How To Care For Hardwood Furniture
by James Rockford on 22/05/10 at 1:19 pm
Hardwood furniture looks great in any room of the home but its look can be damaged in many ways. Scratches, moisture, spills and sunlight can all cause damage to your furniture and there are a great number of ways in which to combat the effects of these factors.
Moisture is the usual cause of damage to hardwood furniture, the main contributor being changes in the relative humidity at which the furniture is stored. A change in moisture causes wood grain to expand and contract which in itself is a natural occurrence. If the change in humidity is sudden however, the timber will expand and contract far too quickly causing many problems ranging from sticking doors and drawers to cracks forming along joints and in extreme cases even in the middle of a board. Ideally a room containing hardwood furniture (or flooring for that matter) should be kept at a constant humidity using central heating or air conditioning and if possible a dehumidifier.
Sunlight is another major cause of damage to furniture. The sunlight can cause finishes to crack in a “crocodile skin” pattern and can bleach the wood underneath causing the colour to fade. This is especially noticeable on extending tables where the extensions are kept covered until required for use. Where practical, always keep your furniture out of direct sunlight, using curtains or blinds if required. If you must keep your furniture in direct sunlight, be sure to rotate the piece that it may discolour evenly and refinish more often than normal.
Cleaning of hardwood furniture should be performed carefully. Ensure that any spills are cleaned up immediately using a dry cloth where possible. When dusting, always use a clean, dry cloth, wiping along the direction of the grain in a light oval motion. Use a specially developed furniture polish and be wary of using a silicone based polish which can dry out the timber.
Finishing – There is a whole host of finishes available providing a huge array of options. If your furniture was supplied with a wax or oil finish already applied, it is usually best to re-apply the same finish coat every 3-6 months to ensure the wood is protected at all times. For varnished or lacquer finishes, reapply as required, following the manufacturer’s guidelines. Bare or unfinished furniture should always be given a finishing coat before use to preserve the face of the timber and stop the wood from drying out.
Objects placed on top of furniture should be moved carefully, always being careful to lift the item rather than sliding as this will cause scratches to the surface finish. Avoid over-filling drawers and cupboards as this can damage the drawers, shelves and doors of the piece, often working them loose and causing a poor fit. Heavy pieces of furniture should always be moved by at least two people, again ensuring the item is lifted off the floor to avoid damage to the floor and legs of the piece.
The furniture you buy for your home is a major investment and solid hardwood furniture, with a little looking after, will become a prized heirloom which will be passed on for generations. We hope this article has provided a good insight into caring for your home furnishings. If in any doubt when performing any work in the home always consult a professional.
If you enjoyed this article, and would like to find out more please visit Sheesham Furniture. This article was written by James Rockford, who is passionate about furniture and writes regularly for sites such as Jali Furniture amongst others.
categories: Home,Furniture,Family,News
