Solid oak is alive in a way veneer never is. It takes on moisture in humid summers and gives it back in dry, heated winters, and over the years that slow breathing is what gives it its warmth. It also means oak needs a little attention as the seasons change.
Winter: keep the air comfortable
When the heating is on, indoor humidity in Minneapolis can drop below 25%. Keep it between 40 and 55% with a humidifier, and keep oak at least 50 cm away from radiators and vents. Small hairline cracks on a table top usually close again once spring comes.
Spring and autumn: refresh the oil
Twice a year, clean the surface with a damp cloth and a drop of mild soap, let it dry and wipe on a thin layer of hardwax oil. Leave it for fifteen minutes, buff away everything that has not soaked in, and let the piece rest overnight. Tables that are used every day may want a third coat in midwinter.
Day to day, use coasters, wipe spills straight away and lift rather than drag. Treated this way, an oak table only gets better with age — and if it ever needs more than oil, our workshop can refinish it for you.
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2 thoughts on “Caring for solid oak through the seasons”
Our oak table gets small cracks every February. Moving it away from the radiator and running a humidifier this winter — thanks for the reminder.
Good plan, Jonas. Those hairline cracks usually close again in spring, and if they don’t, bring the top by the workshop and we will take a look.