How to Treat a Plank Table

Plank tables have become a popular choice in many homes thanks to their timeless design and durable quality. However, to ensure your plank table keeps its beautiful appearance and functionality for many years, it’s important to care for and maintain it properly.

This applies regardless of the finishing method you choose — the right care helps your table withstand daily use while keeping its natural warmth. With a little attention and regular upkeep, your plank table can remain a strong, beautiful feature in your home for years to come.

At Rubio Monocoat, we believe the wooden surfaces around us deserve the best possible protection and maintenance. Below, we’ve gathered our best advice for treating a plank table, so you can extend its lifespan for many years.

Why Is Treating a Plank Table Important?

A plank table made from solid wood is a living material. This means it can react to its environment — such as temperature changes, daily wear, and humidity. If the table isn’t treated regularly, the natural surface may develop cracks or discolouration over time.

By investing time in the correct treatment of your plank table, you protect the surface from damage, preserve its natural look, and ensure it stays beautiful for years.

Preparation Before Treatment

Before treating a plank table, it’s important to prepare the surface properly. Start by wiping the table with a slightly damp cloth to remove dust and dirt. If there are more stubborn marks or spills, it may be helpful to use one of our wood soaps.

If the tabletop has visible scratches or uneven areas, it may be necessary to lightly sand it with sandpaper to achieve the smoothest surface possible. After sanding, there will naturally be sanding dust left behind — this must be removed before oiling. We recommend using Rubio Monocoat Cleaner for untreated wood.

Oiling a Plank Table

Using wood oil is a popular solution for plank tables, as it enhances the wood’s natural grain while providing a protective finish against moisture and dirt.For an indoor plank table, we recommend our interior oil Oil Plus 2C. It is made with environmentally friendly and food-safe ingredients and provides excellent protection for your tabletop.

A key advantage of Oil Plus 2C is that it is economical to use and only needs one single coat to achieve optimal protection. Thanks to its unique molecular bonding technology, the oil bonds directly with the wood fibres, making the application process easier and preventing overlap marks.

For an outdoor plank table, we recommend our exterior wood oil DuroGrit. Like our interior oil, it only requires one coat to deliver strong protection against changing outdoor weather conditions.

Regular Maintenance for a Plank Table

To keep your plank table in top condition, daily care makes a big difference. For example:

• Wipe up spills quickly to prevent stains and discolouration.
• Use trivets or placemats under hot items, plates, and cookware.
• Avoid harsh cleaning products — a damp cloth is often all you need.

How often a plank table needs re-treatment depends on how frequently it’s used and which finish is applied. An oiled plank table typically needs a refresh about once per year, depending on use, exposure to sunlight, and general wear. The key is to check the surface from time to time and treat it when it starts to look dry, dull, or more absorbent.