Care of Solid Wood Tables

Most hardwoods are open-grained causing solid wood furniture to expand and contract with changes in humidity and temperature even after the finish is applied. Care in controlling the furniture’s environment will help minimize the minor cracking and warping that is a natural part of the wood’s character. With proper care, your solid wood table/furniture will provide a lifetime of enjoyment and can be passed on to future generations.

All hardwood contains variations in color and grain. These natural characteristics give each piece of solid wood furniture its unique charm, and although the finishing process is identical, no two pieces are the same.

Here are things you should do in order to ensure your solid wood table last for generations to come:

• Maintain a humidity-controlled environment. Your home should be kept in the 40-50% humidity range to prevent warping and cracking.
• Keep table out of direct sunlight or fluorescent fixtures that contain ultraviolet rays.
• Place furniture away from direct heat sources such as furnace ducts, radiators and fireplaces.
• Store table leaves in or close to the table to maintain consistent environmental conditions.
• Avoid placing sharp objects that could scratch the table directly on the table.
• Do not store furniture in attics or basements where the environment is not consistent.
• Dust table often and carefully with a soft cloth following the grain pattern to remove abrasive dust particles.
• Periodically clean the table with mild non-alkaline soap using a soft sponge or cloth.
• Avoid polish that contains silicones.