Care & Maintenance
(TimeWorn Wood Table Tops)
For indoor, climate-controlled use only. TimeWorn table tops are designed and built for interior environments. Do not use or store outdoors. This care and cleaning guide explains the simple habits that keep your tops looking new and performing well for years. If you want a deeper look at how to choose, install, and maintain solid wood, visit our Restaurant Table Tops Buyer’s Guide.
Environmental Conditions and Everyday Care
Wood continues to react to the environment around it. Therefore, the room matters every day. Maintain an ambient temperature between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and relative humidity between 30 and 50 percent. These targets stabilize the internal moisture of the wood near 6 to 8 percent. Stable moisture keeps panels flat, keeps seams tight, and helps the finish perform the way it was designed. If you are unsure how to check these numbers, a simple digital hygrometer and thermostat provide clear readings in seconds. As you dial in your targets, remember that consistency is just as important as the numbers.
At a Glance
Target 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and 30 to 50 percent RH. Keep wood near 6 to 8 percent moisture. Wipe spills quickly and return the room to set points after heavy service.
Restaurants move fast, yet small habits make a big difference. Wipe spills promptly, and place wet items on a tray rather than directly on a surface. In addition, let your HVAC reach set points before service begins. Consequently, you will see fewer movement issues and cleaner seams. If you want to see how our finish behaves when the environment is right, review our independent heat testing results. The test shows how a quality finish resists everyday heat when users follow basic care.
Storage & Handling (Care and Cleaning Starts Before Install)
Before installation, treat the table tops like the finished furniture they are. Choose a dry, protected area for storage. Avoid extreme temperatures and low humidity. Then prepare a flat staging surface so panels stay supported and safe. Finally, assign a clear path from the receiving door to the install area. Planning a short route reduces risk and saves time. Additionally, communicate the plan to the whole crew so everyone moves in the same direction.
- Store in a dry, protected area free of extreme temperatures and low humidity. Stack horizontally with protective layers between tops. Avoid any moisture heavy construction zones.
- When moving tops, lift and carry. Never drag.
These two rules cover most of what matters. Stacking flat prevents warping during acclimation. Soft interlayers protect the finish. Lifting prevents edge damage and base scratches. If your crew is new to wood furniture handling, start with a short huddle and a checklist. A minute of prep prevents an hour of repair. For more background on species and finish choices that handle traffic gracefully, read why walnut is popular for a reason. Moreover, walnut pairs well with many concepts, which makes planning easier.
Installation Guidelines (Fastening to Bases)
Correct fastening creates lasting performance. Use quality wood screws sized to your top thickness. Pre drilling controls the path of the screw and protects the surrounding fibers. Tighten until snug. Do not over tighten. During setup, confirm base locations and verify level before you drive the first fastener. A few careful steps here produce quiet, solid tables that stay tight through busy service. Furthermore, a level base reduces the chance of hinge binding on drop leaf builds.
- Use quality wood screws. For 1 and three quarter inch tops: number ten or number twelve by one and one half inch round washer head screws. For one and one quarter inch tops: three quarter to one inch length.
- Pre drill using a drill bit slightly under screw diameter. Tighten snug, do not over tighten.
- Identify the bottom by the sticker we place on the bottom of every table.
- Owner and installer responsibility: verify job site conditions and subsurfaces meet or exceed standards before installation. TimeWorn declines responsibility for failures from job site deficiencies.
After fastening, check for a consistent reveal around the base. If a top rocks, diagnose the base level first. Shimming the base is usually faster and safer than loosening the top. For drop leaf builds, open and close each leaf to confirm smooth hinge action. If a leaf binds, address level rather than forcing the hinge. For more selection help and install guidance, see our Buyer’s Guide. Therefore, you can install once and enjoy stable performance.
Receiving & Uncrating (At Delivery)
Freight day sets the tone for the project. Have tools ready, plan your route, and document the process. Careful receiving protects your investment and keeps the schedule on track. The steps below are simple. Follow them in order and you will avoid most issues. If damage appears, documentation at the dock is essential for carrier claims. In short, slow down enough to do it right, then move quickly once the checks are complete.
- Remove crate screws with a T 25 star bit. Take off top panels first.
- Cut banding.
- Pull stretch wrap away before cutting.
- Inspect thoroughly before signing the delivery receipt.
- Document damage or shortage on the receipt, take photos, and call us immediately.
- Freight must be inspected at delivery. No exceptions.
- See our How To Videos
Two tips help here. First, keep a charged phone on hand for photos. Second, place removed screws and panels in a small bin so nothing gets lost during the rush of receiving. These little habits save time later. If you need a quick refresher before the truck arrives, watch our short How To Videos. Consequently, your team works from the same playbook and avoids miscommunication.
What is the fastest setup for new tops?
Plan the route from dock to dining room, gather tools in advance, and follow the receiving checklist. Pre drill and install bases with the correct screws. To review the steps, watch our short How To Videos before the truck arrives.
Heat Resistance (Use Trivets and Hot Pads)
No wood finish is completely heat proof. If a plate is too hot to hold in your hand, it is too hot for the table. Use a trivet or hot pad under hot cookware. This simple rule prevents marks and keeps the surface looking new. While you set up your care routine, it helps to understand real heat behavior. Our lab backed Heat Testing explains what happens when hot plates meet a quality finish and how to avoid problems in service.
Day to Day Cleaning (Approved Methods)
Daily cleaning keeps tables pleasant for guests and protects the finish. Our two part acrylic polyurethane resists food, drinks, and common cleaners. Even so, sensible choices make a difference. Start with regular light cleaning to keep surfaces free of grit and dust. Avoid excess moisture. Choose an approved cleaner and use clean cloths. Finally, keep a small stock of soft trivets at the pass for oversized hot plates. Additionally, train new staff on dilution, dwell time, and wipe dry procedures so results stay consistent.
