Since the dawn of time, various types of wood – oak, maple, willow, lime, mahogany and olive – have been used to create stylish and functional pieces of furniture. The application of wood is increasing in modern designs due to its strength and durability, not to mention its straightforward processing that allows for unique and innovative solutions. Wood materials can be jointed, attached with nails or screws or glued. As far as the psychological influences of wood are concerned, it gives people pleasure and happiness, as well as relaxing them mentally and emotionally.
If treated with adequate care, wooden furniture can last beautifully for years, but the life expectancy comes down to quality. In other words, oak, teak and mahogany can easily last half a century or more. More lightweight woods tend to show wear and tear sooner. In what follows below, we’ll highlight several ways that you can maintain, protect and treat your wooden furniture.
To keep the wood in its best condition, nourish it with oil
Wooden furniture can no doubt enhance the splendour of your home, but you must dedicate sufficient time to its maintenance to preserve the beauty, durability and value of the furnishings. With time, dust settles on the surfaces, taking the shine off and compromising the visual appeal. Remove dust and debris that can scratch the furniture. Equally important is to keep the wooden furniture away from direct sunlight to preserve its condition and colour. Curtains act as a barrier, preventing harsh UV rays from entering the living space. And lastly, use coasters to prevent water rings.
When the pieces of furniture arrive at your home, help them adjust to the new environment by applying wood oil generously. The special composition of the oil ensures it’s friendly to the environment, meaning it’s a non-hazardous substance; it isn’t recommended to use olive oil because it can go rancid on the wood. Apply oil three times during the first 72 hours, and use a soft, clean cloth when wiping away the residue. Oil can be applied to all interior wood surfaces such as worktops, tabletops, stairs, walls, floors and so forth. Following application, the surface will appear a bit glossy, but it should disappear after cleaning two or three times.
Always use coasters, place mats and tablecloths
As mentioned earlier, it’s a good idea to use coasters because they help prevent water rings and stains from forming on your wooden furniture, which are typically the result of spills and accidents. As you may already know, wood is a porous material, which means that exposure to moisture leads it to rot, soften and fall apart. Soda stains oxidize and cause long-term damage, besides the fact that they have a sweet scent that attracts bugs. Place mats are necessary because they protect the furniture from serve ware. Crockery and cutlery can scratch and dent the wood. Also, ensure serving dishes and mugs don’t come into direct contact with the wooden furniture.
A tablecloth protects against heat damage, smudges and fingerprints and makes people appreciate the dining experience more. If the tablecloth is too big, it will look sloppy, but if it’s too small, it will expose the table legs and make the entire setting look cheap. The simplest way to secure a tablecloth is to use clips. These supplies can be easily obtained and used as a quick and efficient way to keep the tablecloth in place. Using the wrong products when cleaning wood furniture can cause drying, lightening or scratching of the surface, which is why you should avoid using anything abrasive.
Protect the flooring underneath the wooden furniture
Heavy pieces of furniture can cause dents when pressed into the floor. Flooring is incredibly susceptible to scratching if furniture pads aren’t used, which typically come in the shape of a blanket and look much like a thick quilt. When moving furniture around, ensure no debris or dirt is caught underneath, as it can cause major scratches. Above all, incorporate rugs and carpets into your home to add extra texture and style whilst protecting the flooring from damage. Textile floor covering should be placed underneath the dining table and chairs to add functional value and elevate your space.
Continue to treat the surfaces when necessary
With time, wooden surfaces become dull and lose their natural shine, which can be the result of exposure to sunlight, dirt, dust and other factors. You can re-apply oil to maintain the furniture’s appearance; every four to six months or if you notice a greyish hue developing on the surface. There’s nothing wrong with applying new varnish over an old one, provided it’s in good condition; you’ll enjoy long-lasting colour and protection. Nevertheless, if the wood oil shows signs of failure and the furniture pieces need restoration, it’s best to strip the old varnish to guarantee you have a better and more accurate colour.
Rubio Monocoat has launched a great many wood finishing products until now, it comes as no surprise to find out they’re leaders in the hard wax oil wood finish industry. The company makes plant-based wood oil that is zero-VOC and is used as a finishing layer for protecting interior and exterior surfaces. Please visit https://rubiomonocoat.co.uk/ if you wish to find out more. The Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C can always be mixed with Rubio Monocoat Pre-Aging, which creates the look of reactive stains but without drawbacks, such as not being able to replace or reproduce matching pieces in the future.
Final thoughts
Wooden furniture, especially new, quality pieces, can be a major investment, so it’s vital to properly care for it. Dust several times a week to maintain a clean surface, use a humidifier or a dehumidifier to prevent the wood from warping or drying out, and cover the bottom of accessories to prevent scratches. Attention must be paid to the fact that, even with the best of care, furnishings are subject to accidents, and most blemishes that occur can be repaired without great expense. Oils create a hard, protective finish that’s resistant to wear and tear, but that resistance doesn’t mean the wooden furniture is immune to chemical cleaners and solvents.
