Should we buy a slightly scratched solid oak table?

[PeachesMcLean]

Have just seen this gorgeous solid oak table in Laura Ashley reduced to £360.

Problem is, it's the one that's been on display and there are a few scratches on the top.

Now, I've never had proper furniture before so how easy will it be to get rid of the scratches? They seem fairly minor, though you can feel them when you run your fingers across them. Can we make them invisible with something or would we have to get a french polisher round? And how much is that likely to cost?

Thanks you!

You would need to sand it down and then reoil it - you can do this yourself
How deep are the scratches?

The scratches add character. I'm all for scratched wood kitchen tables.

Now, isn't there a tip about rubbing over the scratches with a walnut??? Or does that only work on Walnut wood??

Ah, looked at the table now and don't think the walnut idea would work as it is not polished as such is it?
On the website it is reduced to £400 anyway so an extra £40 off for a scratched one doesn't seem such a bargain.....

It's reduced to £450 on the website, so it's -£90 for scratch

Ah . Must look more carefully.
In that case not so bad hey?

You'd just need to sand and oil and it will look like new it's really easy to do as well.

And you have children presumably so it won't stay perfect and at least you won't be stressing about it getting spoilt. It is a lovely table.

we use this oil it's fab

I would get it and live with the scratches. You can sand and re-oil but I have sometimes found that if you just do a patch it's hard to get the finish really even again.

If you really want to get rid of the scratches I would wait until it needs re-oiling and then sand and oil the whole thing.

Looks lovely!

Well it's good to know you all think it's just a question of oiling, which is easy isn't it?
I'm just sharing ib's concerns re getting the finish even. It's got quite a shiny finish considering it says it's just oiled...

£360 is still very cheap for a table like that isn't it? Hmmm, maybe I should hunt around a bit more...

Would someone like to make a decision for me?

I have a big oiled oak table in my kitchen too, it is does have quite a shiny finish. Waxed finish may be a better option if you want a really matte look.

it is does ????

Great English NDP

I use Sadolin wood oil once a year on mine. It does smell very strong though and takes 12 hours to settle in properly so make sure you do it on a day where you don't need to use it and can have the windows open.

£360 is very cheap for a solid oak table that size.

For solid oak, it's a great price. We've got an oak table and it's developed a 'patina' through general wear and tear. It will carry it's scratches much more elegantly than something highly polished. I'd buy it, and so should you

Yes buy it!! Go on you know you want to

hi
My mum has a furniture and interior home shop and deals in solid oak furniture (my house is full of it)
You can definatley get rid of the scratches by sanding down and oiling.
I use the finest grade wire wool too and apply teak oil. Comes up lovely.

OK, I'm convinced. Let's hope it's not already gone!

Now the challenge is to find chairs. The ones in Laura Ashley are £200 each and that feels a bit too much for us. But it's such a simple table that we should be able to find something to match.

Do you lot use place mat things?

BOLLEAUX

Already sold.

Hey i've just found a 25% off LA home furnishings voucher online type 10IN valid until 19th november see if it works on the online one!

damn just tried for you and it isn't valid.

The one you linked to is not sold is it?

Peaches saw the scratched/cheaper one in her local shop I think.

OOh but it says online if
you sign up to the E newsletter today you get 25% off all home furnishings why don't you do that and then buy the one online and that would be even cheaper! \linnk{http://www.lauraashley.com/\LOOK}