How do I care for an oak table?

Feed the timber periodically with a suitable wax to maintain its natural lustre and protect against drying out. Avoid placing the table near direct heat sources or in strong sunlight, which can cause the solid wood to warp or split.

Are these tables suitable for everyday dining?

Solid oak surfaces withstand daily use remarkably well and develop a deeper character from minor knocks and marks over time. Using heat mats and coasters helps protect the historic finish from stubborn stains or moisture rings.

How do I distinguish a seventeenth-century piece from a revival?

Examine the underside and joints for tool marks, peg construction, and timber shrinkage that indicate genuine age. Revival pieces from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries often feature more uniform machine tooling and standardised hardware.

How do draw leaf extensions work?

The main top remains stationary while two secondary leaves slide out smoothly from underneath each end. As the leaves pull into place, the main surface drops slightly to lock the extended top into a flat plane.