Wooden tables: which finish do you choose?
The Sav & Økse tables are available in a range of wood types and finishes. Choosing the right finish for your needs can be tricky, so we’ve listed the different finish options, including their pros and cons, to help you decide.
For wooden tables, you can choose between a natural oil finish or a matte lacquer finish. In addition to solid wood tops, most models are also available with a coloured Fenix surface.
Oiled table
An oiled table offers the most natural look but does require a bit of care. To keep the table looking its best, it should be refreshed once or twice a year. To make this easy, we offer a maintenance kit in our webshop with everything you need for proper upkeep.
Oiled tables are more sensitive to moisture and heat than lacquered tables. That’s because the oil penetrates the wood, while lacquer forms a protective layer on top. We always recommend using coasters under glasses, cups, hot pans, etc. If you do end up with a water ring, no worries – it’s easy to fix. You can simply sand the affected area and re-oil it. There’s no need to refinish the entire table.
Matte lacquered table
Lacquered tables also come with their own set of pros and cons. They're easier to maintain and offer better protection against moisture. However, if stains or scratches appear, they're more difficult to fix yourself. That’s why coasters are also recommended for lacquered surfaces. While oil soaks into the wood, lacquer stays on top, creating a smooth, sealed finish. Lacquered tables don’t require ongoing maintenance but tend to have a less natural appearance due to the matte coating.
The key differences at a glance:
| Oiled | Matte lacquered | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Natural look | Slightly less natural appearance |
| Protection | Less resistant to moisture and heat | More resistant to moisture and heat |
| Maintenance | Needs to be refreshed 1–2 times per year | No maintenance needed |
| Repairability | Easy to repair locally (just sand and re-oil) | Harder to repair if scratched or stained |
| Feel | Natural wood texture | Smooth surface due to protective coating |
| Recommendation | Use coasters to prevent rings | Still recommended to use coasters |
Wooden table with a Fenix top
Most tables in the Sav & Økse collection are also available with a Fenix top layer. This adds colour to your table and is highly user-friendly. The benefits include:
- Antibacterial and hygienic: easy to clean
- No visible fingerprints
- Soft-touch surface
- Ultra-matte look
- Anti-static
- Self-healing surface: small scratches can be removed using a magic sponge
A Fenix table needs regular cleaning but no special maintenance. A cloth with warm water and mild detergent is all you need. Sav & Økse tables are available in ten standard Fenix colours.
The Fenix layer is applied to the tabletop only – the legs and edge remain wood. This allows for various wood combinations. Choose beech, oak or walnut and combine it with your preferred Fenix colour to create a unique table tailored to your style.
Still unsure which wood finish or Fenix colour suits you best? Come and see the options for yourself in one of our showrooms. If you have questions, feel free to email us at [email protected].
