How do I choose the right size?

Measure your dining space carefully, allowing ample clearance around all sides of the table for chairs to pull out comfortably. Consider whether you need an extendable model to accommodate guests on special occasions. Keep in mind the placement of table legs, such as trestle ends or tapered supports, which influence how many chairs can fit neatly underneath.

Are these tables suitable for daily use?

These pieces were built specifically for everyday domestic life, utilising resilient timbers like oak, pine, and elm that handle regular activity with ease. Their existing wear and patina often make them forgiving of minor daily knocks. Applying appropriate protective waxes helps maintain the timber against moisture and heat from daily meals without spoiling the historical surface.

How do I care for an antique wood surface?

Clean the surface regularly with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and grit that might scratch the timber over time. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners and excessive water, opting instead for traditional beeswax feeds to preserve the lustre. Using placemats and coasters protects the historic finish from hot dishes and condensation rings during family meals.

How can I tell the period of a table?

Examine the timber species, tool marks left by early saws, and the style of the legs, such as Jacobean revival turnings or Edwardian tapered supports. Construction methods like hand-cut joints offer strong clues regarding the era of manufacture. Comparing the hardware and extension mechanisms against known historical formats helps narrow down the decades between the eighteenth and twentieth centuries.