Wood furniture care guide
Keep your wooden furniture looking its best with simple care and maintenance that protects its natural beauty for years to come.
Our guide to choosing and caring for wood
Beautifully crafted wooden furniture deserves a little care. From the distinctive grain of oak to the rich, warm tones of walnut, natural timber brings character to the home, with each piece telling its own story.
Whether it's a dining table that brings everyone together or a sideboard that takes pride of place in your living room, the right care can help preserve its appearance for years to come.
Our wood furniture care guide covers everything from everyday cleaning to understanding different wood finishes, helping you look after the pieces you love.
Understanding different wood types
Every type of wood has its own distinctive character, from the warmth of its colour to the intricacies of its grain. Understanding these natural qualities can help you choose and care for wooden furniture that will be enjoyed for years to come.
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Oak
Best suited to: Everyday dining and timeless furniture designs
A timeless choice for furniture, oak is celebrated for its strength, durability and distinctive grain. Its naturally warm colouring complements a wide range of interiors, while its hard-wearing qualities make it particularly suited to everyday pieces such as dining tables and sideboards.
As oak ages, its colour can gradually deepen, developing a richer, golden tone. With the right care, well-crafted oak furniture can be enjoyed for generations.
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Walnut
Best suited to: Statement pieces and contemporary interiors
Known for its rich, dark brown tones and expressive grain patterns, walnut brings depth and character to contemporary furniture. Often considered a premium alternative to oak, its distinctive appearance makes it a particularly appealing choice for statement pieces.
Unlike oak, walnut can gradually lighten when exposed to sunlight. To help preserve its natural colouring, avoid positioning walnut furniture in prolonged direct sunlight.
For more inspiration, explore our guide to The Enduring Appeal of Walnut Furniture
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Veneer
Best suited to: Larger surfaces and refined furniture designs
Wood veneer is a thin layer of real wood, carefully bonded to a supporting material to create the appearance of solid timber.
While solid wood can naturally expand, contract or warp in response to changes in its surroundings, veneered panels can offer greater dimensional stability. This makes veneer particularly well suited to larger, flat surfaces such as cabinet doors, sideboards and tabletops.
Veneers also allow furniture makers to showcase the beauty of natural wood grain while creating clean, consistent surfaces.
How to care for wooden furniture
The right maintenance depends on the type of wood and, importantly, how it's finished. Most wooden furniture is protected with either a lacquered or oiled finish, each requiring a slightly different approach to care.
Caring for lacquered wood furniture
Lacquer sits on the surface of the wood, creating a smooth protective layer that helps resist moisture and everyday staining.
For regular cleaning, gently wipe the surface with a soft, slightly damp cloth, followed immediately by a dry cloth to remove excess moisture. Avoid harsh detergents, abrasive cleaners and prolonged contact with water, which can damage the finish.
Caring for oiled wood furniture
An oiled finish penetrates the surface of the timber, enhancing its natural texture and grain while creating a softer, more tactile appearance.
Unlike lacquered furniture, oiled wood generally requires periodic re-oiling to maintain its protective finish and prevent the surface from becoming dry.
Always use an oil suitable for your furniture's specific finish and follow the manufacturer's care instructions. Replacement furniture oils are available from Heal's.
For ongoing care, explore our Bespoke Dining Oil, designed to help nourish and protect suitable oiled wooden surfaces.
Protecting wooden furniture from temperature and humidity
Solid timber naturally expands and contracts as temperature and humidity levels change. Over time, this movement can occasionally cause small, superficial cracks to develop, which can be a normal characteristic of solid wood rather than a manufacturing defect.
To minimise movement and help preserve your furniture, avoid placing it in areas exposed to significant fluctuations in temperature or humidity, particularly close to radiators, fireplaces or prolonged direct sunlight.
Everyday cleaning and maintenance
A little everyday care can make a lasting difference to the appearance of your wooden furniture.
- Always use coasters and placemats to protect surfaces from moisture, heat and everyday marks.
- Wipe up spills immediately to prevent liquids from penetrating the finish.
- For routine cleaning, use a soft cloth with a mild solution of soap and water, where suitable for the furniture's finish.
- Avoid harsh detergents, abrasive sponges and general-purpose cleaning products.
- Wipe gently with a slightly damp cloth, then dry thoroughly to remove any remaining moisture.
Always refer to the manufacturer's specific care instructions before using cleaning products or applying additional treatments.
Do you have a question? Why not email our Product Advisor at advice@heals.co.uk
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