Could you use polyurethane or some other finish to make the top more durable for daily use. Sharp table and just the size we need but I do have concerns about staining etc. from the reviews I have read. Could you use polyurethane or some other finish to make the top more durable for daily use. Sharp table and just the size we need but I do have concerns about staining etc. from the reviews I have... » Read More Could you use polyurethane or some other finish to make the top more durable for daily use. Sharp table and just the size we need but I do have concerns about staining etc. from the reviews I have read. « Show Less
364161
The table top is durable for us. My problem with this set is the stools...after not too long they are coming apart underneath so people get splinters when they grab to pull them up. I've been meaning to contact the supplier about this but haven't had a chance, but I think you should know.
1118464
You would have to contact the Manufacturer. I don't see a need for doing so if you care for your furniture.
1384864
I used it a smooth top for 2 hours and it was NOT damaged. I guess there is different smooth tops because some people can have problem. I took the risk but so far, good.
1617095
I've had the table since around September 2012, and we love it. We use it all day as a desk for homeschooling, and then in the evenings we move it, extend it, and use it for dinner. It has one scratch on it, that I did when I was building a computer on it and drug the sharp metal corner of the case across it :-( It does take two people to extend and put the leaves in, but we positively LOVE this table. The home we own has a 35 foot long kitchen, so we had a huge table, but recently moved (military) to a MUCH smaller house that doesn't have room for a table set up all the time. This table has been fantastic so far. My only complaint would be that you have to pay close attention when sliding it together (while putting in or taking out a leaf) because it's easy to shift it so the pegs on one side don't line up with the holes on the other. We have also noticed the legs will occasionally loosen, so we keep an eye on them and tighten as needed. Anyway, having only had it less than 6 months, I can't really comment on the long term durability of the finish, but it seems to be pretty good, and I would definitely buy this table again! (I do not have the matching chairs, so I can't answer your question about those, sorry.)
2009593
I also used Minwax wood finish in the yellow can. After drying, I applied Minwax semi-gloss polyurethane. I can't understand why you are having a problem. I guess you could try sanding the wood before applying the stain. I used English chestnut stain which is a medium brown. If you are going for a much darker finish, you might need to leave the stain on longer before wiping it off. Hope it works out well for you. My rack looks really nice. I would post a picture if I could.
1840350
OK to cut it off. Round off the edges as before and finish with the type of finish they talk about. Sanding the whole surface might be good. After a few months the edges of the glued pieces can be felt. I used the top for a kitchen island. Worked great. I used it uncut.
1909543
It depends on the item, but at most a light sand is all that is required. I have stained everything from bare wood to highly poly'd coffee tables. I would recommend more sanding if there is a thick poly coat or very shiny surface. Coverage was amazing over already stained surfaces.
443780
I use it on any of my would projects. I make furniture and accessories from reclaimed items. Any items that may be used for food i always use beeswax for the finish. It should work well on the table as long as it is a smooth surface. For a more durable surface I would suggest at least 3 coats with a good buffing in between coats. To make the buffing easier on the table surface I use an orbital buffer, the type you would use to buff a car. I have one that I use just for my furniture projects. It is a small one put out by Turtle Wax. Here is a link. http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/251425474054?lpid=82 Good luck with your project. I use it on any of my would projects. I make furniture and accessories from reclaimed items. Any items that may be used for food i always use beeswax for the finish. It should work well on the table as long as it is a smooth surface. For a more durable surface I would suggest at least 3 coats with a good buffing in between coats. To make the buffing easier on the table surface I use an orbital buffer, the type you would use to buff a car. I have one that I use just for my furniture projects. It is a small one put out by Turtle Wax. Here is a link.... » Read More I use it on any of my would projects. I make furniture and accessories from reclaimed items. Any items that may be used for food i always use beeswax for the finish. It should work well on the table as long as it is a smooth surface. For a more durable surface I would suggest at least 3 coats with a good buffing in between coats. To make the buffing easier on the table surface I use an orbital buffer, the type you would use to buff a car. I have one that I use just for my furniture projects. It is a small one put out by Turtle Wax. Here is a link. http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/251425474054?lpid=82 Good luck with your project. « Show Less
401676
I don't know what you are using it for, but check into using Tung oil? I know a maker of beautiful picnic tables and I believe he uses pure Tung oil, or Minwax Tung oil with additives.Randy
200209
