8 Tips to Properly Care for Solid Wood Furniture

-


Over the past 10 years, there has been a significant increase in demand for solid wood furniture. People are looking for quality and longevity and are willing to pay for it. A solid wood piece can last generations if properly cared for. Note these are tips on how to properly care for your solid wood pieces:





1. Clean with warm water and a mild detergent.

Keep dust and grime off your furniture by giving it a good clean every few months. You can use a mild dish detergent and a non-abrasive cloth to give your piece a wipe down. Don’t scrub too hard as you don’t want to scratch the furniture!

2. Be careful what polish you use.

People often use polishes to make their pieces shine, but the polish you are using may be ruining your furniture. Many polishes contain wax or silicone that can react with your topcoat causing discoloration or it can leave a build-up making your piece look grimy over time. We suggest using polishes that are free of waxes or silicones, the supplier should note this on the bottle.

3. Monitor the climate.

Wood can expand and contract with the varying humidity levels through the seasons. This can have a major impact on your furniture and can cause irreversible damage. Wood can swell in high humidity causing it to warp as well as shrink in low humidity can cause it to crack. Typically, you want to maintain your humidity in about a 30% – 45% range. You can either add a humidifier system to your furnace, which will be expensive, or you can purchase a humidifier/dehumidifier for a particular room.

4. Avoid using chemicals.

Chemicals such as nail polish remover can react with the furniture’s topcoat leaving marks that can only be fixed if the piece is sanded and top coated.

5. Use hot plates.

This is particularly important for tables and buffets. If hot items are placed directly on the surface, they can leave rings that can only be removed if the table is sanded and top coated.

6. Be careful of sunlight.

Sunlight isn’t a friend to solid wood furniture. Wood can darken or be bleached the longer it sits in the sun. The same can be true if you regularly keep things on your table, such as a centerpiece. The area that is covered doesn’t “age” the same as the rest of the piece so you’ll likely see a difference in color over the table.

7. Use coasters or mats.

Standing water left on a surface can cause unsightly rings as moisture can get trapped under the topcoat. This is also true for drinks with a high citrus content. If a citrus drink is spilled and left sitting it can leave markings.

8. Cover your furniture when being heavily used.

Some people prefer to cover their furniture when it is frequently used or when having a party as it helps minimize wear and tear. This is purely a preference as other people love the character their furniture gets from frequent use.


Solid wood furniture is a great way to invest in your home and by following the tips above you and your family will be able to enjoy your furniture for years to come! If you are interested in purchasing solid wood furniture for you home stop by our store in Allen Park to see our selection. We offer over 10,000 square feet of solid wood bedroom, dining, and living room furniture from a variety of Amish builders and other solid wood manufactures such as John Thomas and Durham Furniture.

Location: Allen Park, MI 48101, USA

Popular posts from this blog

The Rise of Amish Furniture in Mainstream Decor

-
Image
  In the realm of home décor and furniture design, a quiet revolution has taken place over the past few decades. Amish furniture, once confined to specific communities and those with a keen eye for artisanal craftsmanship has steadily made its way into the mainstream. This transition from niche to widespread popularity speaks volumes about changing consumer preferences and a growing appreciation for sustainability, quality, and timeless design. Metropolitan Furniture invites you on a journey to explore how Amish furniture has captivated hearts and homes across Metro Detroit and beyond. Embracing Tradition and Craftsmanship The allure of Amish furniture begins with its roots in tradition and an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship. In a world where mass-produced goods are the norm, the meticulous handiwork of Amish artisans stands out as a beacon of quality and attention to detail. Each piece tells a story of generations of woodworkers honing their craft, passing down techniques t...
Read more

Amish Furniture: Marrying Modern Aesthetics with Timeless Craftsmanship

-
Image
In the pursuit of furnishing our homes, many of us find ourselves at the crossroads of style and quality. The desire for a modern look, characterized by clean lines and minimalist aesthetics, often clashes with the pursuit of craftsmanship that promises durability and timeless appeal. However, a solution lies in an unexpected tradition: Amish furniture . Known for its meticulous construction and reliance on high-quality materials, Amish-made furniture has evolved to embrace modern design trends without sacrificing its foundational craftsmanship. Metropolitan Furniture, proudly serving the Metro Detroit area, invites you to explore how Amish furniture can bring the best of both worlds into your home. The Evolution of Amish Furniture Design Traditionally, Amish furniture was synonymous with classic, rustic designs that highlighted the natural beauty of solid wood. While these timeless pieces remain popular, many Amish craftsmen have expanded their repertoire to include more contemporary ...
Read more

Wood Types Used with Amish Furniture

-
Image
For many decades, the Amish has enriched our communities through creating jobs for men and women right here on American soil through the building of fine handmade furniture.  They have been known and valued for their discipline, craftsmanship and their production of top-of-the-line furniture. Each furniture piece is built with integrity and with the standard that each piece can and will stand the test of time. Now we know you’re probably thinking “well how can that be when the average life span of furniture is 7-15 years?” The truth is, is that quality furniture is not overly based on the manufacturer rather the materials that are used. Having the best resources make for the best product. The Amish use the finest grade of upholstery fabrics and most importantly they use their own authentic, natural wood that they maintain, chop, and carve themselves. The Amish offer plenty of choice woods selections however, we’re going to take a closer look specifically at six of those woods that ...
Read more