Product questions tables

Oak is a strong and durable wood that suits everyday use. It is reliable and has a distinctive character. With proper care, an oak table can last a lifetime.

Oak has a clear and lively grain with visible patterns and natural figuring. Knots and colour variations are part of its character. Did you know we offer three different types of oak? Discover them on our oak page.

Yes. Each table top has its own grain and pattern, meaning no two tables are the same. Every plank is unique, giving you a distinctive piece that cannot be found elsewhere.

Yes, particularly in the grain and pattern. An oak table is always unique in this respect. We can finish tables in a range of colours, though slight variations in colour may still occur.

A knot is the point where a branch once grew from the tree. It appears in the wood as a denser area with an irregular shape. Knots are part of the wood’s natural character. We offer the option to fill knots, but you can also leave them visible for a more expressive finish. This works particularly well in more rustic interiors.

Yes. Trees grow branches, and knots form where those branches once were. Small knots are therefore to be expected and are characteristic of certain types of oak.

We work with trusted suppliers who provide high-quality oak. You can choose from three types: lived oak, new oak and refined oak. With lived oak, knots and cracks are left visible, without filling, creating a more robust appearance. Refined oak consists of cleaner sections with as few knots and cracks as possible, although different grain cuts may still be visible, such as flat-sawn or quarter-sawn. New oak sits between the two. These boards do include knots, which are filled to retain the natural character of oak while offering a more practical finish. You can find more information on our oak page.

Yes. Each plank is unique, and this also applies to colour. Subtle variations are therefore to be expected. In addition, an oak table will appear different in natural daylight compared to artificial lighting.

Yes. We produce them in our own workshop in Heeze, in the Brabant region, not far from where the very first Table du Sud table was made. In this workshop, located next to our furniture store, our craftsmen work daily to create a wide range of oak dining tables.

Brushing oak is an option you can choose when configuring your dining table. Using a machine, the softer parts of the wood surface are lightly brushed away, giving the table top a more textured and natural appearance. One advantage is that minor signs of use are less noticeable, as the surface already has more structure. A possible drawback is that the surface feels less smooth than an unbrushed table top. You can read more about brushing wood on our blog.

Wood is a natural material and can therefore “move”. This means it may slightly shrink or expand. This mainly occurs with changes in temperature and when humidity levels are not ideal. You can find more information in our blog on humidity.

Wood that moves will slightly expand or shrink. This is caused by temperature changes or humidity levels that are too high or too low. Read more about this in our blog on humidity.

Yes, this is normal when humidity levels are too high or too low. Wood naturally responds to its environment, and this cannot be prevented if humidity fluctuates too much. We recommend maintaining a humidity level between 50% and 60%.

Hairline cracks are small, surface-level cracks in the wood that occur due to the natural movement of the material. Unlike drying cracks, they are usually more subtle and mainly visual in nature. They are common in wooden furniture and form part of the material’s unique character. It is important to note that these cracks do not affect the quality of the wood. Brushed surfaces often show more visible hairline cracks than unbrushed table tops.

Yes, small drying cracks can occur in solid wood. Try to keep your indoor climate as stable as possible to minimise cracking. Humidity plays an important role in this.

Between 50% and 60%. Pay particular attention during seasonal changes, such as early spring when heating is turned off, and at the start of winter when heating is turned on again, as these moments often affect humidity levels.

Yes. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can slightly change the colour of the wood. Tip: take extra care if one part of the table is exposed to more sunlight than the rest. Rotating the table occasionally can help maintain a more even appearance.

Medullary rays in oak are light, slightly reflective markings that may be visible in the board. They are formed by the natural growth structure of the tree. They are not a fault or a sign of damage, but a characteristic of genuine oak.

As oak is a natural material, every board is unique. Colour, grain, knots and medullary rays can vary from one tabletop to another. With Refined Oak, medullary rays are slightly more likely to appear. On darker tabletops, the stain pigment may be absorbed a little less by these markings, making them more visible. In New Oak and Lived-in Oak, medullary rays can also occur, although they are often less pronounced. Read our page about oak for more information about the material.

Medullary rays have no effect on the quality, strength or lifespan of the tabletop. They are part of the authentic character of solid oak and emphasise the natural, crafted nature of your table.

Clean the table top regularly with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Avoid using harsh cleaning products, all-purpose cleaners or abrasive sponges. We also offer suitable care products for oak. Tip: for heavier soiling on oak or walnut, you can use our wood cleaner.

