Everything about oak

In our workshop, we work with solid French oak to create a wide range of furniture. Oak is a natural material with character. No two planks are the same and that’s exactly what makes each piece unique.

On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about oak: from knots and grain patterns to maintenance, our three oak finishes and the available colour options. So you can choose your new piece with confidence.

Oak is a strong and durable hardwood, making it particularly well suited to furniture that’s used every day, such as a dining table. Furniture made from French oak is recognisable by its distinctive grain structure. Every plank is unique, which means no table will ever look exactly the same. Product images give a clear impression of the design, but your table will always have its own character in real life.

At Table du Sud, all oak tabletops are made from solid oak and finished at a thickness of 4 cm. Good to know: solid oak is a living material that responds to its surroundings. That’s part of the beauty of a natural product. Below, we explain what this means for your table.

When configuring an oak piece, you can choose from three finishes.

Character oak

Character oak is the most natural expression of oak within our collection. These robust planks retain visible knots and natural cracks, giving the tabletop a lively and characterful appearance.

Refined oak

Refined oak is made from carefully selected planks with very few visible knots or cracks. The result is a calm and refined look, while still preserving the natural qualities of oak.

New oak

New oak sits between the two. These tabletops may contain knots and small cracks, but we carefully fill them to create a smooth and even surface.

If you prefer not to have open knots or cracks in your tabletop, we can fill them using a colour-matched filler. This preserves the authentic grain pattern while creating a closed, smooth finish.

Looking for even more colour options? You can also choose Fenix or concrete-look finishes, both available in more than 20 colours.

In our own workshop in Heeze, we apply a protective lacquer to the oak. This finish helps protect the surface during daily use while maintaining the natural appearance of the wood. It helps guard against marks and stains from everyday use, such as a glass left on the table.

That said, oak remains a natural material. Proper care, considered use and a stable indoor climate all help keep your furniture looking its best. We explain more below.

Maintenance

Daily care

For day-to-day cleaning, a lightly damp cloth is usually sufficient. Afterwards, dry the surface to prevent moisture from remaining on the wood. Avoid aggressive cleaning products or abrasive sponges.

Everyday protection

Oak is durable, but careful use remains important. We recommend using coasters and avoiding placing hot pans directly onto the wood. Do not leave water, grease or wine on the surface for extended periods, as this increases the chance of staining. It’s also advisable to occasionally move accessories, such as vases, to minimise colour differences caused by daylight exposure.

Deep cleaning

Our maintenance set for lacquered tables can be used for more thorough care. The set cleans, nourishes and adds an extra layer of protection without creating a glossy finish. Using the wood cleaner regularly helps keep your furniture in excellent condition.

Humidity and drying cracks

Oak is a natural material and can therefore move over time. This means the wood absorbs and releases moisture, causing it to expand or contract slightly. While this movement can never be prevented entirely, it can be reduced by maintaining a stable indoor climate. We recommend keeping indoor humidity levels between 50% and 60%.

Significant fluctuations in humidity can cause oak to react more strongly. During winter, in homes with underfloor heating or in well-insulated spaces, the air can become particularly dry. If the wood loses too much moisture, tension can occur and drying cracks may appear. If maintaining stable humidity levels is difficult, a humidifier can help. When your table is delivered, you’ll also receive a humidity meter to help monitor the indoor climate.