C A R I N G  F O R  Y O U R  P I E C E

As timber adapts to your home it can naturally change as it acclimatises to its new environment. With large pieces of timber, which are the focal point of so many of our pieces of furniture, no matter how well prepared or selected each piece of timber is, you cannot completely remove the risk of shrinking, twisting, and cracking as the timber adapts its moisture content to its new environment.  We take every measure to ensure that the natural movement of wood is reduced to an absolute minimum.  Interior kiln dried wood can vary and there are many factors that can affect the chances and severity of the changes that your furniture may go through. Underfloor heating, fireplaces, radiators, large windows with prolonged sunlight and other heat sources can all contribute.

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For your peace of mind when investing in a table with Oil and Grains we offer an aftercare service which can rectify any issues that you may encounter after the settlement period where your new piece of furniture has had 12 months to fully adapt to its new home.  Our Warranty will cover some issues, other repairs not be covered under warranty, can be quoted for.

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SUNLIGHT

When you receive your product, we will provide you with care instructions, depending on your product finish.  However, irrespective of finish, we would always advise against having your table in an area of your home with prolonged direct sunlight.  UV rays can affect the pigmentation of the table whilst increasing the likelihood of the timber and resin to degrade over time. If you are considering this, please get in touch to discuss the possibilities.

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EXPOXY RESIN TOPCOAT FINISH

Many of our pieces are finished with 3-4 layers of an epoxy resin topcoat which completely seals the timber and eliminates its ability to gain or lose moisture and therefore its ability to move. This is a timely process which enables us to sand, polish and finish each piece to the desired gloss. Where this is advantageous for removing the ability for the timber to move, it is also not the desired finish for everyone.

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Epoxy resin is durable, scratch and heat resistant and easy to maintain making it a perfect surface but also enhancing the grain of the wood beneath. We do still advice to use placemats where you can, and to avoid placing hot pans directly onto the surface to keep your table in its best condition.  Care instructions will be provided when your table is delivered.

Wear and tear is inevitable with any piece of furniture and, if required, we can offer a polishing service which can be arranged by contacting us.  Our quotation will include a member of our team visiting you with the necessary tools and materials to reinstate the polished finish of your table.   

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HARDWAX OIL FINISHES

Hard wax oil finishes are non-toxic with no biocides, preservatives or benzenes. The finishes range in differing gloss levels and colours to create a warm natural matt finish.  In addition to enhancing the colour and grain of the wood hard wax oil finishes penetrate the timber to nourish and ensure it doesn’t dry out, protecting against warping and weakening over time. The wax in the finish permeates the wood and acts as a barrier against moisture and stains, all whilst still allowing the table to breathe. Hard wax oils harden the wood from within which if maintained correctly can last generations.

Hardwax oil finishes do require a periodic coat of maintenance oil. This is a very simple process, instructions for which will be provided in your care instructions when your table is delivered.

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POLYUERTHANE FINISHES

When it comes to Polyurethane finishes, there are two different bases from which to choose.  Oil-based and water-based. Each have their advantages and disadvantages when compared to each other and well as compared hard wax oils.

Polyurethane finishes are both tough, durable and the finish is very long lasting, protecting your table for up to 10 years.  However, scratch marks to the finish are far more noticeable on both polyurethane finishes compared to a hard wax oil.   This is due to polyurethane effectively being a thin plastic film on the surface of the wood. This can have the tendency to trap moisture and stains with heavy use. This finish cannot be repaired in patches and requires the entire table to be restored.  In contrast to this, hardwax oils are much easier to carry out repairs to small isolated areas.

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TABLE BASES/ LEGS

We have a variety of tables bases or legs available, many can be seen in the images on our website.  However, if you have something different in mind, we can discuss this through our production journey with you.