As you design your company’s custom wood veneer conference table, it’s essential to consider protecting your investment with the proper maintenance. A wood veneer includes a thin layer of solid wood connected to a substrate underneath it to enhance its durability, but it requires intentional care. Learn about the benefits of choosing veneer and follow our tips for how to polish, maintain and clean wood veneer furniture.

 

Protecting Your Wood Veneer Office Furniture

Wood veneer can be just as durable as solid wood, if you properly care for the table to maintain your conference room design. Solid wood tables can be vulnerable to warping, discoloring and splitting from moisture, while veneer will not do this. Keep these tips in mind to help you protect your company’s wooden furniture.

• Place drinks on coasters: During busy work meetings, your employees might come in with a cup of hot coffee or a bottle of cold water. Condensation or steam from these beverages can ruin the table’s finish and give the surface a cloudy appearance. To prevent moisture from dripping onto your conference room furniture, use coasters or a waterproof covering when sitting around it.
• Write on desk pads: Pens can scratch the table’s finish through the paper if hard writers write directly over it. During meetings, apply a desk pad over it, so your employees can take notes. Leather and fabric pads offer better protection than ones with a plastic backing that could stick to the surface.
• Clean up spills immediately: A wood veneer table features a heavy-duty glue that attaches the slab to the material underneath it. Moisture can deteriorate the adhesive, and the veneer could peel off the top. If water, coffee or any other liquid spills, clean it up immediately to maintain its integrity.
• Keep your table out of direct sunlight: The ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight could damage your wood veneer surface over time. Instead of putting it directly in the sun’s pathway, consider installing curtains or window film. If you can’t help but keep the table in a sunny, window-filled room, rotate it occasionally to maintain a uniform color.

 

How to Clean Veneer Tables

Regularly cleaning your wood veneer conference table can protect it from damage. Even though you’ll try to keep your office furniture in excellent condition, you might occasionally find stains on it from lunch meetings or seminars. Consult the manufacturer to find out how to clean your veneer tabletop with the proper substances.

Here are the best ways to clean your new investment, depending on the type and severity of the stain.

• Regular cleaning: It’s ok to dust your surfaces at least once a week to prevent scratches that make the finish look dull. Dampen a microfiber cloth with warm water and wipe in the direction of the grain. Thoroughly dry the surface with another clean cloth.
• Stubborn grime: If water alone doesn’t clean your wood veneer table, try diluting a mild soap with warm water and applying the mixture with a microfiber cloth. Focus on the trouble areas with the grime instead of wiping down the entire surface.
• Small scratches: Always consult the manufacturer or a trained finisher regarding scratches.
• Water stains: Always consult the manufacturer or a trained finisher regarding water damage.
• Restoring its shine: Always consult the manufacturer or a trained finisher regarding refinishing.

What to Avoid When Cleaning Wood Veneer

When cleaning your wood veneer table, it’s best not to use these materials that could damage its finish.

• Ammonia-based cleaners:  Never use ammonia product, these chemicals will wear away any finish.
• Wax products: Never use wax products on top of a finish, this will create a cloudy film over the finish that can not be removed.
• Aerosol cleaners: Never use aerosolized products, especially if they contain wax or are oil-based, this will create a cloudy film over the finish that can not be removed.

Maintaining Your Veneer Table

Make a habit of taking care of your wood veneer table to protect it against moisture damage and scratches. Try to enforce these practices at your office to take care of your office furniture each day:

• Avoid placing a potted plant directly on the surface to prevent water from leaking out of the container.
• Wipe up spills immediately with a damp cloth to prevent moisture damage.
• Lift objects off the table instead of dragging them across the surface.

 

Besides these daily tasks, try to remove the dust and crumbs from your conference table at least once a week with a slightly damp, lint-free cloth. Wipe the surface dry with another soft cloth in the direction of the grain.

 

Contact Us to Request Pricing

At Greg Pilotti Furniture Makers, we specialize in custom furniture, including wood veneer conference tables. To get an idea of how you want to design your unique product, you can browse through our gallery to view the products we’ve created for previous customers. For more information about how to create a table that meets your company’s design and space needs, contact us online or call 484-712-5178 today.

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