In today’s assembling and disassembling world where everyone is screaming for some extra space, extendable dining table is a godsend for your home. Thanks to its main element- leaves- you can also extend the list of guests you regularly entertain. When the party is over, all you need is to take care of dining room leaf storage, if you want to give it a second chance.
Table Leaf Basics
A table leaf is a movable section of the table top that increases the size of a table when necessary, and which can be removed again. If a dining table is not designed with built in leaves and offers no solution for leaf storage in the table itself, you are the one who must take care of it. Treat it as if it’s Mona Lisa and carefully preserve it.
There are several factors that should be taken into account- climate, space and position.
Position and Space
In order to prevent warping, bending or bowing of wooden leaves over time, the leaf flat should rest on its largest flat surface. You should store it in such a way that the dining room table top is flat against the ground.
Although it can be enticing to decorate a leaf that is stored flat with some family belongings or ornaments, this will only produce contra effect. The only ornament left would be dents and scratches in the wood.
Leaf storage worst enemies
Irresponsible leaf storage could produce unrestorable damage. Humidity, drought, extremes of temperature and exposure to direct sunlight are the worst enemies to leaf storage.
Temperature extremes effects on leaf storage can be detrimental. If not kept away from heating elements, the wood will be deformed or even cracked. Any extreme temperature oscillations can cause damage i.e. swelling and shrinkage of the wood.
It is also important not to expose the wood to direct sunlight. It doesn’t need perfect suntan, but to save its finish, i.e. natural color, instead of discoloration and fading. Under certain conditions, moisture or humidity change can result in wood softening and mildew. If exposed to drought it will become shivery and probably dry out.
Smart table leaf storage is imperative for keeping it safe
For preventing later structural damage of wooden leaves it is important to use cloth protective coverings. From old bed sheet to dining table leaf storage bag. Such material would provide wood with air and adjust it to oscillating temperatures and humidity. Just slips them over table leaves to keep them clean and use-ready while in storage. Never use plastic materials for table leaf storage, since it will bring along its escort: humidity and sticking to the wood.
