When you choose a wooden dining table, the question of how to maintain it naturally arises. Don't worry, I'm here to guide you through it. There are many types of wood available, including cherry, ash, red oak, white oak, hard maple, black walnut, and beech. Each of these woods varies in hardness and wear resistance, but when it comes to protection, the first thing to consider is the protective coating/finish of the furniture. The protective quality of the coating determines the surface protection of the furniture. 

Different Wood Finishes: Best Choice?

Now, let's talk about the different types of finishes. The common finishes include wood wax oil, nitrocellulose lacquer, water-based lacquer, and polyurethane varnish. Here's a quick rundown of their protective ranking: wood wax oil < nitrocellulose lacquer ≈ water-based lacquer < polyurethane varnish. Generally, the thicker the coating, the better the protection. For instance, the difference in protection between one coat of nitrocellulose lacquer and five coats is significant. So, if you want furniture with strong protection, consider the coating when buying.

Maintenance Based on Finish Types

Wooden dining tables can be broadly categorized into two types: lacquered and oil/wax finishes.

Lacquered Tables

For instance, the difference in protection between one coat of nitrocellulose lacquer and five coats is significant. So, if you want furniture with strong protection, consider the coating when buying.

Oil/Wax Finish Tables

For oil/wax finish tables, there are two scenarios:

1. Inexpensive Tables: Normal use is fine. Just ensure there's no prolonged moisture or grease on the surface, and apply oil or wax annually.

2. Expensive Tables: I wouldn't recommend using these as dining tables due to their delicate finish. Maintenance should still include annual oil or wax application.

Popularity and Limitations of Wood Wax Oil

Wood wax oil furniture is currently very popular. However, it's important to note that wood wax oil has moderate protective qualities. For high-use furniture like dining tables, coffee tables, or desks that frequently come into contact with liquids or heat, it will quickly show signs of use.

While these marks can be sanded down and the furniture can be restored, some customers may find the appearance of new furniture with such marks bothersome, and few are willing to sand and maintain the furniture themselves. Therefore, it's advisable to understand this characteristic of wood wax oil furniture before purchasing.

Additional Protective Measures

Beyond coatings, other methods can protect wooden table surfaces. My personal recommendation is using placemats, trays, and coasters. These can effectively protect the table, are easy to clean and remove, and do not completely cover the wood, preserving the essence of wooden furniture.

Downside of Glass and Film Protection

You might wonder about using glass or film to protect the surface. Trust me, these methods are not ideal for wooden furniture. They can cause changes in the wood's humidity, increasing the risk of warping or cracking. For example, a wooden dining table with a film covering will have differing humidity levels on the top and bottom, which can cause warping during significant seasonal humidity changes. Additionally, glass and film are not aesthetically pleasing and detract from the natural beauty of wooden furniture. Unlike film, glass is a solid piece that, even with slight warping of the table, can create gaps and instability.

Passive Protection Measures

Using placemats, heat mats, and similar items are passive protection measures. Additional passive measures include avoiding prolonged exposure to sunlight and keeping the furniture away from high temperatures. However, maintaining a wooden dining table relies heavily on the quality of materials and meticulous design to prevent wood warping and cracking. Firstly, the moisture content must be managed. For example, elm wood often used from old small-diameter trees has inherent flaws that can lead to instability. Unscrupulous manufacturers may use this type of wood to cut costs, but it will inevitably warp and crack over time, regardless of maintenance. So you need to distinguish the wood source of your dining table.