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How to care for wood

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Common wood types

Oak: Oak is a classic choice for furniture, and its warm colour and attractive grain patterns will fit in with most interiors. It is durable and strong and if maintained correctly will last for generations. As oak ages it can darken and take on a richer golden colour.

Walnut: Walnut has a deep rich brown colouring and unique grain pattern which makes very attractive furniture. Walnut furniture will add warmth and character to a room. It is resistant to dents and finishes very well. Note that Walnut will lighten in colour if exposed to sunlight.

Veneers: A veneer is a thin slice of solid wood which is glued and pressed onto a substrate to give the appearance of solid wood. Large sections of solid wood can be prone to warping over time, so on large flat panels such as doors, using veneer can be a better option, as the substrate which the veneer is glued to will not warp.

Maintenance

Furniture is usually either finished with lacquer or oil. Lacquer is a surface finish and sits on top of the wood, creating a smooth, water-resistant layer which should prevent staining. An oiled finish soaks into the wood and gives a more natural looking finish which enhances the woods texture and grain, however it does require re-oiling as the timber dries out.

Replacement oils are available from Heal’s. Re-oiling the table is recommended to prevent the timber drying out and to ensure it looks its best. Over time, natural wood can lose moisture, particularly in centrally heated or dry environments. Applying a suitable wood oil as needed will help nourish the timber, maintain its protective finish, and enhance the natural grain. With proper care, your oiled solid timber dining table will continue to age beautifully and remain a lasting centrepiece in your home.

All solid timber will expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity. This may cause superficial cracks to form over time, however this is quite normal for a solid timber table and not considered a manufacturing fault. In order to minimise this, ideally your furniture should be placed in an area which avoids large changes in temperature and humidity, e.g not in direct sunlight or close to a heat source.

Cleaning: To clean your table, use a mild mix of soap and water, never use detergents or cleaning products. Wipe the table with a slightly damp cloth and follow with a dry cloth to remove any excess moisture.

Please note

Always use coasters to protect the surface of your furniture and wipe up any spills immediately. Always use a heat-resistant mat or trivet to prevent hot items being placed directly on the table surface.

Do you have a question? Why not email our Product Advisor at advice@heals.co.uk

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