How often should I re-oil an oiled timber table?

For a dining table in normal use, once every 6 to 12 months is usually enough — or whenever the surface starts to look dry or feels less smooth. A high-wear spot can simply be topped up on its own without redoing the whole top.

How do I clean an oiled wood table day to day?

Wipe spills promptly and clean with a soft, barely-damp cloth. Avoid soaking the surface, harsh all-purpose sprays and anything containing silicone or wax polish, which can build up and interfere with re-oiling.

How do I get rid of a water ring or heat mark?

Because the finish is an oil rather than a plastic film, most rings and dull spots lift with a light rub along the grain and a thin re-coat of the same hardwax oil on that area — no need to strip the whole table. Use coasters and trivets to prevent them in the first place.

Guide

Caring for an oiled
solid-timber table.

A hardwax-oiled table is one of the easiest finishes to live with. Here is how to keep it that way — and refresh it in an afternoon.

The short answer

Wipe spills promptly, clean with a soft barely-damp cloth, and use coasters and trivets for hot pans and wet glasses. Every 6 to 12 months, or whenever it looks dry, refresh it with a thin coat of the same hardwax oil. That is the whole routine.

Our pieces leave the workshop in a hand-rubbed natural hardwax oil (an Osmo-type finish). Unlike a plastic lacquer, an oiled surface can be spot-repaired at home — you never have to strip the whole table.

Everyday care

Living with the table.

Small habits that keep it looking new.

Wipe spills quickly

Water, wine and oil are fine on an oiled top if you wipe them within a few minutes. It is standing liquid over hours that leaves a mark.

Clean gently

A soft cloth, barely damp, is all you need. Skip harsh all-purpose sprays, bleach and — importantly — silicone or wax polishes, which build up and fight the oil.

Protect from heat and water

Use trivets under hot dishes and coasters under glasses. Direct heat and long-standing water are the two things most likely to leave a dull ring.

Mind strong sun

Long hours of direct sun will gently shift the tone over time. It is not harmful, but rotating a runner or repositioning keeps the colour even.

Refreshing the finish

Re-oiling, step by step.

An afternoon, once or twice a year.

Clear and clean

Wipe the top with a barely-damp cloth to lift dust and grease, then let it dry completely.

Lightly de-nib

If it feels rough, rub very lightly along the grain with a fine pad or 320-grit paper, then wipe off the dust.

Thin coat of oil

Apply a thin, even coat of the same hardwax oil along the grain with a lint-free cloth. Thin beats thick every time.

Wipe off the excess

After a few minutes wipe off all the surplus so no wet film is left standing.

Let it cure

Leave it a day before heavy use. Protected again — and looking refreshed.

Not sure which oil your piece was finished in, or want us to handle a refresh or repair? Get in touch — we look after what we make.

Made to last

A finish you can keep for a lifetime.

This is the quiet advantage of solid timber and an oiled finish: it ages, it repairs and it stays yours for decades. If you are still choosing a piece, read oak vs ash for a dining table or what a bespoke table costs.