One of our customers' frequently asked questions is, "What product is used to finish the wood on a farmhouse table?" I love it when they ask.
Our secret is tung oil.
What Is Tung Oil?
Tung oil (sometimes called China wood oil — ours is sourced and refined in the USA) is a drying oil that's been used for thousands of years. It was once even employed to waterproof wooden ships. Extracted from the seeds of tung-tree nuts, this oil penetrates deeply into wood fibers.
Tung oil's natural resin does two things:
- Creates an incredibly rich patina that enhances reclaimed barn wood's beauty.
- Provides exceptional protection when properly applied.
Our Premium Tung-Oil Selection
We spent months sourcing the most premium tung oil we could find. While we safeguard that supplier information, if you become a customer and ever need to re-oil your table, we'll happily share it with you 😊.
Benefits of Our Tung-Oil Finish
- Rich, even absorption: brings out the color and grain for a genuine “old-world” look.
- Water & stain resistance: As tung oil penetrates the wood, it becomes part of the wood, so you won't get cloudy rings from wet glasses.
- Easy refresh: years down the road you can re-oil the surface and restore the original sheen.
Our Application Process
We typically apply five to six coats, hand-sanding between each. Each coat dries for 24 hours, so the process takes patience — but the results speak for themselves.
Low-grade tung oils can remain tacky for days. Our high-end brand costs over $100 per gallon, but customers consistently tell us the durability and character are worth every penny.
Tung Oil on Different Wood Types
Tung oil on chestnut
Tung oil on oak
Tung oil on white pine
Learn More About Our Handcrafted Furniture
- Browse our full furniture collection
- See all farmhouse tables
- Read customer reviews
- Contact our team
Furniture From The Barn — Handcrafted in Chester County, Pennsylvania
Every piece is 100% American-made from reclaimed barn wood or sustainably harvested new hardwoods.