How to oil a wooden dining table or kitchen worktop
A solid wood dining table is meant to withstand daily life for many years. Hot dishes, homework, red wine, and birthdays. The oil protects the wood and keeps its colour warm and vibrant, and you can easily oil it yourself. Here’s our guide on when your table needs oiling, which oil to choose, and what mistakes to avoid.
When does your table need oil?
Check an inconspicuous area with a small drop of water, then wipe it away. Beading suggests that the surface still offers protection; rapid absorption, dullness or roughness may indicate that maintenance is needed. Follow the oil supplier's care guidance rather than relying on this test alone.
How often? That depends on usage. In a home where the table is used every day, expect two to four oilings a year, especially for the first couple of years. If the table is in a room where it mostly collects dust, once or twice a year is sufficient.
Which oil should you use?
- Linseed oil and linseed oil products. These are classic natural oils. They penetrate deep into the wood, provide a warm, matt finish, and harden through oxidation. Widely used for oak, ash, and beech.
- Wood oil with hardener. Modern oils blend natural oil with hardeners, resulting in shorter and more consistent drying times. This is the most forgiving choice if you haven't oiled before.
- Pigmented care oil. Refreshes light wood with a warm tone or maintains a white or grey-washed finish.
- Special oil for hardwood. Ipe, teak, and other tropical species are so dense that regular oil will sit on top. For these, you need a thin, low-viscosity oil.
How to oil your table - step by step
1. Clean the table
Clear the table completely and wash it with a soft cloth and a mild wood-specific cleaner. Brown soap diluted in water works fine. Then let the surface dry completely, for at least a few hours and preferably overnight.
2. Lightly sand if the surface is worn
If the surface is rough, scratched, or stained, give it a light sanding with fine grit (180-240) before oiling. Always sand with the grain of the wood, never across it. And be honest about the extent of the damage: deep scratches, years of wear, and ingrained stains won't disappear with hand sanding and a cloth. In such cases, a complete sanding is a prerequisite for a beautiful result, and that kind of work is machine-based. We offer professional sanding of worktops and dining tables, where the surface is sanded clean, allowing the oil to work into fresh wood.
3. Apply the oil in a thin layer
Pour a little oil onto a lint-free cloth and work it evenly with the grain of the wood. Let it soak in for 10 to 30 minutes. And then comes the step many forget: wipe off all excess oil with a dry, lint-free cloth. Oil that the wood hasn't absorbed won't cure properly. It will remain as a sticky film.
4. Allow the oil to cure undisturbed
Keep the table free from use and stress while the oil cures. Depending on the product and temperature, this takes from a few hours to a couple of days. Do not place wet glasses or hot objects on the surface until it has fully cured.
Stains, rings, and water damage
Wipe off fresh stains immediately. An oiled table can withstand daily life, but it is not waterproof. Standing moisture penetrates the wood and leaves dark marks. Dried watermarks and white rings can often be remedied with a light sanding of the affected area and a new localized oiling.
Kitchen worktops require a little more
Kitchen worktops face frequent water, heat and spills. A busy worktop may need maintenance oil three to four times a year, depending on the product and use. Pay particular attention to areas around the sink and where preparation takes place. Read our separate guide to sanding kitchen worktops, and in our guide to maintaining your kitchen, you'll find routines that extend the time between oilings.
Should the table be sanded down first?
Most people can handle oiling themselves. But if the table is grey, worn, or full of marks, new oil on a poor surface will just create a shiny layer on a sad table. In that case, the surface must first be professionally sanded down. After that, maintenance is easy for years. Call us at 20 98 88 11 for a fixed price with no surprises. We will respond within 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Should a table be sanded before oiling?
Not necessarily. If the surface is smooth and clean, and the old treatment is well adhered, you can simply clean and oil it. If the surface is rough, scratched, or stained, a light sanding will yield significantly better results.
What happens if you use too much oil?
Oil that the wood doesn't absorb won't cure properly. It will remain as a sticky film that collects dirt and feels unpleasant to touch. The solution is to wipe off all excess with a dry cloth while the oil is still wet.
Can a varnished table be oiled?
No, as a general rule. The varnish forms a sealed film on top of the wood, so the oil cannot penetrate. If you want to switch from varnish to oil, the table must first be sanded down to bare wood.
When can a table not be saved by sanding and oiling?
When the damage is structural: large cracks, a warped tabletop, raised and deformed wood, or sections with rot. If you're in doubt, call us at 20 98 88 11 for an assessment before spending money on treatment.