Reclaimed wood furniture is more than just eco-friendly. It’s also beautiful, full of notches and character that comes from the past lives of those particular furniture pieces. A reclaimed wood table is perfect for a rustic dining room or coffee table. It might even serve as a desk for you. But as with any furniture, it’s not enough to simply have it. You should also know how to care for it. Reclaimed wood has proven itself to stand the test of time, but if you want to keep it in its beautiful shape, here are a few maintenance tips to keep in mind:

 

Regulate the Temperature

Wood is highly sensitive to the temperatures and moisture around it. Drastic changes in temperature can cause it to expand, contract, split, or swell. If you want to keep your reclaimed wood table in shape, the best thing is to keep it away from any vents where hot or cool air might blow through. Keep your table in a room where the temperature is able to be kept even. Use hot pads when sitting at the table with a warm laptop or eating a hot bowl of soup.

Use Wood Treatment

Yes, reclaimed wood has lasted through decades and lifetimes, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t need protection from spills and other moisture. Using wood treatment like oils and varnish will help to keep it looking vibrant while also protecting the wood from the permeation of moisture. You may need to stain it a few times over the years if you plan to keep the table for some time, but it will be worth it to enjoy your beautiful reclaimed wood table.

Clean Softly

When cleaning your reclaimed wood table, you don’t want to use a cloth that’s too saturated with moisture and cleaning products. A damp cloth will do. Similarly, make sure you use gentle cleaning solutions, such as a mixture of water and vinegar, rather than any strong chemical cleaners. You might even use table mats or table cloths when eating at the table in order to protect the wood.

Keep Out of Sunlight

Sunlight can bleach the color of wood, and the warmth from the sun can impact the temperature of the table. That’s why it’s best to keep the table out of direct sunlight. If you can’t keep it out of the line of the windows in your home, low-e window coatings might help to block harmful UV rays, or even good window treatments.

A reclaimed wood table is a beautiful addition to any home, so most reclaimed wood table owners want to put in the effort to maintain the table and keep it in shape for years to come. Looking for the perfect reclaimed wood to craft your own table? At Reclaimed Wood Solutions, we offer vintage wood from cargo planks and railcar planks, and we ship anywhere within the USA. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or order your own reclaimed wood.