Furniture Care

Why Solid Wood Swells

Moisture absorption: Solid wood is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air when humidity is high. As wood fibres take in moisture, they swell, causing expansion.

Seasonal changes: Wood expands in humid summer months and contracts in the drier winter months. This is more pronounced in solid wood than in engineered wood.

Grain direction: Wood expands more along its grain than across it, so the grain orientation can influence how much swelling occurs.

Ways to Prevent or Manage Swelling:

Control humidity: Using a dehumidifier or air conditioner can help manage moisture levels where wood furniture is placed.

Use finishes: Applying varnish, wax, or polyurethane can help seal the wood and minimize moisture absorption.

Allow wood to acclimate: Before installation, let the wood adjust to the room’s humidity to reduce later swelling.

Sanding and adjustment: If swelling has occurred, sanding or plaining the affected areas (such as drawer or door edges) can improve functionality.

PS: Solid wood’s natural expansion and contraction due to environmental conditions can be mitigated but not completely avoided. This is in no way a defect of the product.

Cleaning Your Wood Furniture

The Best way to clean the finish on your wood furniture just use warm water and mild dish soap. Cleaning furniture with water won't hurt it, just be careful not to soak it. Use an old toothbrush for hard-to-get areas. Wipe the dirt off the surface with soft cloths or paper towels until they come up fairly clean. Then dry off any residual moisture with a soft cloth.

Re-protecting Your Furniture After Cleaning

After a good cleaning, the best way to protect the finish is to use a good-quality soft paste wax. Apply a thin coat as directed on the label. Wait five minutes and buff lightly with a soft brush or cloth. Wait another 30 to 60 minutes and buff/brush again with a bit more vigor. You'll see a beautiful shine return to the finish that will last for many months.

Remember To Dust Regularly

Small particles of dust may seem harmless, but enough buildup can scratch the wood's finish. Dust at least weekly with a soft, lint-free cloth. Stay away from Pledge and other dust polish, as they contain silicones that can soak into the grain of the wood and damage it for good. Instead, lightly dampen a cloth with a little water or use a microfiber cloth that will cling to dust particles on its own.

Keep Wood Furniture Out Of Sunlight And Heat Sources

Keep your wood furniture out of the sun. The temperature of the summer sun coming through a window can go above 140 degrees. It will cook fine finishes, fading and destroying them over time, and dry out and shrink the wood, which will cause cracks. Also try to ensure your wood furniture isn't too close to heating units or vents. Dry heat will cause the wood to dry and shrink, leaving cracks.

Keep Hot Drinks And Other Hot Items Off The Wood Surface

Never put hot dishes or drinks directly onto wooden surfaces as they can leave permanent marks. But there are several ways to remove the white hazy ring or spot that the hot coffee mug or hot plate has made on your table. The least invasive way is to rub it with a mild abrasive, such as non-gel toothpaste mixed with baking soda or cooking oil mixed with ashes. You can rub it in a small spot with your finger or use a soft cloth on larger areas. Another method that has excellent results is to place a soft cloth or towel over the spot and iron it carefully for 10 to 20 seconds at a time with the iron at a medium setting. You can turn the iron up a bit if needed. Always keep the iron moving and check your progress frequently.

Restoring Surface Scratches

Surface scratches are small and do not penetrate the wood underneath the finish. Look at the scratch at an angle. If there is no discoloration, then the scratch is only on the surface. Moisten the sandpaper with water (lemon oil can also be used). Then carefully sand the surface where the scratch is located. Follow the direction of the scratch. Do not oversand the area. Once the scratch is removed, apply a paste wax and buff with steel wool to bring back the shine.

If the scratch is discolored (usually lighter than the surrounding wood), it means that the wood itself was penetrated and needs to be recolored to make it disappear. To repair these type of scratches, first Dip a small paint brush or cotton swab into the desired coloring agent. Some commercial products will come with their own applicator. Follow the direction of the scratch and apply the color. Repeat applications until the color matches the rest of the piece. Once the scratch is colored, apply a wax or polish to the surface to protect and restore the finish.