If having your dining table professionally modified or a new one custom-made to your specifications isn’t in the design budget at the moment, here are some basic things you need to do to prepare your table for dual use as a prep/workstation and a place to serve meals: 1. Protect the table using a sizeable, removable butcher block or cutting board when preparing meals to avoid inflicting dings, scratches, or burns from hot pots and pans onto the surface.
2. If your table is made of wood, you should sand it and apply a food-safe sealant.
• You definitely want to sand the top first to get rid of the old stain and debris. Doing so will level the surface, allowing for a more even application of the sealant. • Food-contact-safe tung or mineral oil are popular kitchen work surface sealants. You will need to use at least two coats and perhaps a few more; how well the wood absorbs it will determine how many coats you have to apply. • To finish up, use a soft, clean cloth and rub the tabletop down to remove any excess sealant.
• Allow the tabletop to dry thoroughly.
• If necessary, add risers or table leg extensions to bring your table up to the working height of thirty-six inches. You can also replace the legs of the table.
7
March 2026
Powered by FlippingBook