Wood Movement/Furniture Care
Wood will continue to absorb and release moisture based on its surroundings. This is true of all solid wood furniture no matter how old. Your piece has been designed around seasonal movement (wood expands in the summer and contracts in the winter) so that it will not crack or fall apart. Keep your solid wood furniture indoors, in a humid controlled environment (air conditioning in the summer, heat and a humidifier in the winter.) You may notice subtle changes (surface ridges, waves, tighter or looser fits) in your furniture. This will change season to season. We will not address seasonal wood movement. This is part of the beauty of solid wood furniture.
Water in any form, ruins solid wood furniture:
- Use a coaster
- Use a trivet for hot pans and dishes
- Do not put a hot pizza box on a wood surface (will instantly ruin a finish with the heat and moisture)
- Do not write on a wood surface unless there is sufficient padding under the paper
- Hot laptops will damage furniture
- Do not leave a wet (or even slightly damp) towel or article of clothing on solid wood furniture
- Wipe up spills immediately, especially alcohol
- Do not use multi-surface cleaners, glass cleaners, etc to clean. Mild soap and water only or the recommended cleaner for your particular finish
- Grease from cooking or food can ruin a finish
- Do not place heavy objects on the piece then slide them across the surface
