Educational Tips

Solid Hardwoods commonly used in American furniture manufacturing include Oak, Ash, Maple, Cherry, Birch, Beech, Poplar, Alder, and Walnut. Every hardwood board will share the characteristics of it's species. Yet each board displays a face which is uniquely it's own, having been formed over the long lifetime of the individual tree from which it came. Don't be fooled by veneers, laminates, and "paper"finishes. Ask what the product is made of. A reputable dealer or salesperson will tell you.

Expansion And Contraction of your solid wood furniture. ALL solid wood furniture expands and contracts in changing temperatures and humidity. Excessive heat can be a problem. Avoid placing your wood furniture too close to a steam radiator or hot air duct. This can result in expansion, checking or cracking.
Humidity ... few people have a humidifier in a dining area, but keep in mind that excessive dampness and moist air can cause swelling of joints and wood grain and result in warping. Happily, these problems generally cure themselves when dampness is removed. You will definitely notice the seam ("gap") in your table top change from season to season.

Finish (TOP-COATS) Most quality manufacturers today are using catalyzed (protective)finishes. These lacquers and varnishes have chemical additives mixed into them which make them dry harder & faster than traditional lacquer finishes. Many are dried under ultraviolet lighting ("ovens")to get a uniform and complete dry time. These finishes are great and most are resistant to most household spills like beer, wine, soda, milk, catsup, mustard, coffee, etc. Some can even protect against chemical spills like nail polish remover, alcohol, and lacquer thinner. However we try not to "over-sell" these finishes. These are still wood tops. They can be scratched or dented depending on how you use them. You must be careful with extreme heat. You cannot place hot pans or dishes from the microwave on the surface without a hot plate or protection of some kind. The more educated you are about the product you buy ... the more you will enjoy it.
   These newer finishes do not require a lot of maintenance. Most manufacturers recommend wiping with a damp (not soaking wet) cloth. They do not require weekly polishing - just a few times per year with a cream furniture polish (like Guardman). Do not use a polish with silicone in it.

Other Table Top Surfaces

• Formica is generally well accepted and very durable. Most consumers know what to expect from this surface because of it's common use as kitchen counter tops.
• Ceramic tile top tables are very durable depending on the manufacturer. Good quality U.S. Manufacturers use actual floor tiles in their tops. They have exceptional strength and durability. They are scratch resistant and heat resistant. Quality manufacturers use rubber silicone grout instead of traditional "cement" grout. The silicone grout is stain resistant and flexible. It can expand and contract with the wood trim.
• Dupont Corian or other solid surface materials like "transolid" is a solid surface material blending natural material and acrylic resins that forms a surface with elegance and durability. It is stain resistant , non-porous, easily maintained and repaired. Everyday stains clean up with soapy water or cleanser while scratches and stubborn stains can be removed easily with scouring or light sanding with a scotchbrite pad. You must protect the surface from heat.
• Granite tops are natural stone. Under normal conditions it will not stain, chip, burn, scar, or scratch. Spills should be wiped up immediately to help insure against staining or etching of the stone. We recommend using coasters and trivets to protect the surface. Granite tops should be sealed yearly with a standard stone sealer product to insure against staining. Many foods and cleaners contain acids or alkalis that could etch the stone so read your care instructions.
• Glass tops are surprisingly durable. Good common sense and the use of placemats and trivets will keep glass tops beautiful for years.

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