- Regular light cleaning is best. Keep surfaces free of grit and dust.
- Avoid excessive moisture and humidity.
- Approved: soapy water with a soft cloth, Pro Lysol disinfectant wipes, or Clorox disinfectant wipes.
- If you plan to use anything else, contact us for approval first. Using a non approved cleaner voids the warranty.
Guests dislike sticky tables and so do staff. Sticky films attract dirt and are harder to remove later. Learn what causes those films and how to prevent them in our article on the dangerous consequences of sticky restaurant tables. The advice is simple and it improves both guest experience and finish life. Moreover, a clear cleaning plan reduces waste and lowers supply costs over time.
How do I keep tables from getting sticky?
Use approved cleaners and fresh cloths, then wipe dry. Do not mix products in a single shift. For the reasons behind sticky residue and easy fixes, read our guide on the dangerous consequences of sticky restaurant tables.
What to Avoid (Prevents Damage and Voided Warranty)
Certain products can damage wood and finishes in a single shift. Others cause slow, hidden damage that shows up weeks later. The list below covers the main risks. Share it during pre shift meetings, place it in your opening and closing checklist, and review it with new staff. A few reminders go a long way. Therefore, make these points a standing part of training.
- Silicone based cleaners or polishes.
- Any cleaner containing sulfuric or muriatic acid, even diluted or derivative.
- Abrasive cleaners or scrubbing or scouring pads.
- Chairs on table tops unless a protective barrier or padding is used.
Wood is natural and unique. You may see character marks such as filled knots or small filled holes. These details tell the story of the tree and the board, and they are normal. Over time, you may also see light surface scratches from daily use. Cosmetic wear is not a manufacturing defect. If you need quick answers on coverage, visit our FAQs. We also stand behind our work with a 24 month limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship starting at delivery acceptance, provided installation and maintenance are done correctly.
Drop Leaf Tables (Handling)
Drop leaf tables allow you to add covers on peak nights and save space midweek. For safe handling, always fold leaves under before lifting or moving the table. After install, confirm smooth leaf motion and check for level. If a leaf binds, adjust the base rather than forcing the hinge. This small step protects hardware and keeps the action smooth for years. Additionally, review hinge screws for snugness after the first week of service.
Pro Tip
Assign one person to prepare fresh buckets and cloths before each shift. Cleaners work better when they are new, and clean cloths prevent grit from scratching the finish.
Still have questions about care and maintenance, or about which products fit your concept best? Visit our FAQs or contact our team. We are happy to help you pick the right species, finish, and edge profile, and we can share tips that match your service style.
What temperature and humidity should we maintain to protect our wood table tops?
Maintain an indoor, climate-controlled environment of 55–75°F and 30–50% relative humidity. This keeps the wood at approximately 6–8% moisture content and helps prevent movement, cracking, and finish issues. Keep conditions consistent year-round; large swings can damage solid wood.
Which cleaners are approved for daily use, and how often should we clean?
For daily cleaning, use hot water with mild hand soap and a soft cloth, then dry thoroughly. You may also use pre-approved disinfectant wipes listed below. Wipe up spills promptly and avoid standing moisture.
Are disinfectant wipes (Pro Lysol or Clorox) safe for the finish?
Yes—Pro Lysol disinfectant wipes or Clorox disinfectant wipes are approved. Use as directed, do not let liquid pool on the surface, and dry after use. If you want to use anything else, contact TimeWorn for approval first.
Which products and tools should we avoid (silicone sprays, abrasives, acids, etc.)?
Avoid silicone-based cleaners/polishes; abrasive pads, scouring powders, steel wool, or “magic eraser”-type abrasives; and any product containing sulfuric or muriatic acid (including diluted or derivative formulas). Avoid unapproved degreasers or harsh solvents. When in doubt, ask us—using a non-approved cleaner can void the warranty.
Are the table tops heat-proof, and what should we use under hot items?
While we have tested our finish with pans up to and more than 300 degrees, No wood finish is completely heat-proof. A general rule of thumb is that if it’s too hot to comfortably hold, it’s too hot for the table. Always use trivets or hot pads under hot plates, pans, coffee urns, or heat lamps when you have the opportunity.
Can we place chairs upside down on the tables during closing?
NO! If you place a protective barrier or padding between the chair and the table surface you might be ok, however, unprotected chair feet can dent or scratch the finish and may void warranty coverage for that damage.
How should we handle sticky residue, grease, or tough spots without damaging the finish?
Start with hot water and mild hand soap on a soft cloth. You may follow with an approved disinfectant wipe and dry thoroughly. Do not use unapproved solvents or abrasive pads; contact us before trying anything stronger.
What’s the correct way to store and acclimate tops before installation?
Store tops flat (horizontal) in a dry, climate-controlled area—never on edge—and separate them with protective layers. Keep them away from moisture-heavy construction zones and extreme temperatures. Allow tops to reach the target room’s ambient temperature and humidity before fastening to bases.
How do we address minor scuffs or small edge chips—DIY or call TimeWorn?
Minor superficial scuffs are part of normal wear. Do not sand or apply household finishes. For small edge chips or touch-ups, contact TimeWorn; we can provide approved touch-up guidance or kits. Unauthorized repairs or finishes can void the warranty.
Can these tops be used outdoors or in non–climate-controlled areas (patios, garages, near open doors)?
While some customers have had great success using our commercial wood tabletops in covered outdoor spaces, we do not recommend it. TimeWorn tops are designed and built for indoor, climate-controlled use only. Do not use or store outdoors or in non-conditioned spaces. Avoid placement near HVAC vents, radiant heaters, or other sources that cause extreme heat, dryness, or humidity swings.
