Sunlight
Hot dishes: always use trivets. Heat can leave a white haze in the finish.
Water: wipe spills and condensation rings promptly, and use coasters under cold drinks and vases.
Sunlight: strong sun changes the colour of every wood over time. Moving placemats and centrepieces now and then keeps the colour even, and window coverings help in rooms with southern exposure.
Know Your Finish
Care depends on the finish on your table, so ask your maker which one you have.
Oil or hardwax oil finish: a natural, matte feel. Small marks can be spot-repaired: lightly buff the area and apply a fresh coat of maintenance oil. Most tables benefit from a refresh every year or two.
Varnish or polyurethane finish: a tougher film that resists water and stains well. Clean as above. If the surface is worn after many years, it can be scuffed and recoated by a professional.
Scratches, Dents and Refinishing
Everyday marks become part of a family table's character. Because every piece we build is solid wood, never veneer over particleboard, a professional refinisher can sand and refinish the top if it's ever badly damaged, which is something a veneered table can't offer.
Built in Chilliwack for BC Homes
Every table and piece of furniture we make is built in our Chilliwack, BC workshop and finished with BC's climate in mind, then delivered across BC, including Vancouver, the North Shore, Whistler and Kelowna.
Browse our dining tables and home furniture, read our solid wood coffee table guide, or request a free estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my wood table have small gaps or cracks in winter?
Indoor heating dries the air, so the wood shrinks slightly. Keeping humidity between about 35 and 55% and keeping the table away from heat sources reduces this, and gaps usually close again as humidity returns.
What should I clean a solid wood table with?
A soft cloth that's barely damp, with a drop of mild dish soap for greasy spots, then dry it right away. Avoid silicone sprays and harsh household cleaners.
How do I get a white heat mark out of a wood table?
A light white haze often fades on its own over days or weeks. If it doesn't, a professional furniture refinisher can advise, since the right repair depends on the finish.
Can a solid wood table be refinished?
Yes. A solid wood top can be sanded and refinished, which is one of the main advantages over veneer.
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