Care for an Oiled Solid Wood Dining Table – A Practical Guide from Beskydy

In our workshop in Solanec pod Soláněm, we produce tables made from honest solid wood – oak and ash from the higher altitudes of the Beskydy Mountains. Each table is treated with natural oil, which does not seal the wood but allows it to breathe. This is precisely why caring for such a table is simple and natural. No chemicals or complicated procedures are needed. Just a few habits that you will master in a few weeks.

Why an oiled surface is different from a lacquered one

Lacquer creates a hard layer that can peel or scratch over time. Natural oil penetrates the wood, accentuates its grain and annual rings, and simultaneously protects it from within. When you care for the table, the surface gradually becomes even more durable. And if a stain or a minor scratch appears, it can be easily restored – the table does not need to be completely sanded down.

This is one of the reasons why in 2026, more and more people are choosing solid wood tables with an oiled finish. Authenticity and the ability to care for a material that ages with you is more valuable today than a perfect but cold shine.

Basic daily care

The most important thing is regularity and gentleness.

Wipe the table with a soft, slightly damp microfiber or cotton cloth. Never use aggressive cleaning agents, products containing ammonia, alcohol, or abrasive pastes. These could strip the oil from the surface.

After eating or drinking, wipe up stains as soon as possible. Most liquids (water, wine, coffee) remain on a properly treated surface for only a short time and can be wiped away without a trace. If something does soak in, don't panic – wood from the higher altitudes of the Beskydy Mountains is dense and durable.

Always use coasters under hot pots and dishes. Even though an oiled surface is more durable than lacquer, extreme heat is not good for it.

How and when to reapply oil

Natural oil gradually "wears off" with daily use. This is normal. The interval for reapplication depends on how intensively you use the table.

In a household with children or frequent dining, we recommend a light coat once or twice a year. In a quieter household, once every one to two years is sufficient.

The procedure is simple:

1. Wipe the table thoroughly and let it dry completely.
2. Very gently sand the surface with fine sandpaper (grit 240–320) in the direction of the grain. The goal is not to remove material, but just to lightly open the surface.
3. Wipe off the dust.
4. Apply a thin layer of high-quality natural oil (the same type with which the table was treated in our workshop). We use OSMO oil, which has proven itself to us over a long period.
5. Allow the oil to soak in according to the manufacturer's instructions (usually 10–15 minutes), then wipe off any excess with a clean cloth.
6. Allow to dry for 24 hours and, if necessary, apply a second thin layer.

The entire process takes an evening, and the result is immediately visible – the wood comes alive again, the grain deepens, and the surface is smooth and pleasant to the touch once more.

What to do if a stain or scratch appears

Light scratches and water stains can often be removed simply by gentle sanding and one coat of oil. Deeper damage is handled directly in our workshop – you can bring the table to us or arrange for a repair. Because we work with solid wood, not veneer, most damage is repairable, and the table looks like new after intervention.

Tips that extend the life of the table by decades

• Maintain stable humidity in the room (ideally 40–60%). Wood is a living material, and excessively dry air is not good for it.
• Do not place the table directly near heating or in a draft.
• If you are not using the table for a long time (for example, in a cottage), cover it with a breathable fabric, not foil.
• Once in a while, lightly polish the table with a dry cloth – an oiled surface likes to be cared for by hand.

Why this care is worthwhile for us

In our small workshop, we make tables to last for generations. Not because we want to sell another table in a few years, but because we believe that a well-made piece of furniture has meaning. When you care for it in this way, it becomes part of a family story. The annual rings remain legible, the surface acquires a patina, and the table ages gracefully with you.

If you have any questions about caring for your table from our workshop, write or call us. We will be happy to advise you – always personally and without unnecessary words.