What does an antique farmhouse table cost from a professional dealer?

Prices depend on timber, size and regional origin. A modest table in good condition typically costs between £350 and £700, while a large solid walnut example with an original drawer or leaves can reach £1,500 to £4,000 or more. Signed or well-documented regional pieces command the highest prices.

How can I tell a genuine antique farmhouse table from a reproduction?

Inspect the underside: hand-cut mortise-and-tenon joints, hand-plane marks and natural shrinkage cracks along the grain indicate a period piece. Reproductions typically show machine-cut joints, screws, industrial glue and a uniform surface ageing that lacks the depth of a genuine patina built up over centuries.

Which timbers are most common in antique French farmhouse tables?

Oak is the most widespread, particularly in Normandy, Burgundy and northern France. Walnut is typical of the South-West and Provence. Chestnut appears in the Auvergne and Corsica. Each timber develops a distinctive colour and patina over time, which experienced dealers can help you identify.

Do restorations reduce the value of an antique farmhouse table?

Well-executed, declared restorations — a replaced foot, a repaired drawer runner — are normal for furniture of this age and have little impact on value. Be cautious of undisclosed structural alterations or heavy refinishing that obscures the original patina, as these can significantly affect both authenticity and price.

How should I care for an antique oak or walnut farmhouse table?

Feed the wood once or twice a year with natural beeswax or linseed oil to nourish the timber and maintain the patina. Keep the table away from direct heat sources and prolonged damp. Wipe spills immediately and avoid abrasive cloths or harsh chemical cleaners, which can strip the surface and damage the finish.