Caring for Solid Wood Furniture
Solid hardwood is built to last, and a little routine care keeps it looking its best for decades. None of this is complicated. It is mostly about light, humidity and being kind to the surface.
Dust little and often
Wipe with a soft, dry or very slightly damp cloth, always following the direction of the grain. Avoid soaking the wood or leaving it wet. Skip all-purpose sprays and silicone-based polishes, which can build up a haze and interfere with the finish over time.
Keep it out of direct sun and heat
Strong, direct sunlight will slowly fade and unevenly age a wood surface, so position pieces a little away from unshaded windows where you can. Keep furniture clear of radiators, heat vents and fireplaces too, as concentrated heat dries the timber and can open up joints.
Mind the humidity
Solid wood is a natural material that expands slightly in humid weather and contracts when the air is dry. This is normal and expected. The thing to avoid is rapid swings: very dry, heated rooms in winter or persistent damp can stress joints, so aim for stable, moderate indoor conditions.
Protect the surface in daily use
Use coasters under glasses, mats under hot dishes and a pad under anything that might scratch. Wipe spills promptly rather than letting them sit. Lift objects rather than dragging them across the top, and fit felt pads under lamps and accessories.
Feed the finish now and then
Depending on the finish, an occasional treatment keeps the wood looking rich. Oiled finishes benefit from a light re-oil once or twice a year; waxed surfaces from an occasional buff with a quality furniture wax. A small amount, worked in along the grain and buffed off, is all it takes.
If you are unsure which finish your piece has or how to maintain it, message us. Because we made it, we can tell you exactly how to look after it.
Related questions
- How do I care for solid wood furniture?
Keep solid wood away from direct sunlight and heat sources, wipe with a soft dry or barely-damp cloth, use coasters under hot or wet items, and re-oil or polish once or twice a year depending on the finish. Avoid silicone sprays and harsh cleaners, they damage natural finishes.
Solid teak, sheesham, and mango are forgiving materials; small scratches can be buffed out and finishes renewed indefinitely.
- Do you use MDF, plywood, or engineered wood?
No. Every Woodstocks piece is built entirely in solid wood, teak, sheesham, or mango, with traditional joinery. We have never used MDF, particleboard, or veneer-over-board construction, and we never will. It is the founding rule of the workshop.
Solid wood costs more and takes longer, but it can be repaired, re-finished, and re-jointed for generations. MDF furniture, once damaged by moisture or a broken joint, is finished. That longevity is the whole point of building only in solid hardwood.
Have a piece in mind?
Every piece is made to order in your choice of wood, finish and dimensions. Tell us what you are thinking and we will talk it through.