How to care for an oak table

Why proper care matters

Oak is a living material that reacts to moisture, temperature and everyday use. Without the right care, stains can soak deep into the wood, ring marks can become permanent, and the tabletop can dry out or crack. Regular maintenance protects against this and significantly extends the table's lifespan.

Daily care

Daily care is simple and prevents dirt from building up:

• Wipe down with a dry or lightly damp microfibre cloth
• Use only water, or a mild natural soap such as green soap, if needed
• Always dry off afterwards with a dry cloth
• Avoid harsh cleaning products, bleach and abrasive cleaners

Dealing with stains or scratches

Remove coffee, wine or water spills as soon as possible with a lightly damp cloth — acting quickly stops them soaking into the grain.

For light scratches, sand the area lightly and re-treat with oil or lacquer. More serious damage requires sanding the whole tabletop in stages (from 80 grit up to 180 or finer).

Oil or lacquer — which is best

Oil soaks into the wood and nourishes it from within, giving a natural look and making local repairs easier.

Lacquer forms a protective layer on top of the wood and holds up better against stains and moisture.

Always choose products made specifically for oak and indoor furniture.

How often to oil or lacquer

• Oiled table: roughly once or twice a year
• Lacquered table: needs less frequent treatment — mainly regular cleaning
• If the wood starts looking duller or absorbing stains more easily, it's time to re-treat it.

Lacquered vs. oiled

Oiled tables need more regular upkeep but are easier to repair locally. Lacquered tables offer better overall protection but are harder to touch up in one spot if damaged.

Preventing ring marks from glasses

• Always use coasters under glasses and cups
• Use placemats or trivets under hot dishes
• Keep indoor humidity stable, around 50–65%
• In winter, a humidifier helps keep the wood in good condition

In practice

Most damage to oak tables comes from neglected maintenance and the wrong cleaning products. Tables that are cleaned correctly and treated on schedule can stay in great condition for decades.