We recommend wiping the table daily with a damp cloth. Maintaining a stable humidity level is also an important part of ongoing care, as it helps reduce movement in the wood.

Harsh cleaning products, all-purpose cleaners and abrasive sponges.

Always dry any spilled liquid immediately and do not leave moisture on the surface unnecessarily. Avoid using harsh cleaning products at all times.

Our oak tables are finished with a protective lacquer, so you do not need to apply any additional coating yourself. Only when the lacquer layer shows visible wear is it necessary to apply a new coat. If the table is used intensively, for example in family homes, it is advisable to keep an eye on the condition of the lacquer and refresh it when needed. The level of use will determine how quickly a new layer is required.

Flame patterns in walnut are flowing, flame-like markings within the grain of the wood. They create lighter and darker bands that can appear to shift depending on the angle of view and the way the light falls.

This is completely normal in walnut. In fact, it is often seen as one of the most distinctive natural characteristics of the wood.

Knots and cracks are filled as standard to create a smooth, balanced whole.

Walnut has a smooth finish as standard.

Over time, the tabletop may become slightly lighter in appearance. To avoid noticeable colour differences, we recommend moving accessories from time to time.

In many cases, wiping the surface with a damp cloth is enough to keep your furniture in good condition. For more thorough maintenance, we offer a dedicated wood cleaner.

It is important to have a clear understanding of your own preferences and the specifications of your space. This will help you determine which dimensions are suitable, as well as which materials and colours are already present in your interior. From there, it becomes a matter of discovering what you truly like and whether it fits within your space. With our 3D dining table configurator, you can quickly and clearly explore all available options.

This depends on the available dimensions and the rest of your interior. For example, if your space features many curves and you prefer to avoid sharp corners and straight lines, a round or organically shaped dining table may suit you well. It’s also important to consider functionality. Do you want to seat at least six people, with the option to accommodate eight? There are designs that allow for this. If you’re unsure about the right shape, explore our website for inspiration or visit one of our furniture stores for tailored advice.

The most important factors are how many chairs you want to place and the possibilities within your space. Take the base into account and avoid surprises in terms of legroom. Chairs with armrests require more space than those without. We recommend allowing approximately 65–70 cm per person. The distance between the wall and your table should be at least 90 cm.

Pay close attention to whether legroom may become an issue. You can choose between oak, walnut or steel bases. In terms of colour, it’s best to match the base with the table top and the rest of your dining area. Tip: fully oak dining tables can be finished in a single colour.

Yes. We do not work with stock, so each table is made especially for you. You can define all the details of your new piece. This can be done in our furniture stores or via our 3D dining table configurator.

In our furniture stores, you’ll find samples of materials and a selection of the most popular shapes and finishes. Would you like to know if a specific table or shape is available in your preferred location? Please feel free to contact us.

Walnut has a naturally warm and distinctive appearance. Oak is slightly harder, making it more durable. Our oak is available in a wide range of colours, offering more choice.

Béton ciré is a specific finish based on cement and resin, applied in thin layers and then sealed. This creates a smooth, seamless surface with subtle colour variation and a crafted appearance.

Ceramic offers the refined look of marble, but is far more practical for everyday use. It is resistant to scratches, heat and intensive daily use.

Fenix is an innovative material with an ultra matt finish. The surface has a clean, modern character and is available in many colours. This low-maintenance material is easy to combine with the rest of your interior.

Consider which materials are already present in your interior. Matching your table to these materials can create a cohesive result. Use the 3D dining table configurator to explore all options in materials and colours.

We recommend always using placemats and coasters to ensure that heat does not affect the material. Of all our materials, ceramic is the most resistant to heat.

Yes. With proper care, oak is highly durable. Wiping the surface daily with a damp cloth is often enough to keep it in excellent condition.

Handle the material with care. Use coasters and placemats, and avoid contact with sharp objects such as knives and forks.

Sunlight can affect the colour of the material. Heating can have an impact if the humidity level is not kept between 50% and 60%. Keep a close eye on this.

Our tables are tested on hard, level floors. When placed on a rug, the softer and often uneven surface may cause slight movement. Although we adjust the table as carefully as possible during delivery, we cannot guarantee complete stability on rugs. For optimum stability, we recommend placing your table on a hard, level floor.

Movement in wood is normal and is often caused by non-ideal humidity levels. If you notice significant damage or another issue after delivery that is not covered here, please submit a service request.

No. Wood is a natural material and responds to changes in humidity. This is therefore not covered under warranty.