amish furniture Oak, Cherry

With the hardwood used in the manufacturing of our tables each board has its own story. You can rest in the fact that your solid hardwood table looks like no other. Not even the one in our showroom.

The hardwoods used in these tables originate mostly from forest east of the Mississippi. It takes approximately 60 years for a hardwood tree to reach maturity. As it does, each tree has its own story, its own unique grain patterns and textures. When you get to know this tree, the individual boards reflect this unique process.

The tree's main story is written in its unique grain pattern. Grain patterns are made by the tree's growth rings - one for each year.
A board's knots mark the growth of limbs that extended from the main trunk.
Color variations are a standard trademark of hardwoods The outside or younger wood is lighter than the inside core where the wood is usually darker. Other color variations are created by minerals and other elements affecting the tree's growth.
The durability and integrity of our hardwood tables is not affected by these naturally occurring variations, in fact, these variations are exactly what most people want, giving the warmth and charm of individuality.

Solid hardwood tables have many synthetic substitutes, don't accept them! Solid hardwoods have become the standard in top quality home furnishings, especially dining room tables.

What you may think looks like solid hardwood table may very well be a cheap, Synthetic substitute. Ask questions. Take a critical look at all aspects of the table. Artificial wood substitutes will never look quite as authentic, won't hold screws as well, nor will it bear the shock, stresses or loads of the daily life of you table.

Be cautious when you hear the term "solid oak pedestal table" because true it is that only the pedestal is solid. The top, which is most important, could be anything from particle board to veneer to chip core, and is not water resistant.

Solid Wood means that each part is made of genuine hardwood lumber. Nothing else.

"All wood" is often counterfeit, and is the term used to describe thin slices of veneer bonded to composite boards of plywood.

Artificial laminate are surfaces made of plastic or other synthetic materials bonded, again, to composite boards or plywood.

Be sure the table you are looking at has a water resistant finish and a guarantee to back it.

Terms such as "Oak Finish" may refer to the color of the wood pattern printed on the artificial surface. It does not mean that the table is authentic hardwood.

A check point is the glue joints. Put you finger on a glue joint and trace it along the top of the surface, over the edge and, and to the underside. If the line disappears its probably an imitation. Solid hardwood joints on the other hand can be traced across the top, the side, and the underside.

If cared for properly you solid hardwood table can give you a lifetime of service and beauty. Here are several care tips that will enhance you solid hardwood table investment:

Place you table away from radiators, fireplaces, and heating ducts.
Position table out of direct sunlight of adjust blinds to avoid hour after hour of direct sunlight.
Control humidity to 40%-45%. In winter use a humidifier, in summer use a dehumidifier or air conditioner.
Use coasters with non-scratching bottoms.
Use padding under all sharp, hot, or cold objects.
Store table leaves in close proximity to table or in the same humidity, avoid storing leaves in damp basements where the leaves may swell.
Avoid using nail polish remover, alcohol, and other solvents near or on table.
Ask your retailer about manufacturer-provided finishes that resist damage from harmful liquids and objects.

DUST CAREFULLY with a soft cloth, following the grain pattern of the wood. Use an old T-shirt, baby diaper or cheesecloth that has been laundered to remove the sizing.

CONSIDER CLEANING with a mild non-alkaline soap and water. Use the suds in a damp sponge or cloth, but be sure to pre-test the solution on an out-of-sight section to make sure it doesn't damage the finish. Dry immediately with a soft cloth and buff lightly, following the grain.

DON'T WAX or use any polish that contains any silicones! Catalyzed heat and moisture resistant finishes don't need additional polish, but if you want to use a polish we recommend Guardsman Furniture Polish.