As the holidays approach, the dining room becomes one of the most important gathering places in the home. It’s where Thanksgiving dinner is served, Christmas cookies are shared, games are played, conversations stretch late into the evening, and family traditions are created.
That’s one of the reasons we believe a dining table should be more than something that simply fills a room. A quality solid wood table can become part of the family itself—collecting memories along the way and, with proper care, lasting for generations.
Why Choose Solid Wood?
There is something different about real wood. Every board has its own grain, markings and natural character, which means no two pieces are exactly alike. More importantly, quality solid hardwood furniture is built with longevity in mind.
At Colony House Furniture, one of the solid wood manufacturers we are proud to offer is Trailway, whose furniture is handcrafted in Ohio. Trailway allows you to go far beyond simply choosing a table from a catalog. You can create a table specifically for your home by selecting details such as the wood species, stain or finish, table size, edge profile, and leg or base style.
The result is furniture that feels distinctly yours.
Which Wood Is Right for You?
The species of wood you choose affects both the appearance and character of your furniture.
Oak — A classic furniture wood known for strength and its prominent, distinctive grain. Oak is an excellent choice when you want the natural character of the wood to be noticeable.
Maple — Known for its smooth, more subtle grain and durable surface. Maple works especially well when you prefer a cleaner, more contemporary appearance.
Cherry — Prized for its warm, elegant appearance and fine grain. One of cherry’s most interesting characteristics is that its color naturally deepens and develops richness as it ages.
Hickory — Known for exceptional strength and dramatic natural variation. Its contrasting grain and coloration can give each piece a distinctive, rustic character.
There isn’t one “best” species. That’s part of the appeal of custom solid wood furniture—you can select the wood whose appearance and characteristics best fit your home.
Furniture Worth Taking Care Of
Solid wood is durable, but it is still a natural material. A few simple habits can help keep it looking beautiful for decades.
Clean your furniture regularly with a soft, slightly damp cloth and dry the surface afterward. Avoid harsh household cleaners or abrasive products unless they are specifically recommended for your furniture’s finish.
Use coasters, placemats, trivets, and table pads to create a protective barrier between your solid wood furniture and hot dishes, serving pieces, or beverages. Avoid placing hot items directly on the wood, as excessive heat can damage or discolor the finish. Spills and condensation should also be wiped up promptly—moisture left sitting on the surface can penetrate or affect the finish and may leave behind cloudy marks or water rings. When writing, doing homework, or working on crafts at the table, use a protective writing surface or pad underneath your work. Writing directly over the wood can leave impressions or marks on the surface.
For routine cleaning and care, we also carry Beeswax Cleaner in our showrooms. It’s a versatile cleaner that works especially well for maintaining solid wood furniture and can be used for a variety of other cleaning needs around the home.
It’s also important to remember that wood naturally responds to its environment. Excessive heat, moisture, dryness and prolonged direct sunlight can affect wood and its finish over time.
Keeping your home’s temperature and humidity reasonably consistent helps protect solid wood furniture as the seasons change.
And don’t be afraid to use it.
A well-built solid wood dining table isn’t meant to spend its life untouched. It’s meant for Thanksgiving dinners, birthday cakes, homework, family game nights and Sunday meals. With reasonable care, those years of use become part of its story.
Beyond the Dining Room
The benefits of solid wood don’t have to stop at the dining room. Colony House Furniture also offers solid wood bedroom furniture, entertainment stands, and occasional tables, allowing you to bring the same quality, natural beauty and long-term value into another important area of your home.
Whether you’re choosing a dining table that will host this year’s Thanksgiving dinner or bedroom furniture you’ll enjoy every day, solid wood offers something increasingly uncommon: furniture designed not just for the home you have today, but for the years—and potentially generations—ahead.
This holiday season, invest in furniture that’s ready to become part of your family’s story.
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