Looking after solid wood
A few simple habits keep your piece beautiful for decades. Here is everything we do at home with our own furniture.
Four habits that matter most
Dust and wipe
Use a soft, dry cloth, or one lightly damp with water. Dry the surface straight after.
Use coasters
Put coasters under glasses and mats under hot dishes. Wipe spills right away.
Mind the sun
Strong direct sunlight changes the colour of wood. Rotate decor so it ages evenly.
Keep it steady
Keep pieces away from heaters, fireplaces and AC vents. Aim for 40–60% humidity.
Why solid wood moves
Solid wood takes in moisture when the air is humid and releases it when the air is dry. Boards expand and shrink a little across the grain through the year. Our joinery is designed to allow for this.
Small seasonal changes, a slight gap in a panel in winter or a drawer that runs a bit tighter in summer, are normal and usually settle on their own. Big swings in temperature or humidity are what cause cracks, so a stable room is the best care you can give.
Daily, seasonal, for life
- 01
Daily care
Dust with a soft cloth. For marks, use a cloth wrung out in warm water with a drop of mild soap, then dry. No sprays, silicone polishes or microfibre with abrasive dots.
- 02
Seasonal care
Natural Rough Surface: wipe on a thin coat of natural furniture oil, leave 15 minutes, buff off the excess. Check and gently tighten any hardware.
- 03
Long-term care
Light scratches on oiled wood can be sanded with very fine paper (320 grit) along the grain and re-oiled. For deep damage, talk to us before you refinish.
Care by finish
Smooth Surface
A sealed, smooth finish that resists water better. Clean with a damp cloth and dry. Do not wax, and avoid oil soaps that leave a film.
Natural Rough Surface
An open-grain matte finish you can feel. Dust with a soft brush along the grain and re-oil every 6–12 months.
Natural ageing
Darker tones such as Walnut mellow slightly and lighter tones such as Oak warm a little over time. This patina is normal and is part of the charm of solid wood.
Care questions we hear often
01There is a white ring on my table. What can I do?
Water rings usually sit in the finish, not the wood. Place a dry cotton cloth over the mark and press with a warm (not hot) iron for a few seconds, then check. Repeat gently. If it stays, contact us for advice.
02Which products should I avoid?
Silicone sprays, ammonia or bleach cleaners, alcohol, abrasive pads and steam mops. They dull or soften the finish and can make future repairs harder.
03A small crack appeared. Is it a defect?
Fine surface checks near knots can open in very dry air and close again in humid months. If a crack grows or goes through the board, send us photos and we will look at it under our warranty.
04Can my piece be refinished later?
Yes. Solid wood can be sanded and refinished many times. We can send matching oil or touch-up kits for your exact finish.
A mark you are not sure about?
Send us a photo. We will tell you how to treat it, or send the right product for your finish.