Mine has been stained, and the result is definitely not pine looking to me. I wish it were. It looks closer to yellow than pine I am afraid. Perhaps if the staining were done differently you might have a different result, but as I had said in my review, this table was difficult to stain according the the fellow who did it. Each section (Leg, top, drawer face) seemed to "take up" the stain differently. Over the stain he put polyurethane. That may be what is causing the yellowish effect. There is no hint of grain I would like to see. His (and therefore my) recommendation was to buy this if your intention was to paint it. It would be a lovely little table to paint. (hint-hint). Mine has been stained, and the result is definitely not pine looking to me. I wish it were. It looks closer to yellow than pine I am afraid. Perhaps if the staining were done differently you might have a different result, but as I had said in my review, this table was difficult to stain according the the fellow who did it. Each section (Leg, top, drawer face) seemed to "take up" the stain differently. Over the stain he put polyurethane. That may be what is causing the yellowish effect. There is no hint of grain I would like to see. His (and therefore my) recommendation was to buy... » Read More Mine has been stained, and the result is definitely not pine looking to me. I wish it were. It looks closer to yellow than pine I am afraid. Perhaps if the staining were done differently you might have a different result, but as I had said in my review, this table was difficult to stain according the the fellow who did it. Each section (Leg, top, drawer face) seemed to "take up" the stain differently. Over the stain he put polyurethane. That may be what is causing the yellowish effect. There is no hint of grain I would like to see. His (and therefore my) recommendation was to buy this if your intention was to paint it. It would be a lovely little table to paint. (hint-hint). « Show Less
1774579
It has been a little over a year with our set. We eat at the table but also have things that end up finding a home there...like napkin holders...flower vases etc....This is a "rubberwood" table. It comes with a decent finish of polyurethane. However, we do keep either a table cloth or a runner on it. It is TRUE that a nice wood table should be showed off a bit, but then again, it's wood!! Cannot expect it to hold us like granite or tiles! Given that this product is real wood, I would protect it as such. It is a durable table, but it also needs consideration based on what it is constructed of. It has been a little over a year with our set. We eat at the table but also have things that end up finding a home there...like napkin holders...flower vases etc....This is a "rubberwood" table. It comes with a decent finish of polyurethane. However, we do keep either a table cloth or a runner on it. It is TRUE that a nice wood table should be showed off a bit, but then again, it's wood!! Cannot expect it to hold us like granite or tiles! Given that this product is real wood, I would protect it as such. It is a durable table, but it also needs consideration based on what it is... » Read More It has been a little over a year with our set. We eat at the table but also have things that end up finding a home there...like napkin holders...flower vases etc....This is a "rubberwood" table. It comes with a decent finish of polyurethane. However, we do keep either a table cloth or a runner on it. It is TRUE that a nice wood table should be showed off a bit, but then again, it's wood!! Cannot expect it to hold us like granite or tiles! Given that this product is real wood, I would protect it as such. It is a durable table, but it also needs consideration based on what it is constructed of. « Show Less
587159
I do not think the top is fragile at all. I usually used a placemat for everything because I don't want to damage the wood but I have used this table all the time since I bought it, and so far I have no problems. It does not scratch easy. Even maintenance is quite easy, i just use a damp cloth to clean and that's it. I have been using this table for quite some time now. I really love this table. It was little difficult to assemble at first because it is quite heavy. I spend at least 30 minutes, However once assembled it is really sturdy and has a beautiful finish. The color is not really espresso, it does have a dark cherry reddish tint to it but barely noticeable. Also, the packaging was cared for and delivery was fast. I hope this helps.
543918
Honestly, aside from sanding it all down and starting over, I'm really not sure. I think I'd be a little worried about the top of the table simply because it has a very pretty, symmetrical design and I'm not sure what staining would do to it? I will say, however, that the table is a deep rich brown, not at all what I would consider a medium or light stain. Hope that helps.
163141
Various woodworking magazines say that you can apply polyurethane over shellac. Having said that, I've never seen the need to do it, so I won't guarantee the application.
724422
The resin top is very bumpy, not smooth. It really depends on how you want to use table. Resin top not good for writing or dining, but it is very durable.
1102928
I haven't put any finish to protect top. Still holds up nicely. Hope this is helpful. Have island for almost a year now.
1476920
I never use furniture polish on the Rafferty Table, Jane. Sometimes I may use a very slighly damp tee shirt type rag. I have these table a little over a year, and found that this works well.
1662064
I did our beach house dinning room table, which takes a lot of abuse. The kit comes with a high gloss top coat paint. I am very please I used this product and I have had no issues with stains.