How to Care for Solid Wood Furniture: A Step-by-Step Guide
Solid wood furniture is an investment — not just in quality, but in timeless design and natural beauty. Unlike mass-produced pieces made from synthetic materials, handcrafted wooden furniture develops character over time. However, to ensure it lasts for generations, it requires proper care and maintenance.
Whether you’ve just brought home a new oak dining table or inherited a walnut sideboard, this step-by-step guide will help you protect, clean, and preserve your solid wood furniture the right way.
Published at:
Jun 18, 2025 yearUpdated at:
Jun 18, 2025 yearAuthor:
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Clean Gently and Regularly
Dust your furniture weekly using a soft, dry microfiber cloth. For more thorough cleaning:
- Use a slightly damp cloth (not wet)
- Avoid harsh chemical cleaners — opt for mild, pH-neutral soap diluted in water
- Immediately dry any moisture with a clean cloth to prevent warping
Never use all-purpose sprays or alcohol-based products — they can damage the wood finish.
Understand Your Wood Type and Finish
Not all wood is the same. Start by identifying the type of wood (oak, ash, walnut, etc.) and the finish used — whether it's oil, wax, lacquer, or varnish. The finish determines how the furniture should be cleaned and maintained.
- Oiled finishes require regular re-oiling to maintain moisture.
- Lacquered or varnished surfaces offer more protection but may crack if exposed to extreme temperatures or humidity.
Protect from Sunlight, Heat, and Humidity
Solid wood is a living material that responds to its environment. To avoid cracks, discoloration, and warping:
- Keep furniture out of direct sunlight
- Avoid placing hot objects directly on surfaces — always use coasters or mats
- Maintain consistent indoor humidity (ideally between 40–55%) to prevent expansion or shrinkage
Care for Solid Wood Furniture
Use Natural Oils to Nourish the Wood
If your furniture has an oil finish, apply a natural wood oil (such as linseed or Danish oil) every 6–12 months:
- Lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper
- Apply oil with a lint-free cloth
- Allow to absorb, then wipe away any excess
- Let it cure for 24–48 hours before using
This process helps protect the grain and restores the wood’s natural sheen.
Remove Stains and Scratches Carefully
- For water rings: use a mix of baking soda and non-gel toothpaste, gently rubbing with a cloth
- For scratches: touch up with matching wood filler pencils or natural oils
- For deeper damage: consider professional refinishing to restore the surface
Don’t Forget Seasonal Maintenance
Changes in temperature and humidity — especially between seasons — can affect wooden furniture. Re-oil surfaces before winter heating begins or after summer to rebalance the wood’s moisture content.
Conclusion
Proper care is the key to keeping your solid wood furniture looking beautiful for decades. With just a little attention and the right techniques, your handmade wooden pieces can become heirlooms that stand the test of time — both in durability and design.
Material Samples?
All of our components, such as guides and hinges, are of the highest quality - we use parts from the Blum brand. The standard handles we use are black powder steel handles, but if you'd like us to install different handles or knobs, just let us know! Each piece of furniture is made to order, so we're flexible on such matters.
Shop samplesAbout the author
John
Custom Furniture Maker with 10 Years of Experience
With over a decade of hands-on experience John is a skilled furniture maker specializing in custom, handcrafted wooden pieces tailored to fit any space and style. Combining traditional woodworking techniques with a deep understanding of modern design.
