Care guide

Daily maintenance for solid wood and epoxy tables

A custom table should feel usable, not fragile. This guide explains how to clean, protect, and inspect solid wood slab tables and epoxy resin tables so the surface remains stable, comfortable, and visually calm in daily life.

Live edge walnut epoxy dining table with microfiber cloth and coaster in a warm modern dining room
Keep the surface clean with low moisture and soft contact

01

Daily cleaning

Keep the surface clean with low moisture and soft contact

For everyday dust, fingerprints, and light food marks, use a clean microfiber cloth. If moisture is needed, use a slightly damp cloth first, then dry the surface immediately so water does not sit on wood pores, resin edges, or finish transitions.

Do
Wipe with light pressure, keep cleaning cloths free of grit, and dry both wood and resin after cleaning.
Avoid
Avoid abrasive pads, powdered cleaners, steam cleaners, ammonia, bleach, and long contact with wet towels or placemats.
Use coasters, trivets, and pads as part of the table setting

02

Heat and dining use

Use coasters, trivets, and pads as part of the table setting

Solid wood and epoxy resin are made for daily use, but concentrated heat and repeated scraping can leave marks. Treat protection as a normal part of serving coffee, hot dishes, ceramic plates, cookware, and decorative objects.

Do
Use coasters for drinks, trivets for hot serving pieces, and soft placemats under rough ceramic or stoneware.
Avoid
Do not place hot pans, electric appliances, candles, sharp objects, or unglazed ceramics directly on the surface.
Control humidity so the wood can move gently

03

Room stability

Control humidity so the wood can move gently

Wood is a natural material. Seasonal movement is normal, especially on large solid slabs. A stable interior climate reduces the stress that can lead to checking, edge movement, or uneven gaps near resin and live edge features.

Do
Keep the table indoors, use climate control when possible, and aim for a stable, comfortable living environment rather than sharp humidity swings.
Avoid
Avoid garages, covered patios, direct HVAC blasts, damp rooms, and long periods near dehumidifiers or heaters.
Use indirect light to protect tone, resin clarity, and finish

04

Sunlight placement

Use indirect light to protect tone, resin clarity, and finish

Strong direct sun can warm the table unevenly and accelerate changes in wood tone, resin appearance, and surface finish. Natural daylight is fine; harsh, prolonged exposure should be softened with curtains, shades, or placement decisions.

Do
Position the table away from intense direct sun or diffuse the light during the brightest hours of the day.
Avoid
Avoid leaving part of the table in strong sunlight every day while the rest remains shaded, because uneven exposure can age the surface differently.
Refresh wood only when the finish actually asks for it

05

Wood surface care

Refresh wood only when the finish actually asks for it

Some wood finishes benefit from periodic care oil or finish conditioner, while film finishes may require a different approach. The correct routine depends on the finish used on your table, the room climate, and how heavily the surface is used.

Do
If your table was supplied with a maintenance oil recommendation, apply a thin, even coat according to those instructions and remove excess material thoroughly.
Avoid
Do not mix random oils, waxes, silicone polishes, or household furniture sprays without checking compatibility with the original finish.
Clean resin as a finished surface, not as raw plastic

06

Epoxy resin care

Clean resin as a finished surface, not as raw plastic

Epoxy is water resistant and easy to wipe, but it is not scratch-proof. Gloss resin shows reflections and micro marks more clearly, while darker resin can reveal dust and fingerprints faster than lighter wood areas.

Do
Use microfiber cloths, mild soap when needed, and gentle polishing only when the finish system allows it.
Avoid
Avoid dragging metal, keys, unglazed pottery, laptops with grit underneath, or decorative objects with sharp feet across the resin.
Inspect the base, underside, and contact points seasonally

07

Long-term checks

Inspect the base, underside, and contact points seasonally

Large slab tables carry meaningful weight. A periodic check of base fasteners, floor glides, underside movement, and contact points helps the piece stay level and protects both the tabletop and the room around it.

Do
Check that the table sits evenly, floor pads remain clean, and the base connection has not loosened through use or relocation.
Avoid
Avoid dragging the table by the top, lifting from one corner, or tightening hardware aggressively without understanding the mounting system.
Respond quickly to liquids, oils, pigments, and alcohol

08

Spills and stains

Respond quickly to liquids, oils, pigments, and alcohol

Most everyday spills are manageable when handled early. Wine, coffee, oil, sauces, alcohol, and strongly pigmented foods should be removed promptly because long contact can affect the finish or leave edge staining on wood.

Do
Blot first, clean gently with a damp cloth and mild soap if needed, then dry fully with a separate cloth.
Avoid
Avoid rubbing spills into live edges, leaving condensation rings overnight, or using harsh solvents to chase a stain.

Surface character

Matte, satin, and gloss need slightly different expectations.

Matte

Matte surfaces reduce glare and feel quiet in architectural interiors. They can show hand oils or uneven wiping sooner, so clean with even pressure and avoid spot-polishing one area.

Satin

Satin is the most balanced everyday surface for many tables. It gives wood depth and resin clarity without demanding the same visual maintenance as a high-gloss finish.

Gloss

Gloss resin creates the strongest reflection and color depth. It also reveals fingerprints, dust, swirl marks, and dragging scratches more clearly, especially on dark resin.

Common questions

What to know before a small mark becomes a bigger problem.

Can an epoxy river table be used every day?

Yes. A properly finished wood and epoxy table can support normal dining, meetings, writing, and daily living. The key is to protect against concentrated heat, sharp abrasion, standing water, and unstable room conditions.

Are small scratches normal on wood or resin?

Small marks can appear with real use, especially on darker resin or high-gloss areas. Many light surface marks are maintenance issues rather than structural problems, but deep scratches should be reviewed before attempting aggressive repair.

How often should I oil a solid wood slab table?

There is no universal schedule. It depends on the original finish, climate, cleaning habits, and use level. If your finish is oil-based and the surface begins to feel dry or uneven, use the recommended compatible care product in a thin, controlled application.

Can I use disinfecting wipes or alcohol cleaners?

Use caution. Strong alcohol, ammonia, bleach, or solvent-heavy cleaners can dull or damage some wood and resin finishes. For routine care, mild soap and water on a lightly damp cloth is the safer default.

Can the table be placed outdoors?

This guide is for indoor furniture. Outdoor exposure introduces direct sun, rain, temperature swings, and humidity changes that can stress solid wood, resin, metal bases, and finishes beyond normal interior use.