Care of Solid Wood furniture 

If cared for properly your solid hardwood furniture can give you a lifetime of service and beauty. Here are several care tips that will enhance your hardwood furniture investment.

The wood in furniture continues to exchange moisture with the air, expanding and shrinking in response to changes in relative humidity. Solid hardwood furniture’s natural response to extremely dry air is to give off moisture and shrink, if this is allowed to progress a tabletop may begin to cup or crack, please don’t allow this to happen!

WE CANNOT PREDICT, CONTROL OR CORRECT THE RELATIVE HUMIDITY IN YOUR HOME, THEREFORE ANY DAMAGES CAUSED BY LONG TERM LOW HUMIDITY (shrinking, cracking, cupping) ARE NOT COVERED BY MY WARRANTY. IF YOU SEE THESE HAPPENING, PUT A HUMIDIFIER IN THE ROOM ASAP TO CORRECT THE ISSUSE AND PREVENT FURTHER DAMAGE!
If you need to check the humidity in your home, we have free hygrometers at the shop available to all customers.

In mildly dry conditions breadboards may part or “gap” slightly or a few tiny openings may appear on a solid wood surface, these will most likely correct themselves as the relative humidity rises and the wood absorbs enough moisture to expand back.  

On the other hand, if you don't have an air conditioner or dehumidifier, your home's relative humidity may get too high. Parts of your wood furniture may absorb excess moisture from the air and expand. Once again, this tends to self-correct itself as your home's relative humidity decreases. Anyone who owns solid wood antiques understands that the beauty of the solid wood compensates for the natural characteristics of the wood. 

The furniture’s quality and natural sturdiness are not affected by these natural changes. Here are some ways to ensure your solid hardwood furniture’s longevity: 

·   Place your furniture away from radiators, fireplaces, and heating ducts.

·   Position furniture out of direct sunlight or adjust blinds to avoid hour after hour of direct sunlight. 

·   Control humidity to 45%-55%. In winter use a humidifier, in summer use a dehumidifier or air conditioner. 

·   Use coasters with non-scratching bottoms. 

·   Use padding under sharp, hot, or cold objects. 

·   Avoid using nail polish remover and other solvents on or near furniture. 

 Routine Cleaning

DUST CAREFULLY with a soft cloth, following the grain pattern of the wood. Use a microfiber cloth or an old T-shirt, baby diaper or cheesecloth that has been laundered to remove the sizing.

DUST REGULARLY to remove everyday abrasive particles from wood surfaces.

CLEAN WHEN NECESSARY with mild non-alkaline soap and water, using a damp sponge or cloth. Dry immediately with a soft cloth and buff lightly, following the grain. 

DON'T WAX or use any polish that contains alcohol or any silicone! Our sealers don't need additional finish, but if you want to use a polish we recommend plain Lemon Oil Furniture Polishes.