I only use my table pads when we plan to use the dining room table for a large family meal. Otherwise that table is not used so I keep a seasonal table runner, a couple of candles, or something else on it. The table runner helps to keep DH from putting something down on the wood too. He's kinda bad about that. On our breakfast room table I just use placemats.

I use one of my table pads at Christmas on top of the coffee table or on the breakfast room table for cutting wrapping paper. Gives me a nice platform for wrapping gifts and I can sit on the sofa. I'm getting lazy.

I use our table pads with a table cloth when we have dinner parties, buffets for large group with lots of food, or holiday dinners. The pads allow me to place hot things on the table without hot pads or trivets. I love that. I would never want to be without that option.

Normally, day to day, the table is bare, so we can enjoy the wood. If there are only a few of us (mostly family or close friends who visit often) for a less formal dinner, I may use placemats and then I do use hot pads/trivets.

"What I don't understand is, when do you cover up your dining table top with a pad? All the time, or right before each formal meal? Do you have to clean it when the meal is over? Do you put it away till the next formal meal is up? "

When the table is not is use, the pads are stored. The table has on it a runner and a centerpiece, along with 2 candles.

When the table IS in use - whether meals, doing taxes, sewing, etc - the pads go on.

You guys are so helpful. I think I got it now. Thank you!

I don't have a large family, and usually don't need to serve more than 6 people. So a table cloth or placemats, plus pretty trivets or hot pads, will probably be good enough for now.

Fun2BHere, I really appreciate the link. I will start from there.

This post was edited by ILoveCookie on Wed, Mar 6, 13 at 13:26

Mine are always on the dining table. I've learned by experience that my cats can jump up and make claw marks. . .plus I often use the table as a work space.

if you have a nice dining room table that you want to 'keep nice', you should get table pads... it doesn't matter how many are at the table eating... if the table is used, table pads will help protect it. hot coffee cups can damage a table with only a cloth, spills will seep through a table cloth, dropped utensils, etc can slightly mar a surface... it is wise to get table pads, imo.

The three things that harm wooden table tops are heat, scratches from various sources, and moisture. It's easy enough to protect against heat and moisture by using appropriate underlayments for dishes and glasses. Scratches are a little more difficult to protect against without keeping the table covered at all times. As you mentioned, you would like to enjoy the beauty of the wood, so you will need to take a little more care to protect against damage from things that might get placed against the bare wood.

Our kitchen table does stay covered at all times, but the dining room table stays bare except when in use. I've considered buying a glass top for the kitchen table except I know the glass will get scratched eventually and I've actually come to enjoy using different tablecloths for different seasons.

I made my own table pads out of cushioned vinyl...it doesn't ravel so there's no need to finish the edge. It is soft on the table side, padded and waterproof on the table cloth side, inexpensive and no seams. Layed it out over the table top and just cut around the edge. I roll it up around a cardboard bolt and store them under the bed... I made one for each way we use the table...with none, one or two leaves.

I normally only cover the table top when I plan on eating at it with a table cloth so the finish still looks good, but it is extremely faded from the sun....the leaves no longer match the table top....

Good point about fading Annie ... I keep one leaf in my table and should probably rotate with the second leaf for even fading. I keep my table bare at all times and use placemats and trivets. It is a formal table, but made out of reclaimed wood with a wax finish, so scratches can be repaired.

I bit the bullet and ordered custom table pads for our table. Not cheap. $450 for a table the measures 54" X 162". But that includes separate pads for each of the six leaves, plus two half-circle pads for the ends...8 pieces in total. I've tried the vinyl with padded backing I purchased off the roll at the fabric store, and I couldn't get it to lay flat.

We only use the pads when we have large gatherings. And especially when the grandkids are here. I discovered that large quantities of spilled liquids will soak through the tablecloth, and seep between the pads. So now, if there are several small children, I put a plastic tablecloth over the pads, and then top with the good tablecloth.

You could always do what I did (for the very reasons you mentioned), and get glass cut for each half and for each leaf. It's not cheap, but it's less than pads will be, and you can still see the wood.

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I grew up with silencers, and that's what I use to protect the table under a tablecloth. My grandmother's were thick wool flannel, which is nearly impossible to find any more. Mine are thick, soft white felt that I buy at the fabric store - I have three, depending on how many leaves are in the table.

What they do is, they make the cloth lie smoothly and seem more luxurious, they protect against heat, spills and moisture (although I rarely put hot things on the table - if we are serving in the dining room, the serving things are on the sideboard), and they silence the sound of things being put down on the table.

Tables get used, and they get little dings and scratches, and with proper care, those things merge into a patina that is more beautiful than the slick perfect finish they arrived with. In my view, anyway.

If your household is not comfortable living that way, then it's the wrong table for you.

I try not to buy furniture with the "slick perfect finish". I don't want to have to cover and protect things to be able to use them. I choose not to live that way.

Wow, I just read all the replies. So many great ideas! It's going to take me a while to digest them all.

KevinMP, your dining room is gorgeous!

Glass seems like a very attractive option. I imagine it will be fairly easy to clean, unless stuff goes in between the glass and the wood?

This post was edited by ILoveCookie on Thu, Mar 7, 13 at 13:47

With all due respect to you, Kevin, and your exquisite taste and judicious editing, I don't recommend glass on a beautiful wood table. Moisture can build up underneath, unless you put those teeny little clear vinyl dots on, it's cold under your hands, and its surface appearance is so different from the finish of the wood.

Wood tables aren't hard to clean - you just have to know what to use and how.

I have the tiny clear dots. It'll be fine.

You can't fold the vinyl or it will not lay flat, but if you roll it around a cardboard bolt it will be fine, but you have to roll it flat....no pinches or pleats.

Just dropping in again to clarify my thoughts. When I use a table cloth (large group or small), I use my table pads to make life easier. I don't have to worry at all about hot things (can put a serving piece straight from the oven on the table) or spills. I don't always bother with a table cloth since placemats are easier. I have even set the place settings directly on the table now and then for another look. I love the look of a bare wood and am not obsessive about things looking brand new. In fact, I would be in trouble if I were. Almost all our wood furniture is more than 100 years old and not one piece is completely perfect, but not one is horribly scratched or marred either.

If you can manage it, I would invest in a set of protective pads. They are a pain to store (I keep ours in the back of a closet), but they are so very useful at times.

cyn427, I am not keen on keeping furniture brand new either. I am gradually transitioning from expensive, detailed veneer furniture to solid hardwood pieces, starting with the breakfast & dining tables & chairs.

I will listen to you guys' advice, and get a table pad, or something equivalent (e.g. cushioned vinyl). I am sure even if I don't use it often, it will come in handy at some point.

I just bought a table pad. It was not expensive nor was it cheap. It will not lay flat. Any suggestion???

Can I set the table and serve/eat directly on the custom table pad? It’s color matched with my table. Or do I need to put a table cloth on top of table mats?