If you've got kids, a dog, a cat or all three, buying nice furniture can feel like a gamble. Will the dining table survive homework, craft and spilled cordial? Will the dog wreck the bed frame?
Here's the honest answer: solid timber is one of the best choices for a busy family home. Not because it never gets marked, but because it can be fixed when it does.
Will solid timber get scratched?
Yes, eventually. Every timber table that's actually used will pick up marks over time. Forks get dropped, toy cars get driven across it, someone presses too hard with a pen.
The difference is what happens next. With particleboard or veneer, a deep scratch or chip often goes through the thin top layer and can't really be repaired. With solid timber, it's the same wood all the way through, so scratches can be sanded out and the surface refinished.
A lot of families also find that a few marks just add character. A table that's been part of 20 years of family dinners should look like it.
Choose the right finish
The finish on top of the timber makes a big difference to how it copes with family life.
- Oil finishes soak into the timber and give it a natural, matte feel. Small marks and scratches are easy to touch up at home. They need a re-oil now and then, and spills should be wiped up quickly.
- Lacquer or hard-wearing coatings sit on top of the timber and resist spills and stains better day to day. Deeper damage can be harder to fix at home.
Most of our Australian-made pieces are finished in a clear lacquer, which stands up well to everyday spills, and some of our dining tables can be ordered with an oil finish instead. Day to day, you don't need any special products. Just wipe with a damp microfibre cloth. For greasy marks or sticky spills, use a little diluted natural soap on a soft cloth, then wipe again with a clean damp cloth so no soap is left behind. Always test on a small area first.
Feature grade is your friend
If you're worried about marks, consider feature grade timber. It shows off the natural character of the wood, like gum veins, small knots and colour changes. That natural variation means everyday dings blend in far more than they would on a perfectly clean surface.
Tips for families with kids
- Use placemats for craft and homework. A cheap vinyl or felt mat saves a lot of stress when the textas come out.
- Coasters, always. Cold drinks leave rings and hot mugs can leave marks.
- Look for rounded edges and corners on tables and bedsides if you have toddlers.
- Anchor tall furniture to the wall. Chests of drawers, tallboys and bookcases can tip if a child climbs them. Use the wall anchors that come with the piece, or ask the retailer for them.
- Wipe spills straight away with a damp cloth, then dry the surface.
Tips for pet owners
- Claws are the main issue. Keep nails trimmed, especially for dogs who like to jump on things.
- Choose a bed frame with a solid base if your pet sleeps with you. A sturdy frame copes far better with a dog jumping on and off every day.
- Watch water bowls. Keep them away from timber legs, or pop a mat underneath, as constant splashes can mark the finish over time.
- Use a lint roller or soft brush for fur. It's gentler on the finish than harsh cleaning sprays.
How to fix common marks
- Light scratches: on an oiled finish, a light rub with fine sandpaper along the grain and a fresh coat of oil usually does the trick.
- Water rings: often fade on their own. If not, a gentle re-oil can help on an oiled finish.
- Deeper damage: solid timber can be professionally sanded back and refinished, sometimes looking almost new.
For extra peace of mind, we offer optional 5-year accidental damage cover for timber furniture, which comes with a free timber care kit. It needs to be added at the same time you buy your furniture.
What to avoid
- Harsh cleaning sprays and anything with bleach or ammonia
- Leaving wet cloths or bags sitting on the surface
- Dragging heavy things across the top
- Placing timber right against a heater or in strong direct sun all day
The bottom line
No furniture is completely kid-proof or pet-proof. But solid timber gives you something cheaper furniture can't: the ability to repair it instead of replacing it. For a family home, that's what makes it worth it.
Our Australian-made range is crafted from solid Australian hardwood and built in Melbourne to handle real life. Each piece comes with a 5-year manufacturer's warranty, and our customers rate us 4.9 out of 5 across more than 470 reviews.
Common questions
Is solid wood or MDF better for kids?
Solid wood is generally the better long-term choice because it can be repaired. MDF and particleboard can chip or swell if they get wet, and are hard to fix.
Can dogs scratch timber furniture?
Yes, claws can scratch any surface. On solid timber, scratches can usually be sanded out and refinished.
What's the most durable finish for a family dining table?
Hard-wearing coatings resist spills best day to day. Oil finishes are easier to repair at home. Both work well with a little care.
How do I stop furniture tipping over?
Anchor tall pieces like chests of drawers and bookcases to the wall, especially if you have young children.
