How Do I Care for My New Conference Table?

You’ve just gotten a new conference table or maybe you’re shopping for a new one for your office. With a potentially expensive purchase, you’re worried about how to care for the new centerpiece of your conference room. Modern Office can guide you through the purchase process and how to care for your new conference table.

Your conference table will get used frequently, and taking care of it correctly is important toward ensuring it will last for a long time.

Types of Conference Tables

Laminate Furniture- Laminate is a layer of melamine, vinyl, or plastic made to look like wood or in various or colors or pattern. Laminate furniture is usually rugged, often resistant to scratches, heat, and cold. However, it is still a good idea to use coasters underneath cups to protect the surface from any stains.

For cleaning laminate furniture, it needs occasional dusting and you can use a damp sponge or cloth for typical clean-up. Dry the surface completely in a straight direction parallel to the wood grain if you have a wood grain patterned laminate -- don't make swirling motions. A very mild soap can be added for more stubborn build-up. For difficult stains, a low-abrasive cleaner can be used with caution, but only on non-glossy laminates. Be sure to use light pressure and to rinse the surface completely so that you do not permanently etch the surface or discolor it. Furniture polish will not penetrate laminate, but it can still be used to hide fine scratches or enhance the look of the finish. However, it can leave streaks since it does not penetrate, so be sure to remove excess build-up. It's also common for laminates to show fingerprints when brand new since oils don’t penetrate the surface, but that will be less common after the table is cleaned and dried a few times.

Solid Wood or Veneer- If you have a solid wood or veneer conference table, you want to protect your surfaces and care for your investment. Both solid wood and veneer conference tables are very nice quality table and you should be sure to protect your investment. Veneer, in fact, is actually just a thin layer of real wood. To protect your solid wood or veneer table, you should always use coasters or pads under your cups or hot or cold items including laptops. Protect the surface by not dragging items across it, potentially scratching it. Nearly any item can leave fine scratches if it is dragged across the surface. For particularly expensive conference tables, it's advisable to cover the surface with a glass top so that the beauty of the wood shows through but is never in danger of scratches and stains.

For general cleaning of solid wood or veneer conference tables, use a slightly damp cloth and wipe in the direction of the wood grain. Make sure the table is completely dry as well. If you want to use furniture polish, use a high-quality brand and follow the instructions carefully. Cheaper polishes and cleaners can be waxy and build up over time, leaving the finish with a cloudy or milky look.

Since wood is a natural product, direct sunlight can also cause fading. Wood color can also discolor underneath a large item that rests on the surface for a long period of time, much like you find under a rug on a wood floor that is exposed to sunlight.

Use these furniture care tips to keep your new conference table looking its best. As always, do not hesitate to call Modern Office at 1-800-443-5117 with any of your conference table care questions.

Why Modern Office?

When you’re trying to decide on a conference table for your office or just deciding how to care for it, Modern Office is here for you. We have hundreds of different styles of office furniture to fit any price point. Whatever your conference table needs are, we can help you meet your goals. Give us a call at 1-800-443-5117 or contact us to get started. We offer free shipping on all our orders and can help you with information about the care for your new conference table.

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