Caring for Your Furniture
The seasoning process for your oak furniture may take place over a 4 year period, but the first 6-9 months are the most significant. During this time, we recommend that you keep your furniture well oiled to help balance the seasoning process.
Oak contains natural tannin which may leach out during the first year. Should you observe this, do not be concerned. On most natural surfaces, you should not even see this, but on a patio area you may see a brown stain – just rinse this off.
Below are some recommended care instructions for your future, but if you have specific questions about the care of your new oak furniture, please contact us.
You should dust frequently to keep airborne deposits from accumulating on your wood. Use a dry, soft cloth that will not scratch the finish.
Depending on your finish, cleaning up may be as easy as wiping with a dry cloth. But if you do need to remove deposits from the wood, avoid using all-purpose cleaners on your wood furniture. Instead, use a mild soap and water solution, which is better than water alone. Wring out your cloth before applying it to the furniture, make sure it is damp but not dripping, and make sure to wipe the surface dry afterwards. Definitely do not attempt to use an abrasive cloths or scrubbing pads as these will scratch and dull your finish.
Oil polishes and furniture oils do not provide a protective layer to the furniture, but they will restore luster and offer some resistance to scratching due to their “slippery” effect. Meanwhile, most spray and liquid polishes contain silicone oil that can protect your furniture, but may also leave a residue that will interfere with refinishing later on. Whichever type of polish you choose for your furniture, you should be sure to apply the polish first to a clean, dry cloth, rather than pouring or spraying directly onto the furniture, which can spot or stain the finish.
Extra leaves from tables should be stored upright in a cool, dry place to prevent warping. Storing leaves flat, such as under a bed, can cause the wood to bow, especially if it is stored with the raise edges down. Even if lying upside down, on the ground is not ideal for wood as the temperature right above the floor is more likely to vary with the climate than a closet or other storage area. As with all wood furniture, be careful when storing your furniture in a garage or storage unit, especially if it is not climate controlled.