How to Protect Your Investment for 10+ Years of Daily Use

Sep 08, 2025

A Custom Table Isn’t Just a Purchase. It’s an Heirloom in Progress.

When you choose solid wood, you’re not buying something disposable.
You’re investing in a piece that’s meant to grow with you for family dinners, late-night work sessions, holidays, and everyday memories.

But even the strongest hardwoods need the right care.
And the truth is: most damage comes from small habits you don’t even notice.

This guide will help you protect your table not just for a few years, but for a decade (or more).

1. Know Your Finish It’s Your First Line of Defense

At YEG Woodcraft, we typically use professional-grade polyurethane finishes for a reason.

This clear coat offers:

✔ Scratch resistance
✔ Water resistance
✔ UV protection
✔ Low maintenance

But that doesn’t mean your table is indestructible. Even polyurethane can wear over time if misused.

💡 Pro Tip: Never place hot pans, wet towels, or cleaning chemicals directly on the surface these are finish killers.

2. Clean Gently and Regularly

Skip the harsh sprays and disinfectants.

All you need is:

A soft, damp cloth
A tiny bit of mild dish soap (if needed)
A dry cloth to finish

❌ No vinegar
❌ No bleach
❌ No abrasive scrubbers
❌ No oil-based sprays

These products strip your finish, dull your surface, and can cause long-term damage.

3. Watch the Humidity Yes, Even Indoors

Wood breathes. And in Edmonton, that’s a big deal.

Humidity swings can cause shrinking, swelling, or cracking.

✔ Keep your home between 35–45% humidity year-round
✔ Use a humidifier in the winter
✔ Avoid placing your table near heat vents, radiators, or sunny windows

4. Use Protection (The Furniture Kind)

Want your table to look good for 10+ years? Use the right gear.

✅ Placemats
✅ Trivets and coasters
✅ Felt pads on vases or decor
✅ Table runners for daily use

These small steps prevent dents, scratches, and ring marks from becoming permanent.

5. Let It Breathe

Don’t trap moisture. If you’re using a tablecloth, make sure to:

✔ Remove it often
✔ Let the table “air out” at least once a week

Trapped moisture under fabric can cause fogging or finish degradation over time.

6. Reapply or Refinish When It’s Time

After 5–10 years of daily use, your finish may start to dull.
That’s completely normal.

Instead of replacing your table, refinish it.

At YEG Woodcraft, we offer refinishing services and can assess whether your table needs a touch-up or a full sand and seal. It costs far less than a replacement and keeps your piece in rotation for decades to come.

7. Keep It Clear (As Much as You Can)

We get it tables are drop zones.

But clutter, grit, and heavy items wear on the finish faster than you think.

Make a habit of clearing the table at night and wiping it down. Your future self will thank you.

The Bottom Line: Good Habits = Generational Furniture

You don’t need to baby your table but you do need to respect it.

Because when you treat your custom piece like the investment it is, it gives back:

✔ A longer lifespan
✔ Less warping or damage
✔ Lower maintenance costs
✔ Better resale or heirloom value
✔ Everyday beauty that ages well with you