How do I clean a solid oak farmhouse table?

Wipe timber surfaces with a damp cloth and mild soap, avoiding harsh chemical sprays that strip natural finishes. Dry the wood thoroughly afterwards to prevent moisture rings and protect the grain.

Can I use a farmhouse table outdoors?

These tables are built for indoor domestic environments and exposure to damp outdoor conditions will warp solid oak planks. Changes in humidity cause untreated or antique timber to split and joints to weaken.

How do I determine the period of my table?

Examine the tool marks on the underside of the planks, the type of joinery used in the frame, and the wear patterns on the feet. Hand-cut pegs, pegged tenons and natural timber oxidation point towards earlier Georgian and Victorian construction methods.

How many chairs will my table seat?

Seating capacity depends on the overall length of the plank top and the placement of the base stretchers or legs. Tables measuring over two metres typically accommodate eight to ten diners comfortably along the sides and ends.