At Greg Pretorius Furniture, we take great pride in our craftsmanship and hold ourselves to the highest standards of quality. Our furniture is built with care, precision, and a deep respect for both the material and our clients. Each piece we produce is made to last, but it's important to understand the natural characteristics of wood and epoxy to ensure you get the most out of your investment.
Wood is a living material—organic, unique, and constantly changing in response to its environment. Even after being kiln-dried and shaped into a table, it continues to react to temperature and humidity. When humidity is high, wood absorbs moisture and swells; when it drops, the wood shrinks. This process is gradual and often goes unnoticed, but in extreme seasonal changes, it may lead to cracks, gaps, or slight warping. These natural changes can occur whether the wood is freshly milled or centuries old, kiln-dried or air-dried. With proper knowledge and care, the impact of this movement can be reduced, but it cannot be completely eliminated.
At Greg Pretorius Furniture, we kiln-dry all of our raw wood slabs to a moisture content of 8% to 12%, which is the international standard to help stabilize the wood before manufacturing. We also fumigate our slabs to protect against insects and fungi. However, even with these precautions, slight movement or surface cracking over time is still possible due to the natural properties of wood. The epoxy we use is high-quality, UV-protected, and eco-friendly, though some color change may occur over the years. Our casting process is performed with great precision in a controlled environment, but tiny air bubbles or dust specks may still appear near the wood or within the epoxy. These are part of the handcrafted nature of our pieces and do not affect their durability.
We apply Rubio Monocoat or Odie’s Oil to protect and enhance the wood’s natural beauty. However, epoxy and wood, while durable, are not scratch-proof. Glossy surfaces may show fingerprints and marks more easily than matte finishes. Direct sunlight can cause discoloration in both epoxy and wood, which is why we advise against placing our tables outdoors or in areas with heavy sun exposure. Additionally, exposure to moisture or excessive water should be avoided to prevent mold growth or long-term damage.
While we have never had a return or quality issue with any of our epoxy tables, we believe in complete transparency. Movement in the wood, small cracks, and other natural imperfections are not considered flaws but reminders of the material’s authenticity and organic origin. The table’s top will always be flat and even, but the underside may include epoxy coverage where natural voids existed, ensuring structural consistency throughout the slab.
To preserve the quality of your table, we recommend regular maintenance using approved care products, and reapplying oil as specified by the oil manufacturer. Handle your table with care, appreciate its uniqueness, and it will serve you for many years to come.
Greg Pretorius Furniture guarantees the use of premium materials and expert craftsmanship. Every table undergoes a thorough quality inspection before leaving our workshop. However, once your table has been delivered and accepted in good condition, future care is the responsibility of the client. As much as we would love to control the forces of nature, some things—like wood movement—are ultimately decided by Mother Nature herself.
