Furniture CARE AND MAINTENANCE

WOODEN FURNITURE

Ø  The color and structure of the wood varies because of the difference in growth conditions. The soil, the temperature and the quantity of rain have a direct influence on the appearance of the tree. A tree used for furniture has often grown for more than 100 years, i.e. for more than four generations. During this time, it has been exposed to many things to affect its appearance and enhance its unique diversity.

Ø  After cutting down the tree, the log is cut into planks that are divided into boards. The appearance of the boards depends on where in the log they are cut from.

Ø  Wood has knots. This is not a flaw but simply the natural marking of where the branch was attached to the trunk. Each piece of furniture is therefore unique as the graining, structure and color are created – designed – by nature.

Ø  This is precisely what makes wood so fascinating and well suited for furniture. Minor variations in color and structure can therefore not be considered a flaw but indicate that each single part comes from different cuttings in the log or from different trees.

Ø Wood is a living material - continuing after the tree has been felled - and is affected by the humidity in air and temperature. Wood used for furniture production has been dried to be in balance with the average indoor climate - i.e. a room temperature of approx. 20 deg. C and an air humidity of approx. 50%. Wood has the ability to absorb and emit moisture depending on its surroundings. As a result, wood will expand in moist periods and contract in dry ones. In other places of the world there may be even larger fluctuations in temperature and air humidity.

Ø  This applies for both veneered and solid furniture, but especially solid furniture is sensitive to such fluctuations.

Ø  Some wood sorts change color after unpacking. Sunlight triggers this process. The more sunlight, the more change in color. If you want to delay the process, do not expose your furniture to direct sunlight. In order to avoid markings from dishes, vases etc. make sure to move them regularly. When supplementing your furniture, please be aware that there will be a color difference between new and previously purchased items.

WHERE TO USE YOUR FURNITURE?

Ø  If you want the extension leaves to change in color concurrently with the tabletop, you must keep your table extended with all the leaves.

Ø  If the table is exposed to an uneven influence of light, it is a good idea once in a while to turn it 180 degrees, so that both ends get equal amount of light. Sun and heat dry out wood and may cause cracking.

Ø  Never use indoor furniture outside. Major deviations from normal indoor climate may damage the furniture. We therefore recommend that you get a hygrometer to control the air humidity.

Ø  An oil treated piece of furniture has had a natural treatment that gives a rustic appearance.

Ø  Oil treatment enhances the natural differences of the wood and just as various parts of an item will absorb the oil differently, they may also dry out in a different pace, giving the item an uneven appearance. This is natural and is evened out at further oil treatment. It may therefore be necessary to oil before use. 

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Ø  In order to protect the tabletop against dirt and moisture, we recommend that you maintain the table with a high quality furniture oil for indoor use.

Ø  As the procedure for applying oil to the table may vary from product to product, we recommend that you follow the maintenance instructions accompanying the oil product chosen.

Ø  We recommend Natural oil or White oil for maintaining oil treated furniture. 

Ø  DAILY CLEANING

Ø  For daily cleaning wipe the furniture with a clean, dry cloth or a cloth well wrung out in lukewarm water (if necessary added a few drops of washing-up liquid per liter of water), followed by wiping with a clean, dry cloth.

Ø  GOOD ADVICE AND SIMPLE RULES TAKE GOOD CARE

Ø  Sound traditions and experience have been inherited and our long history has given us know-how about furniture and its maintenance, which we would like to share with you. If you follow our instructions and these basic rules, you can enjoy your furniture for many years to come.

Ø  Do not place hot items directly on your furniture.

Ø  Use coasters to protect the surface against hot, damp and colored objects (color may come off). Do not use cork coasters as damp can pass right through and into the surface of the item.

Ø  Always protect the surface when using sharp utensils.

Ø  Moisture is the worst enemy of all wooden furniture and therefore any split liquid must be wiped off immediately. The table top should not be covered with an airtight material such as plastic or an oilcloth for more than 12 hours.

Ø  Never place furniture too close to radiators or heaters.

Ø  In order to keep the color of the wood, direct sunlight should be avoided as much as possible.