With just a little TLC, genuine hardwood furniture will last a lifetime – several lifetimes, in fact. Consider grandfather’s roll-top desk, a valued treasure passed on from generation to generation. Taking good care of your solid hardwood furniture ensures its longevity. It’s easy and largely a matter of common sense.
Heat, humidity and hardwoods
Did you know that up to half the weight of freshly sawn wood is water? Hard wood furniture is crafted from wood that is carefully dried, retaining just enough moisture for the furniture to properly acclimate to the relative humidity in your home. The wood in furniture continues to exchange moisture with the air, shrinking and expanding in response to changes in relative humidity.
Like your own skin, solid hardwood furniture’s natural response to extremely dry air is to lose moisture and shrink a bit. The halves of an extension table may part slightly or a few tiny openings may appear on a solid wood surface. This will correct itself as the relative humidity rises, and the hardwood absorbs enough moisture to expand slightly.
On the other hand, if you don’t have an air conditioner or dehumidifier, your home’s relative humidity may get too high. Parts of your hardwood furniture may absorb excess moisture from the air and expand, perhaps causing drawers to stick. Once again, this will correct itself as your home’s relative humidity decreases. The quality and sturdiness of your hardwood furniture are not affected by these natural changes.
Here are some ways to ensure your solid hardwood furniture’s longevity:
For your comfort, as well as to protect your hardwood furniture, use a humidifier in the winter and an air conditioner in the summer to keep the relative humidity at 25 to 35 percent.
Avoid placing hardwood furniture directly in front of radiators, heat runs or fireplaces.
Don’t expose hardwood furniture to continuous direct sunlight. Draw the curtains occasionally.
Store table leaves as close as possible to the table. Keep them in an upstairs closet rather than in a damp basement, so that the table leaves are adjusting to the same relative humidity.
Tender loving care
It’s surprisingly simple to protect and enhance hardwood’s natural beauty. All that’s needed is some tender, loving care. Here are a few tips from the experts:
Read the manufacturer’s care directions for wood furniture carefully and keep them handy for future reference.
Hardwood furniture surfaces also can be cleaned with a mild non-alkaline soap and water. Use the suds on a damp sponge or cloth, but be sure to pretest the solution on an out-of-sight-section to make sure it doesn’t damage the finish. Dry immediately with a soft cloth and buff lightly, following the grain. Read More
