How do I clean an antique oak table?

Wipe surfaces gently using a soft, damp cloth followed by dry buffing. Avoid harsh chemical sprays that strip historic wax. Feed the dry timber periodically with traditional beeswax to maintain a deep, protective sheen over the grain.

Will an eight-foot table fit my dining room?

Measure your dining space carefully, allowing at least one metre of clear floor area around all sides for chairs and movement. Consider the placement of doorways and stairwells if the table must travel to upper floors or tight corners.

What is the difference between a refectory and a farmhouse table?

Refectory tables typically feature recessed legs connected by a low continuous stretcher, originating from monastic dining halls. Farmhouse tables often showcase more straightforward corner legs and occasionally include utilitarian drawers for cutlery storage.

How can I tell an eighteenth-century table from a later copy?

Examine the underside and joints for hand-cut tool marks, uneven shrinkage, and period-appropriate pegging methods. Genuine age shows in the softening of edges, natural timber oxidation, and cumulative wear around the foot stretchers.