Natural Beauty - Green wood Table Care

The hard work is over, the celebrations are done, and the Harvesting Connections table has taken pride of place in the Chiswick House Kitchen Garden for all to enjoy!

This table isn’t just any table. It’s a one-of-a-kind piece crafted from freshly fallen trees, green wood, with delicate ceramic art. Its raw, organic quality connect it to the earth in a very special way, and with its placement in the lush Kitchen Garden, surrounded by the abundance of the harvest season, this table truly feels like it belongs, and we want it to belong for a long time.

As mentioned in a previous post green wood is “green” because it’s fresh from the tree, still holding onto lots of moisture. This gives it that lovely, raw look—but also means it needs a little extra love to keep it looking its best and thrive in the great outdoors with out its roots

Now, if you’re curious about what it takes to keep a table like this looking fresh and beautiful in an outdoor setting, we’ve got some handy tips to share. Whether you’re admiring the Harvesting Connections table at Chiswick House or have something similar in your own garden, caring for green wood with ceramic art is essential to make sure it weathers well and continues to invite people to gather around it for years to come.

Why Green Wood Needs Special Care

Unlike seasoned wood, green wood is packed with moisture, which means it’s more prone to warping, cracking, and changing shape as it dries out. And since it’s softer than fully cured wood, it can be a little more vulnerable to dents and scratches. All this isn’t to say you need to treat it like it’s fragile, but it does mean that a bit of TLC will go a long way.

How to Care for a Green Wood Table with Ceramic Art in an Outdoor Setting

1. Sun, Shade, and the Perfect Spot:

This was a difficult one as the walled Kitchen garden is a sun trap especially where the table is located.
If we were given the choice To start with, keeping this table out of direct sunlight as much as possible will would help prevent the wood from drying out too quickly, which can lead to cracking and fading. If you’re setting up a table like this in your own garden, try to find a partially shaded spot. Too much exposure to sun can be harsh on both the wood and the ceramic accents.

2. Moisture Matters:

Green wood naturally holds onto a lot of moisture, so it’s best to avoid placing the table directly on wet ground. At Chiswick House, the table sits on a stable surface, lifted slightly above the ground with shingles to help prevent any dampness from creeping into the wood. If you’re hosting a similar table, keeping it elevated with small pavers or blocks can do wonders for its longevity.

And speaking of moisture – while a bit of rain won’t harm it, a heavy soaking can speed up the wear and tear. Again this was a dificult one due to the location size. if the table were smaller and not in a public space it would be ideal to consider covering the table with a waterproof, breathable cover when not in use. This will protect it from rain and let the wood “breathe” to prevent mildew or mold from building up underneath.

3. Regular TLC and Cleaning:

Green wood loves a bit of attention! Giving the table a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth every now and then can help remove dust and debris, especially in an outdoor setting where leaves and pollen tend to gather. If you see any dirt settling in around the ceramic pieces, use a soft, gentle brush to keep them clean and let the beauty of the artwork shine through.

For a deeper clean, you can use mild soap and water – just avoid any harsh chemicals, as these can be too strong for the wood and ceramic. And if any mildew or mold does appear, a simple mix of water and white vinegar works wonders as a gentle cleanser.

4. Protecting the Wood with a Natural Finish:

While the table in Chiswick House’s garden brings a rustic charm to the space, it’s important to keep the wood protected. Applying a natural oil finish, like linseed or tung oil, can give the wood a subtle shine while helping it retain moisture balance. Oil should be applied every six months to a year, depending on exposure – a great ritual to add to the rhythm of the changing seasons!

For those of you with your own green wood table, a little tip: when oiling the table, avoid the ceramic art areas, as oil can stain them. Use a soft cloth or brush to carefully apply oil to the wooden parts only.

5. Winter Prep and Seasonal Storage:

At the end of the garden season, green wood tables benefit from a bit of extra care before winter sets in. If you’re lucky enough to have space in a shed or covered patio, this is the best way to protect your table during the colder months. Otherwise, a waterproof cover and a bit of extra elevation (even just a few inches) can help prevent damage from freezing temperatures and icy ground.

6. Keeping an Eye Out for Natural Changes:

One of the most beautiful aspects of green wood furniture is how it naturally evolves over time. Expect to see slight warping, a few cracks here and there, or gentle colour changes – this is all part of the character of green wood. That said, if you see any large cracks or a ceramic piece loosening, a little bit of repair can go a long way. For minor wood cracks, outdoor-friendly wood glue or filler can help; ceramic repair is a bit trickier, but many ceramic artists or even some local repair shops can help restore the piece.

An Invitation to Gather

With the Harvesting Connections table now in place, Chiswick House’s Kitchen Garden has gained a new focal point – a place to pause, connect, and reflect on the beauty of nature’s bounty. As the seasons change, so will this table, reflecting the natural cycles of growth and renewal.

So, whether you’re visiting Chiswick House or caring for a green wood table of your own, remember that every care routine and seasonal change is part of the story, adding to the table’s beauty and resilience. This is furniture designed to bring people together, just as the garden itself invites us to reconnect with nature. Enjoy the journey, and happy gathering!

Enjoy Your Unique, Living Piece

Here’s to making wonderful memories around it!