How Do I Look After My Timber Furniture?

Perfectly imperfect

We all love the warm, natural appeal of rich timber furniture. However, being a natural product, each piece has variations and imperfections, such as different grains, knots, rings and nicks unique to each. This is a natural occurrence, not a flaw, and makes each and every item distinct. In fact, it’s a part of the natural beauty and appeal of timber furniture. Most of our furniture pieces are handcrafted, which enhances the natural beauty of the products. We encourage you to embrace these imperfections as part of the furniture’s unique individuality. It’s important to take simple steps to care for your timber furniture to protect it, keep it looking its best and to avoid invaliding your warranty.

Timber — Characteristics

Wood grain — subtle variations in the timber.
Knots — imperfections that cause living woodgrain to grow around them.
Checking — fine cracks in the timber.
Flecking — a natural occurrence in oak.
Wood filler — this is commonly done to fill naturally occurring flaws.
Burn marks — caused by trees being burnt before they are cut down and crafted into furniture.
Rough sawn — a particular technique to make a piece more rustic in appearance.

How Do I Look After My Timber Furniture?

Due to the natural movement of timber, wood will change shape slightly throughout the days, seasons and years due to variations in humidity and temperature, depending on the conditions of your home. Products may expand and contract with temperature changes and this is to be expected. Air-conditioning plays an influential role with this. As products expand and contract a tiny bit with temperature changes, rest assured that this is completely normal and to be expected.

Reclaimed Furniture — Characteristics

Recycled timber furniture is a sought-after and sustainable choice. As well as having a lower environmental impact, the timber possesses its own rustic, unique charm. Reclaimed timber has the following characteristics:

Timber Care

Wipe surfaces clean with a damp cloth and dry with a clean cloth. Avoid leaving wood surfaces wet as this may warp the timber.
Dust surfaces weekly using a soft cloth or duster.
Timber needs to be nourished to retain its beautiful appearance, so regular applications of a natural-based furniture polish is recommended — every three to six months is ideal to help maintain the appearance of the timber for longer.
Do not use silicone-based products or other abrasive cleaners.
Greying and discolouration are signs that the timber is drying out.
Invest in tablecloths, table runners and coasters that will protect the surface of your dining or coffee tables from scratches or marks.
Avoid exposing timber surfaces to extreme heat conditions, moisture and light, as this can cause the wood to swell, shrink or start showing signs of cracking.
Avoid placing timber furniture in direct sunlight, as it can cause fading. However, if unavoidable move furniture surfaces around regularly to allow for even colouring.
Care can vary between timbers.