How To Protect Your Dining Set Against Damage

The dining table must serve many purposes- it is at the centre of family life, from the Sunday roast to birthday teas, and it is also the setting for more formal entertainments, from relaxed dinner parties to important occasions. These different uses all take their toll on a table, and it's vital to make sure that it stays protected.

If you are worried that your new dining table might get scratched and marked, why not consider a glass or perspex cover? A transparent protective surface allows you to enjoy the warnth and character of the wood, while also ensuring that the table is never scratched or stained. A tempered glass top also allows you to place hot dishes directly onto the table or tablecloth without worrying about marking the wood.

Protect your wood to keep it looking its best

Most solid wooden furniture will be finished with either a wax or a lacquer, which will protect the wood against moisture damage and other environmental dangers, but when serving hot food, care must be taken, as lacquer can crack and wax can melt, and your table can become discoloured and prone to warping. The traditional solution to this problem is the trivet, and trivets of all styles can be found on the high street. Make sure you get trivets that fit in with the style of your room, as they will come in very handy at dinner parties, where you will really want to impress. For convenience, you could even invest in a Lazy Susan.

Of course, if your table's finish does become damaged, it is possible to restore it yourself. First, lightly sand the wood to an even finish, then wash with a 1:5 mixture of white vinegar and water, and leave overnight to dry. White vinegar has disinfectant properties, and will ensure that there is nothing lingering in the wood. Once the wood is dry, apply a quality furniture wax, or a layer of Danish Oil. If you fancy a change, you can always use a woodstain to give your table a new accent. Continue the new look by doing the same with your sideboard.

The best way to esnure that your dining table lasts as long as it can is to keep it clean. For some expert tips on how best to clean a wooden table, check out this video of expert cleaner Ann Myrick demonstrating her tried-and-tested techniques.