Finishes
There are normally two different types of finish used on dining furniture - an oiled finish, and a lacquered finish. Oil finished solid wood is treated with Danish oil, which protects the wood from spills and some stains, but does not give 100% protection. They will require re-oiling once or twice a year - however, this is easy to do, and the oil gives a matt, natural finish that accentuates the grain and preserves the wood’s natural beauty. In contrast, a lacquered wood offers a more durable finish, minimal maintenance and the best protection possible. Lacquers can be matte or gloss, but tend to obscure the wood grain, giving a less natural finish than oil.
Acclimatisation
Natural timber acclimatises to its surroundings, adapting to temperature and humidity changes, so you may experience a stiff drawer or door after a period of time, or with a change in the season. A simple hinge adjustment or application of furniture wax will generally have your drawer or door moving smoothly again.
Knots
Knots in natural wood furniture show where there was a branch in the tree, and are a beautiful, unique feature of the wood. Knots appear in different places on different pieces, and some pieces have more knots than others – they are part of the natural characteristics of real wood, not a fault, and make your furniture completely unique. However, large knots can compromise the integrity of wood used for furniture, so manufacturers will carefully examine the wood and discard any pieces with knots that are too large, selecting only the best quality pieces.
Patina
All wood changes colour (referred to as mellowing) with persistent exposure to natural light, even tinted wood. Over time, your solid wood furniture will darken slightly and develop a natural patina - some furniture is made from reclaimed wood, and here the patina, marks and wear are used to add interest to the design. To ensure your table mellows evenly, any extending table leaves need leaving out as often as possible, so they receive the same amount of light exposure.
Price
Solid wood furniture can vary greatly in price, since some types of wood are cheaper than others. This isn’t a mark of the quality of the wood - for example, while both are durable hardwoods, acacia grows much faster than oak, and is therefore cheaper to produce.
Colour
All woods have different colours naturally - some are pale while others are dark - but solid wood is also often tinted, to accentuate or obscure the natural colour and grain.
Grain
Solid wood has a natural, beautiful grain running through it, which develops as the wood grows - ensuring no two pieces of furniture look exactly the same.
How to clean solid wood furniture
Wipe up all spillages as soon as possible
For a deeper clean, use glass cleaner spray and a clean, lint-free cloth to maintain that crystal-clear, smear-free look
Use specialist cleaning products designed for use on solid wood surfaces
Solid wood furniture care tips
To avoid warping, avoid placing directly next to a heat source, like a radiator or log burner
To minimise excessive sun bleaching, avoid placing in direct sunlight
Avoid leaving any table decorations in the same spot, as the table will mellow over time with exposure to light
If your table has an extension, we recommend leaving the table fully extended during the first 6 months, so that the extension mellows at the same rate as the rest of the table
Some oiled or waxed finish solid wood furniture may need additional care - check the manufacturers’ care instructions included with your product
