We’ve recently covered why wooden furniture is so timelessly beloved, but we haven’t yet discussed how you can protect your wooden table from the unassuming dangers all around. Whether it’s a family dinner or your kid’s playdate, mundane situations in everyday life can leave your wooden table vulnerable to unsightly scratches or stains. That’s why we’ve decided to compile some quick tips on how you can protect your wooden table from moisture, heat, and other potential dangers.
Protection from Scratches
The key to preventing scratches is fairly intuitive. Simply be sure to pick up objects rather than slide them across the table. Anything from vases, dishes, or glasses can potentially leave an unsightly scratch. If you have a habit of tossing your keys onto the table, try using a small, decorative dish instead.
Prevent Sunlight Damage
Keep wooden tables out of direct sunlight from your windows. Regular and prolonged exposure to UV rays can fade or bleach wood. Adding some simple curtains, shades, or blinds can solve this problem.
Maintain a Balance of Humidity
According to the USDA Forest Service, inappropriate humidity levels can cause shrinking or swelling defects in wood products. If you live in a humid area, be aware that high humidity levels can cause wood to swell and can encourage mold growth. On the other hand, low humidity levels can cause wood to dry out and potentially crack. Consider using a dehumidifier to maintain your home’s humidity levels around 50-55% to keep your wooden pieces healthy.
Take a Stand Against Water Rings
Water rings are the undoing of many gorgeous and immaculate tables. What makes these white rings such a common pitfall is that people simply forget about the condensation that can form on the outside of their glasses or mugs. When you’re finally enjoying a cup of coffee or tea, placing a coaster underneath may be the last thing on your mind. These pesky white rings are a result of moisture being soaked into the top layers of the wood finish. It’s a natural result of the wax coming into contact with water, which clouds up.
The simplest and most cost-effective solution is the tried-and-true coaster, perfect for anything from glasses to hot dishes. However, as we mentioned, it can be quite easy to forget to use one. From our experience, we’d like to recommend three effective solutions to combat all that we’ve discussed so far.
Utilize Tablecloths
Linen or cotton tablecloths are an inexpensive way to protect your table from scratches and sun damage, while simultaneously adding a touch of elegance to your home. However, even with a tablecloth, coasters will have to be used, especially for hot pans or dishes. Furthermore, despite the cloth barrier, moisture can still seep onto your table, especially in the case of a large spill.
Install a Glass Tabletop
Adding a custom-made glass tabletop can make a stunning difference to your entire dining room. A glass top will protect the entire table while still allowing its beauty to be admired. Yet, while this is an effective solution, keep in mind that it can be quite costly.
Custom Table Pads Look Beautiful and Give Protection
Custom-made table pads are an effective and attractive compromise. They provide comprehensive protection, all while looking identical to your actual table. Everything from water glasses to hot pans can be placed directly on top. They are a less expensive alternative to glass tabletops, yet provide the same functionality. They come equipped with a fastening system to keep it tightly secured without scratching or damaging your table.
Making a one-time investment for your table can extend its life for decades. If you’re interested in exploring the possibility of a custom-made table pad, consult a reputable service, like Howard’s Upholstery, to get started. A professional company will provide you with numerous color options and create a custom template to ensure a flawless fit.
Written by hrosenthal-admin
