Oak is a living surface
Solid oak keeps moving long after it leaves the workshop. It takes in moisture when the air is humid and gives it back when the heating comes on, which is why a table can feel slightly different in January than it does in July. None of this is a flaw; it is simply wood behaving like wood.
A little attention through the year keeps that movement gentle. Place pieces away from radiators and direct afternoon sun, wipe spills quickly, and use coasters under anything hot or wet. Dust with a soft, dry cloth rather than a spray polish, which can leave a film that dulls the grain.
Re-oil once or twice a year
When the surface starts to look pale or thirsty, it is time to feed it. Clean it with a barely damp cloth, let it dry, then work a thin layer of oil into the grain with a lint-free cloth. Wipe away the excess after twenty minutes and let it cure overnight. The colour deepens, and small marks soften into the patina.
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