Essential care guide for solid wood furniture
Solid wood furniture is built to last, but it also deserves the right care. In this short guide, we share essential tips for helping your furniture age beautifully and naturally – from humidity levels to daily cleaning routines.
How to care for solid wood – and why it matters
Solid wood – a material celebrated for its natural beauty, strength, and individuality.
This guide offers essential advice on how to care for your wooden furniture to ensure it remains a cherished part of your home for years to come.
Choosing a natural material
Solid wood is not a static material – it responds to its environment. Every panel carries its own distinct look, shaped by the climate where the tree grew. Natural variations in tone, grain, and texture are not flaws but a testament to the authenticity of real wood.
Because it is organic, solid wood will expand and contract slightly depending on humidity and temperature. Small shifts, including cracks or slight bending, are part of the wood’s natural life and should be expected over time.
Ideal conditions for furniture’s of solid wood
To help your furniture age gracefully, it’s best to place it in a stable indoor environment. We recommend the following:
· Maintain relative humidity levels between 25% and 50%.
· Avoid positioning near heat sources such as radiators or fireplaces.
· Minimize direct exposure to sunlight; UV rays can dry out the wood and alter its colour.
· If possible, rotate tables or furniture occasionally to ensure even exposure to light.
Before and after installation, furniture should be stored in balanced conditions, where both sides of the wood are exposed to similar levels of moisture and air. Imbalanced environments can lead to bending or warping.
General tolerance guidelines:
- Lengthwise (with the grain): Bending up to 3 mm per meter is acceptable.
- Width wise: Warping may occur if storage is uneven – potentially up to 10 mm per 50 cm.
Maintenance
Day-to-day: Keeping your furniture clean and protected doesn’t require much effort, but consistency is key:
· Wipe spills or grease promptly using a well-wrung cloth, then follow with a dry wipe.
· Avoid abrasive cleaners and chemicals, as they can damage the surface.
· Don’t cover wooden surfaces with plastic or non-breathable materials for long periods – wood needs airflow to stay healthy.
Periodic treatment: Oil and soap furniture: Depending on how the furniture is used and where it’s located, periodic surface treatments will be needed. We suggest reapplying oil or soap 2–3 times per year for optimal protection and appearance.
If your item was delivered packaged, it’s a good idea to refresh the surface with a wood treatment before using it, as some finish may have been absorbed during shipping. If you have bought a lacquered table, it is finished from the factory and does not need to be refinished, now or ever.
Important: Always treat all sides of the piece – including underneath – to maintain balance and reduce stress in the wood