Scratches are inevitable on any wooden table top, but they can be a particular issue in hospitality settings where heavy use by people who may not treat the furniture with the same degree of care as they would their own, takes its toll.
Although scratches can be dismissed as mere cosmetic damage, letting marks build up on your wooden tables will quickly create the impression of a lack of care and even cleanliness which may put customers off, so it’s important to deal with them as they arise.
The good news is that dealing with scratches is not usually as difficult or expensive as many people think.
Prevention is better than cure
Although scratches are bound to happen, it’s important to choose a material that provides some resistance. For pubs and restaurants, it’s vital to avoid scratch-prone softwoods like fir, spruce and pine in favour of hardwoods such as birch, oak or maple, whose denser nature makes them more resistant to accidental scratches.
Choosing the right wooden table
Trent offers a wide range of hardwearing wooden tables in a choice of veneer or solid finish. If you are looking for a large table for a traditional pub or restaurant setting, the Rectangular Tudor Table is a fantastic choice. Available in dark oak only, as the classic style lends itself so well to a traditional dark finish, this contract quality table is built to withstand heavy use by drinkers and diners. It comes in a range of sizes so you can match your tables to the exact layout of your space.
When it comes to side tables, Trent’s Wellington Pedestal Table is a smart choice for smaller spaces and nooks and crannies. Again, this hardwearing wooden table is built to last and it is available with a square or round top in a choice of light oak, dark oak or walnut to complement any interior design scheme.
Tricks of the trade
The best scratch removal method will depend on the severity of the scratch and the type of wood. These methods are all tried and tested ways to remove scratches from wooden tables:
- Oil and vinegar: mix half a cup of white or cider vinegar with ½ cup of cooking oil and rub onto the scratch using a microfibre cloth. For minor surface scratches, try combining the oil with lemon juice.
- Iodine: if your scratch is on a dark wooden table, try carefully applying a few drops of iodine with a cotton bud, wiping away any excess so it doesn’t stain the surrounding wood.
- Car polish: if your table has a polished finish, rubbing gently and sparingly with car polish may do the trick.
- Vaseline: while it will not remove a scratch, applying Vaseline and leaving it overnight may encourage the surrounding wood to swell up and surround the scratch, improving its appearance.
- Mineral oil and pumice: combine mineral oil and powdered pumice to make a paste, then gently rub on to the scratch using fine steel wool. Remove the paste with a damp paper towel before buffing with a dry cloth.
- The store cupboard: tea, coffee, walnuts, shoe polish and even peanut butter can all be used to fix wooden table scratches in certain circumstances.
Of course, if the scratch is particularly deep, it may be necessary to get a French polisher to restore the damage professionally.
Repairing other types of table tops
For further information on table top care, you can also read our handy guide to removing scratches from glass table tops.
Hard-wearing wooden tables for pubs and restaurants
For more information about our great range of stylish and durable wooden tables, please call 0116 2988 583 or fill in our contact form.