Understanding and Caring for Hardwood Furniture

Mature U.S. hardwoods supply the nation and much of the world with timber used for everything from railroad ties to premium furniture. U.S. hardwoods are renowned for their warmth, durability, and natural beauty, making them ideal for furniture, cabinetry, millwork, and flooring. These solid woods are natural and unengineered, with beauty that runs deep. Thanks to responsible forestry practices, the supply of hardwoods is both abundant and sustainable.

Hardwoods are broad-leafed trees including oak, walnut, cherry, maple, hickory, poplar, and dozens of other species. In autumn, their foliage bursts into vibrant displays of amber, orange, magenta, and countless other shades.

Hardwoods reach maturity around 80 years, after which they can begin a second life as heirloom furniture cherished for generations.

Each tree is unique, and so is every hardwood product. Variations in grain, texture, and natural knots create one-of-a-kind character without affecting durability or stability. These natural markings are part of the charm of handcrafted solid wood furniture.

Care of Solid Hardwood Tables

Proper care ensures your hardwood table provides decades of enjoyment. Follow these expert tips:

• Maintain humidity between 35-45% to prevent warping and cracking. Failure to do so may void your warranty.
• Keep tables out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources such as radiators, fireplaces, or furnace ducts.
• Use coasters and trivets with non-scratching bottoms for glasses, dishes, and serving platters.
• Store table leaves in or near the table to maintain consistent environmental conditions.
• Avoid placing sharp objects directly on the surface.
• Keep solvents like nail polish remover and alcohol away from the table.
• Dust regularly with a soft cloth following the wood grain and remove abrasive particles carefully.
• Clean periodically with mild, non-alkaline soap and water using a soft sponge or cloth. Dry immediately and buff lightly following the grain.
• Avoid polishes containing silicone; ask your retailer for recommended waxes or finishes.

Table Repair & Common Solutions

These techniques can help maintain your table’s appearance. Always test in a small, inconspicuous area before full application.

• Cigarette Burns: Rub with a paste of linseed oil and rottenstone along the grain until burn disappears.
• Heat Marks: Rub gently with extra-fine (0000) steel wool or cloth dampened with camphor-rated oil or mineral spirits.
• Milk or Alcohol Stains: Apply a paste of boiled linseed oil and rottenstone along the grain, or substitute pumice for dull finishes.
• Nail Polish: Blot immediately. Rub with fine steel wool (0) dipped in furniture polish and wipe dry.
• Paint: Remove fresh latex paint with water. For oil-based or dried paint, soften with boiled linseed oil and remove carefully. Finish by rubbing with linseed oil and rottenstone.
• Sticking Paper: Dampen with salad oil, wait five minutes, then rub along the grain with extra-fine steel wool and mineral spirits.
• Water Rings: Usually in wax, not finish. Press a thick blotter with a warm iron, or rub with salad oil, mayonnaise, or white toothpaste. Wipe dry.
• White Marks: Rub with a cloth dipped in a mixture of cigarette ashes and lemon juice or lighter fluid with rottenstone and salad oil. Wipe dry.
• Wax or Gum: Harden with ice wrapped in a cloth. Pry off gently and rub with extra-fine steel wool and mineral spirits. Wipe dry.

"humidity gap". This is a naturally occurring issue with all solid wood furniture. As Humidity levels drop, wood shrinks causing the gapping shown. As humidity levels increase, the wood will swell, minimizing the gap. If you have solid wood furniture in your home, you must insure 35-45% humidity is maintained during winter months.