Repair and refinish oak table

I have never done anything like this before. I purchased an oak dining table (maybe 30 yr old) that is 43" X 47" and extends with 2 leaves to 95". It has a few little spots where what looks like veneer has peeled off. The table looks like solid oak and the bottom has the same oak woodgrain but where the little peices are missing on top looks different under it (kind of like plywood with a chunk out of it). The top feels a little rought like it needs sanding. I have pictures I could e-mail. I just need a table that is presentable and can stand up to grandkids abuse without a tablecloth. I dont know how to repair and refinish it and would appreciate any help. Thanks, Ron

 

The essential steps would be to strip the table and its leaves so you have a reasonably uniform starting point for the refinishing. After stripping, repair the missing veneer by fitting patches from other veneer in these places. Using stain will enable you to balance any color differences that usually exist between a table that has been used and its leaves that are left in a dark closet except for Thanksgiving. I like aniline dye for staining because I feel that I can control the results more effectively. For use with children, polyurethane is hard to beat.

Hope this helps.