So you just got a Stickley dining table delivered. Or you’re thinking about it. Either way, the first week is when you decide if you keep it or call the moving company again. I’ve been through it with a few expensive tables, and the one decision that matters most isn’t about finish or style. It’s about fit — not the table’s fit in your room, but the fit between the table and how you actually live.
The Delivery Day: Don’t Let the Excitement Rush You
Stickley ships heavy. I’m talking 200+ pounds for a decent-sized table. The delivery guys will place it where you point. But if you point at the wrong spot, you’ll be moving it yourself later. Trust me, that’s a back injury waiting to happen.
Before they even wheel it in, measure your doorways and hallways. I had a table that cleared the front door by an inch but got stuck at the stairwell. The crew had to take it apart. That cost extra and scratched the edge. Plan the path. Clear it.
Once it’s in the room, don’t let them leave until you inspect every surface. Stickley has good QC, but shipping happens. Look for dents, scratches, loose joints. Mark them on the delivery slip. If something’s off, you have leverage for a replacement — but only if you note it.
The One Decision: How You’ll Use It (Not Where You’ll Put It)
The biggest mistake people make is deciding placement first. They think about the window, the rug, the chandelier. Wrong. The decision that matters is how you’ll use the table. Is it a daily dining table for family meals? A weekend dinner party centerpiece? A workspace that occasionally gets plates on it?
Because here’s the thing: Stickley tables are beautiful but they’re not indestructible. The finish will show wear. The wood will dent if you drop a cast iron pan. If you have kids who do homework on it every day, you need different protection than if you only use it for Thanksgiving.
I had a friend who bought a Stickley table for her work-from-home setup. She needed it to double as a desk. Within a month, the wood had scratches from her laptop stand and coffee mug rings. She’d have been better off with a cheaper table and a separate desk. But she got caught up in the brand.
So ask yourself: what’s the worst thing that will happen to this table in a normal week? If the answer is 'hot plates, spills, homework,' you need to treat the surface differently. That means placemats, coasters, maybe a tablecloth. It means you have to be okay with imperfections.
Another part of this decision: if you’re going to move in the next couple of years, think twice. A Stickley is heavy and awkward. Moving costs add up. Weigh the hassle.
The First-Week Test: Live With It Before You Commit
You have a return window. Use it. Don’t let the table sit in your dining room wrapped in plastic. Eat on it. Work on it. Spill something (on purpose, if you have to). See how it feels.
Does it wobble? Is the height right for your chairs? Are the edges comfortable to lean on? That stuff only shows up when you use it.
A Stickley has heft. It feels solid. But if you’re used to a lighter table, you might find it too imposing for a small space. Measure your room and the table. Leave at least 36 inches of walk space around it. If you can’t, it’s not going to work.
I kept a table once because it looked perfect. I regretted it for three years. The room was too small. Every meal was a squeeze. Don’t do that.
The Finish: To Oil or Not to Oil
Stickley uses a catalyzed lacquer finish on many tables. It’s durable, but not bulletproof. Some people swear by applying a wax or oil every few months. Others say leave it alone.
I’m in the leave-it-alone camp for the first few months. See how it holds up. If it starts to look dry, then consider a treatment. But don’t go crazy with products. You can actually make things worse.
Also, the finish will feel different depending on the wood. Oak is more porous than cherry. That affects how it wears and how it cleans. Don’t use harsh cleaners. Just a damp cloth and mild soap. Right now, don’t bother with polishes.
The Chair Connection
Your chairs have to match the table not just in style but in height. Check the seat height. The standard is about 29 to 30 inches for a dining table. If your chairs are taller, you’ll be eating at shoulder level.
If you’re buying chairs new, bring a chair home and try it. If you’re keeping old chairs, measure. I’ve seen people bring a Stickley table home and pair it with mismatched chairs because they didn’t check. That ruins the whole look.
Also consider chair weight. A heavy chair may scratch the floor. Put felt pads under all legs. No, really. Do it before you sit down. I learned that one the hard way.
The First Week Schedule
Day one: unbox, inspect, set up.
Day two: eat a meal on it.
Day three: work on it for a few hours.
Day four: invite a friend over, have a dinner.
Day five: clean it.
Day six: decide.
If you’re not sure by day six, you’ll never be sure. Don’t hold onto it hoping it’ll grow on you. It won’t. Return it while you can.
Who Should Skip This Table
If you have small kids who draw on everything, or if you’re the kind of person who eats dinner in front of the TV, or if you move every few years — save your money. A Stickley is a commitment. It’s meant to be the centerpiece of a home that stays put. If that’s not you, there are plenty of cheaper tables that can handle the abuse. But if you’re looking for a piece that will outlive your sofa, this might be it.
For more on what to expect from different dining tables, check out our Oak and Glass Dining Table First-Week Setup: The One Decision That or Dining Table Set for 2: What $150 vs $500 Actually Buys. If you’re still deciding on the material, Modern Extendable Dining Table: How the First Week Determines has useful angles. And if you’re weighing whether to go cheap or expensive, What I Learned About Pricing a Wooden Dining Table for 6 breaks it down.