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Not sure if this is the right forum in which to post this query, but is it okay to leave a nice quality dining pad on a new dining room table year-round? I searched the internet trying to see if there was an obvious reason not to, but couldn't find anything. The table is from Pottery Barn (although still a veneer top, ugh!) and so is the accompanying table pad. We use the table a fair amount so end up keeping the pad on all the time, I just didn't know if there was a reason that this would be bad for the finish.
It should not harm the table unless something gets spilled and under the pad and doesn't get cleaned up immediately. Note that whenever a tabletop is covered for a long period of time you may notice that the exposed portion of the table may fade from routine sunlight where the covered portion will remain unfaded. You are not talking about a high end dining table so I would not worry about that too much. Take the pad off when you do your routine cleaning/oiling of your wood furnutre and allow it to breath.
Not sure if this is the right forum in which to post this query, but is it okay to leave a nice quality dining pad on a new dining room table year-round? I searched the internet trying to see if there was an obvious reason not to, but couldn't find anything. The table is from Pottery Barn (although still a veneer top, ugh!) and so is the accompanying table pad. We use the table a fair amount so end up keeping the pad on all the time, I just didn't know if there was a reason that this would be bad for the finish.
You're worried about the finish of a table on which you leave a pad all the time? It sounds like you put the pad on specifically when the table is to be used. And that would be the oniy time anyone would see it anyway, right? So why worry about a finish no one is ever going to see?
Personally, I've never understood the thought process behind buying a really nice table that you cover up every time you invite guests over to dine at that table. If it's going to be covered anyway, why not buy the cheapest piece of wood that will hold the dishes? Even if you buy the nicest table cover you can find, it's still going to be cheaper than the nice table.
You're worried about the finish of a table on which you leave a pad all the time? It sounds like you put the pad on specifically when the table is to be used. And that would be the oniy time anyone would see it anyway, right? So why worry about a finish no one is ever going to see?
Personally, I've never understood the thought process behind buying a really nice table that you cover up every time you invite guests over to dine at that table. If it's going to be covered anyway, why not buy the cheapest piece of wood that will hold the dishes? Even if you buy the nicest table cover you can find, it's still going to be cheaper than the nice table.
These are my thoughts as well. My MIL bought a very expensive oak dining room table. She had the amish craft it. I have one seen the table top once in 23 yrs. She keeps it covered with a pad and tablecloth. Life is short. Enjoy your table.
You're worried about the finish of a table on which you leave a pad all the time? It sounds like you put the pad on specifically when the table is to be used. And that would be the oniy time anyone would see it anyway, right? So why worry about a finish no one is ever going to see?
Personally, I've never understood the thought process behind buying a really nice table that you cover up every time you invite guests over to dine at that table. If it's going to be covered anyway, why not buy the cheapest piece of wood that will hold the dishes? Even if you buy the nicest table cover you can find, it's still going to be cheaper than the nice table.
Because there might be points in time when I want to not have it covered and I don't like to intentionally ruin things I purchase.
Because there might be points in time when I want to not have it covered and I don't like to intentionally ruin things I purchase.
There's a difference between using something as it was designed to be used (i.e. serving dinner on the table surface) and intentionally ruining the thing (i.e. carving your initials in the surface of the table with a butterknife.)
Someone in one of the forums was recently having problems with a tung oil finished table, that had been covered with the cover leaving lint embedded into the softened finish. If by veneer you mean one of the formica fake wood grain tops, I doubt you would have a problem. Real wood veneer with a traditional finish, I would leave that alone.
I only use my cover when I am putting down a tablecloth and setting the table. We do not eat at the table unless it is completely covered and protected. I always leave the table uncovered at all other times. In answer to your question, I would never leave just the table cover on. To me, that's like leaving plastic on your lampshades.
There's a difference between using something as it was designed to be used (i.e. serving dinner on the table surface) and intentionally ruining the thing (i.e. carving your initials in the surface of the table with a butterknife.)
I meant I don't want to intentionally ruin the table if leaving the pad on 100% of the time would do so, hence the reason I'm asking the question (since the question was posed, why would I care if I leave it on all the time.)
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