How To Care For And Use Solid Wood Furniture Article

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How To Care For And Use Solid Wood Furniture

Buying solid wood furniture is an investment that many want to last a lifetime - or until you decide it is time to buy new. So, you need to know how to care for wood furniture correctly, in order to make it last the duration.

Author: Cathy Smith

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Wood furniture is coated with a film (a finish) to enrich and add lustre as well as sealing and protecting the wood from moisture, dirt and everyday use.

This finish is long-lasting but does wear over time because of the environment, and last less if your solid wood furniture is not properly cared for.

Wood expands and contracts depending on temperature and humidity. And solid wood furniture behaves differently, depending on the type or species of wood used to make it. That is why laminated woods and veneers are more stable than solid wood planks.

How to use and care for solid wood furniture
• Wherever possible, use tablecloths, runners and table pads when using your solid wood furniture - particularly dining tables, side tables and furniture that gets heavy use.
• When placing warm or hot pans and crockery on solid wood furniture, be sure to use hot pads - do not place hot items directly on solid wood furniture, as this can cause permanent damage to your furniture. If items are especially hot, they could still burn or damage solid wood furniture, so avoid doing this.
Use placemats wherever possible - they will help to protect the finish on your solid oak furniture from dishes and silverware.
• Use coasters - they will help protect your solid oak furniture from moisture.
Oak furniture can fade and deteriorate - or even bleach wood. Protect your solid oak furniture from ultra-violet (UV) light from the sun by using tablecloths and table pads. If you get strong light or a lot of sunlight coming through the windows, you may consider tinting the windows for further protection.
• Always use a protective pad when writing with a ballpoint pen on the furniture surface to avoid dents and scratches.
• Use felt on the bottom of lamps, vases and other accessories. Always lift items from a tabletop rather than sliding items as this can scratch the finish and, in extreme cases, the wood surface below.
• Do not place burning candles on a finished wood surface because as they burn they can generate enough heat to damage the finish and wooden surface.
• Avoid using household solvent-based products on unprotected finished surface. For spills, blot the spill immediately - do not wipe as this will spread the spill and may cause further damage.

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