Mature hardwoods supply the nation, and much of the world, with timber used for everything from railroad ties to quality furnishings. U.S. hardwoods are coveted the world over for their warmth and lasting beauty in furniture, cabinetry, millwork and flooring. In finished products, hardwoods are the purest expression of nature. They are not synthetic nor are they engineered. Their beauty is not skin deep, And, thanks to responsible stewardship of America's hardwood forest lands, their supply is abundant and perpetually renewing.

Hardwoods are such broad-leafed trees as oak and walnut, cherry and maple, hickory and poplar, and dozens of other species. Each autumn their green leaves burst into brilliant symphonies of amber, orange, magenta, and thousands of hues in between

Hardwoods grow prolifically, reaching maturity at about 80 years. When harvested, they often begin a second life as home furnishings that we can cherish for generations

Just as each tree is different from the next, so to are hardwood products individually unique. Hardwoods are characterized by an infinite variety of grains and distinctive textures. Trees grow limbs that fall off as the tree matures. What remains is a knot on the hardwood surface. These natural markings add character to the woods appearance and have absolutely no effect on the wood's durability and stability

Care of Solid Hardwood Tables

With proper care your solid hardwood table can provide years of pleasure for your family. Here are some tips to be sure you get the most from your table

• Maintain a humidity-controlled environment. Your home should be kept in the 35-45% humidity range to prevent warping and cracking. Failure to do so may void your warranty.

• Keep table out of reach of direct continued sunlight and away from heat sources such as furnace ducts, radiators and fireplaces.

• Use coasters and trivets with non-scratching bottoms underneath glasses and serving dishes placed on the table.

• Store table leaves in or close to the table to maintain consistent environmental conditions.

• Avoid placing sharp objects that could scratch the surface directly on the table.

• Avoid the use of nail polish remover, alcohol or other solvents near table.

• Dust table often and carefully with a soft cloth following the grain pattern or remove abrasive dust particles.

• Periodically clean table with a mild, non-alkaline soap and water using a soft sponge or cloth. Dry immediately with soft cloth and buff lightly following wood grains.

• Avoid polish that contains and silicone's. Ask your retailer to recommend a polish or wax

Table Repair

The following is a list of common problems and solutions to help maintain your table's appearance. Always test these solutions in small, out of sight sections to be sure the finish will not be harmed

• Cigarette Burns: Minor burns can be fixed by rubbing with a paste of linseed oil and rotten stone, working with the grain until the burn disappears.

• Heat Marks: Rub along the grain with a dry steel wool soap pad, extra fine (0000) steel wool or cloth dampened with camphor rated oil or mineral spirits.

• Milk or Alcohol: Rub in a paste of boiled linseed oil and rotten stone with the grain, substituting pumice for dull finishes.

• Nail Polish: Blot out the spill immediately. Then rub with fine steel wood (0) dipped in Guardsman Furniture Polish. Wipe dry.

• Paint: If fresh, remove latex pain with water and oil based mineral spirits. If dry, soak spot in boiled linseed oil, wait until soft and carefully remove with putty knife or cloth dampened with boiled linseed oil. Remove residue by rubbing along the grain with a paste of linseed oil and rotten stone. Wipe dry.

• Sticking Paper: Dampen the paper with salad oil, wait five minutes and rub along the grain with extra fine (0000) steel wool dipped in mineral spirits.

• Water Marks: Rings are often in the wax, not in the finish. Cover the ring with a clean thick blotter and press down with a warm iron. Repeat as needed. Or rub with salad oil, mayonnaise or white toothpaste, wipe dry.

• White Marks: Rub with cloth dipped in a mixture of cigarette ashes and lemon juice or salad oil. Or rub with a cloth dipped in lighter fluid, followed by a mixture of rottenstone and salad oil. Wipe dry.

• Wax or Gum: Harden the substance by holding an ice cube wrapped in a cloth against it. Pry off with fingernail. Rub the area with extra fine (0000) steel wool dipped in 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.