With a little care, solid wood furniture lasts for years, and looking after it is easier than you might think. It all depends on two things: your furniture's finish (varnished or oiled) and the humidity in your home, especially during a Quebec winter.
Is your furniture varnished or oiled?
Most of our suar furniture is varnished; some pieces are oiled. The finish is shown on each product page. If in doubt, try this quick test in a hidden spot:
- Put a drop of water on it. If it beads up and stays on the surface, the piece is varnished.
- If the wood darkens and absorbs the drop after a few minutes, the piece is oiled.
You can also send us a photo and we'll let you know.
Everyday care
- Dust with a soft, dry cloth.
- To clean, use a barely damp cloth with a little mild soap if needed, then dry right away.
- Wipe up spills (wine, coffee, oil, water) right away.
- Use coasters, placemats and trivets: a hot dish placed directly on the surface can leave a mark.
- Avoid products with ammonia or bleach, silicone sprays and abrasive pads.
Varnished finish: no oil, no wax
Varnish forms a layer that protects the wood. Oil and wax cannot soak in: they leave a greasy film that attracts dust. A damp cloth and mild soap are all you need. If the varnish is scratched or damaged, do not sand it yourself: contact us first.
Oiled finish: feed the wood once or twice a year
Refresh an oiled piece with wood oil about once or twice a year, or whenever the surface looks dry and dull.
- Work on a clean, dry, dust-free surface.
- Apply the oil with a lint-free cloth, always with the grain (along the length of the boards).
- Do the whole surface in one go, without stopping halfway.
- After about ten minutes, wipe off the excess with a clean cloth until the wood is dry to the touch.
- Let it dry for the time shown on the container before putting anything back on it.
Caution: an oil-soaked cloth can catch fire on its own as it dries. Lay it flat outdoors to dry, or put it in a closed container filled with water before throwing it away.
Quebec winters: watch the humidity
Solid wood “breathes”: it takes in moisture from the air and releases it. In winter, heating dries out our homes, the wood shrinks slightly and small cracks can appear, mostly at the ends of tops and around knots.
- Keep the room's humidity between 35 and 50%. An inexpensive hygrometer gives you the exact level.
- A humidifier helps a lot when the heating is running.
- Keep furniture away from baseboard heaters, heating vents and the fireplace.
- Avoid prolonged direct sunlight, which can change the colour of the wood unevenly.
Cracks and knots: the mark of real wood
Knots and fine cracks are part of solid wood. They are not a defect and do not weaken your furniture. Veneer or particleboard furniture does not crack, precisely because it is not solid wood. When humidity levels stabilize in spring, cracks often partly close up again.
Moving solid wood furniture
Always lift solid wood furniture with two people, without dragging it or pulling it by the legs. For a table, clear it first and hold it by the top.
Need a hand?
A stubborn stain, damaged varnish, a crack that worries you? Our team is here for you after your purchase and can repair or touch up your furniture. Send us a photo, call us at 450-687-9777 or drop by our Laval store.