When you purchase furniture, you want to make sure that your investment lasts for as long as possible. The more you take care of your furniture, the longer it is going to last and look brand new. Several things can affect the appearance and longevity of your furniture. Luckily, there are ways to limit the effect they have on your furniture.
Humidity and Solid Wood
Wood has a fickle relationship with moisture. If you were to keep it in damp areas (such as basements, attics, some garages), wood furniture can expand and break down. Which might begin to grow mold, which is a health hazard for you and your family. On the other hand, if there isn’t enough humidity, it can also cause your furniture to dry out, shrink, and crack. Humidity damage is harder to fix than most types of wood damage.
During the dry winter weather, it might be best to use a polish on your wood to refresh it and moisturize the surface. A humidifier with an automatic control system can help maintain a proper level of moisture in the air so that it isn’t too much or too little.
The optimal level to stick with is 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 50% humidity to keep your wood furniture looking its best.
Direct Sunlight on Wood
Sunlight and UV rays are something you might not think about when it comes to your indoor furniture. But how often do we have tables near the windows? Have skylights that shine directly on dining rooms? The placement of your furniture can make a difference as to the preservation of its original look.
Over time, direct sunlight can cause your table’s colors to warp and fade. UV-resistant coatings can help to slow down this process, but it will continue to happen just the same. That amount of direct sunlight can also cause intense heat and could cause your wood furniture to dry out. In more severe cases, this means the wood could physically split. This could lead to repairs or having to replace the furniture altogether.
To avoid a sunlight problem, there are a few fixes:
1) Keep the table out of sunlight from the windows
2) Install blinds/curtains to block out the sun
3) Use window films to lessen the sun’s effect
Water and Wooden Furniture
It’s a pretty common occurrence to get water or some liquid on furniture. Whether you have a spill or a water ring from condensation, it can sometimes be hard to avoid. This tends to stain the wood and leave patterns behind where the water damage took place. Lighter stains mean that the liquids haven’t penetrated very far, but darker water stains are more worrisome.
If you find you require something new, check out our website to get a solid wood table that can be customized for size, style, and stains.
