Wood Furniture Care Guide

Care Guide

• Humidity: 50-55% is ideal. Some variations are to be expected, but the further away from the ideal, the higher the risk for problems. 40%-60% humidity levels seem to be more common/attainable, and wood seems to tolerate that range with minimal problems. A humidifier is HIGHLY recommended, not only for solid wood furniture, but it will benefit other areas as well. Dehumidifiers may need to be used in damp areas or areas with excessive moisture.
• Place furniture away from all heat sources. This includes radiators, heat runs, fireplaces, direct sunlight, etc. This will help prevent drying, cracking, and bleaching. If furniture must be placed near an air duct, use a shield/guard to direct the draft away from your furniture.
• Keep furniture out of basements, attics, garages, and warehouses. Often these places have excessive and imbalanced humidity.
• Store table leaves as close to the table as possible. It is ideal that they stay in the same environment. Note: sun exposure can alter the table color versus the leaves.
• Avoid dragging boxes, purses, cracked plates, etc. across the table. The issue with dragging these items across the table is due to the tiny particles (fine sand, grit, etc.) stuck to the bottom that then scratch the finish. Sharp edges from chipped objects, unfinished porcelain bottoms, and so on, have the same effect.
• Minor scuffs are to be expected. When the scuffing occurs, the finish is doing its job, protecting the wood. A coat of wood polish, paste, or conditioner may help prevent minor scratches in the finish and help conceal existing ones.
• Felt pads are recommended. These decrease the potential of the tables and chairs scratching the floor, and also the tables and chairs from being scratched by rough floors.
• Temperature. Hot or cold cups typically are not a concern, but excessive heat, such as dishes out from the oven, could damage the finish/wood.
• Water/Moisture. If a spill occurs, wipe it up. Leaving puddles, a vase sitting in water, or any fluids for a prolonged time, could find a way through the finish and cause damage.
• Chemicals.Our tables withstand chemicals very well, but excessive or prolonged exposure could cause damage.
• Use proper cleaning methods.A soft cloth with water and soap or vinegar is the recommended cleaning method. If looking for something stronger, 409, Windex, and most household cleaners will not pose a problem. Do not clean with abrasive pads. This could mar the finish as the cleaning pads act as sandpaper. Example: Magic Eraser, scrubbing pads, etc.
• Fluctuations are normal. Designed to allow for fluctuations, the tables may need adjustments/tightening roughly twice the first year due to the wood acclimating. The more ideal the environment, the less movement that occurs. We go to great lengths to only use, store, and build with wood that most closely resembles the environment of a home, which means lumber is NOT stored outside and is always kiln-dried. Our workshop/storage is climate-controlled, humidified in the winter, and dehumidified in the summer just like your home.
• Cracks in timbers are not a concern. If chosen during the selection process, a timber base by nature has cracks in it. As a result, more cracks can develop over time.
• Metal is different than wood. Due to various metal finish options, though the base is less exposed than the top, it may require more care when handling and cleaning. Not all metal finishes will have the same durability for chemicals or fluids.
• Chairs that are quality. To prolong the chair’s life and quality, avoid rocking. Felt pads are beneficial as they protect the floor from scratching, but also the chair’s legs from rough or uneven floors. If chairs are finished by the vendor take additional care as the finish is different from our tables. For Crypton and Revolution fabric see the supplier’s instructions for care.

Wood is a remarkable, natural product that weaves itself into our daily lives, and with thoughtful care, it will provide generations of use and enjoyment.

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