Your Table’s First Year: What to Expect & How to Care for It
The day your custom table arrives, it's more than just furniture it’s the new heart of your home.
But what happens after that first beautiful moment?
At YEG Woodcraft, we want you to enjoy your piece for decades, not just years. That’s why we always prep our clients for what we call “the first year journey.”
Because solid wood is real. It’s alive. It reacts to your space. And when you know what to expect, it becomes a seamless part of your home.
Month 1–2: Acclimating to Your Space
What to expect:
Your table is adjusting to its new environment especially if you’re in Alberta, where humidity and temperature fluctuate hard between seasons.
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You might notice minor expansion or contraction
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It may “settle” slightly as the legs adjust to the floor
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Grain lines may shift subtly as the wood breathes
How to care for it:
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Keep humidity between 35–45% RH using a humidifier during dry months
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Avoid placing it directly over heating vents or near radiators
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Use felt pads under heavy decor to prevent early indentations
Month 3–6: Daily Use & Learning the Finish
What to expect:
You’re now using the table daily eating, working, hosting, living.
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Minor scratches or marks are natural
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You’ll start to notice how the finish interacts with your lifestyle
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Matte finishes may develop a soft patina over time
How to care for it:
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Wipe spills immediately using a soft, damp cloth
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Avoid harsh cleaners (no vinegar, bleach, or ammonia-based sprays)
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Use coasters, placemats, and trivets under hot or wet items
Pro tip: A bit of character isn’t a flaw it’s your story being built into the wood.
Month 6–12: Seasonal Shift Watch
What to expect:
This is when we often see the biggest movement in solid wood, especially if you’re heading into (or out of) an Alberta winter.
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Some wood movement may become more noticeable
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Slight gaps between boards or seams can temporarily appear
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The table may feel subtly “different” under your hand depending on the season
How to care for it:
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Continue monitoring your home’s humidity
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Clean gently and regularly
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If any movement feels extreme, reach out we’re happy to check in
Ongoing Tips for Long-Term Care
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Dust regularly with a microfiber cloth
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Apply finish-safe oil (if your piece was oiled) once or twice a year only if recommended
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Don’t drag heavy objects or sit/stand on the table
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Keep pets’ claws trimmed if they frequent the surface
And remember: real wood changes over time and that’s the beauty of it.
What You Shouldn’t Worry About
✔ A small hairline split that closes back up when seasons shift
✔ Slight color softening from sunlight exposure
✔ Your table developing a bit of patina it’s aging gracefully, just like it should
The First Year Is Just the Beginning
Your table is built for the long haul.
It was designed to adapt, evolve, and grow with your family not fight against the environment or fall apart under pressure.
The first year is about learning how it lives in your space.
And we’re always here to walk you through it.