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Dining Room Table Questions

8 years ago

We are in the process of downsizing and expect to have only one eating area in our downsized home. Therefore, I am trying to decide which table to take to the new place.

My everyday kitchen table is a solid oak round table which could use refinishing. It comes with one leaf that changes it to an oval shape. When using the leaf, I see how worn the reset of the table is and that it really should be refinished.

My dining room table is a long, wide cherry table. I have always left the leaf in the table. If think the shape would probably fit best in the great room/kitchen area we are considering. It also is in better shape right now than the round oak table. Plus it would work for just us or when we have guests for dinner. However, I do worry about how it would hold up to everyday use. There would be three of us using the table regularly, so I'd probably rotate between the two ends of the table when we eat. I have table pads made to fit the table and always have used it with a tablecloth; however, I don't want to use a tablecloth all the time or leave a tablecloth on the table full-time. The table has a high sheen gloss to it, so I'm concerned it will soon be scratched and look bad.

Any suggestions how to make the cherry table work? Or would you advise using the oak table? If I use the oak table I'm also going to have to replace the chairs, as they are pretty worn out.

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Comments (4)

deleteduser
8 years ago
It seems that you prefer the cherry table, so that's what I'd go with. Especially since it's in better condition. You are concerned that it might get worn with everyday use (and it probably will), but at the worst it will then just be in the same condition as the oak table is already. I wouldn't use a table cloth on a daily basis either, but place mats will look nice and provide some level of protection for the table. In addition, the cherry table is the least expensive option since refinishing the oak table would be expensive--and you'd also have to get new chairs to go with it.
sail_away
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks. I've been thinking about this decision since I posted here, and I have come to the same conclusion. The main thing that was putting me off is the shiny surface, which I suspect will be prone to scratching. On the dark cherry it will certainly show more. Nevertheless, you're right. I do prefer to keep that table because it is in better condition, has more chairs, and would probably fit the space better. Thanks for helping me clarify my priorities.
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deleteduser
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
My dining table also has a gloss finish. Every couple of years, I call in a furniture repair guy who buffs out the small scratches. It's a quick and inexpensive fix. Or you could just consider the small imperfections as a "patina". :-)
PRO
Elite Interiors & Furniture Gallery
8 years ago
You can always use place mats for both your place settings & to put food on. Do not use vinyl place mats as the heat of the food in the serving bowls & plates will cause the vinyl to react with the finish leaving a hazy appearance which can not be removed; the table would have to be completely refinished to get rid of the hazy area.

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