How to Take Care of Solid Wood Furniture

How to Take Care of Solid Wood Furniture

The whole point of acquiring solid hardwood furniture is to enhance your quality of life. However, there is a flip side to the pleasure of entertaining in style with your new living or dining room set. There’s an often-ignored counterpoint to the comfort and convenience of a new bedroom set. And there’s a neglected side to the comfort, productivity, and prestige of new office furniture. Solid wood furniture, such as what’s handcrafted by Amish cabinetmakers and available online, needs to be properly cared for in order to maintain its great looks and incredible value. So, let’s look into How to Take Care of Solid Wood Furniture.

Is solid wood furniture a good investment?

Yes. When it’s well-maintained, solid wood furniture, such as Amish furniture, is a great investment due to factors including durability, timeless appeal, relatively easy repairs, easy cleaning, and sustainability.

Durability. Amish cabinetmakers handcraft each piece of Amish furniture using traditional cabinetmaking methods, careful attention to detail, and solid woods like oak, cherry, maple, and hickory. As a result, Amish solid wood furniture is so durable, it’s heirloom-quality.  Also, this furniture retains its value over time. Solid wood furniture typically appreciates over time, becoming sought-after antiques!

Timeless appeal. Pieces of solid wood furniture built in traditional and classic styles have a timeless appeal. As such, they complement other design elements and keep homes trendy as styles come and go.

Relatively easy repairs. Solid wood furniture can be easily repaired if damaged. Solid wood furniture that gets scratched or becomes dull can be sanded and refinished, thereby restoring it to its original condition. Not so with furniture with a veneer or laminate finish! Sanding would remove the veneer and laminate and reveal the underlying manufactured wood. In addition, regular dusting and occasional polishing are all it takes to clean and maintain solid wood furniture.

Amish cabinetmakers carefully source lumber used for making furniture. They buy wood grown in regional forests. As a result, solid woods like oak, cherry, hickory, maple, and hickory constitute an environmentally friendly choice, since it’s a renewable resource.

Initially, you may pay more for solid wood furniture. However, given the many benefits – including a potentially multi-generational lifespan — solid wood furniture is a great investment.

Where should I place solid wood furniture in my home?

Aside from issues like traffic patterns, the key to placing solid hardwood furniture in any room is that the furniture should be positioned in a setting where it will not be damaged by sunlight, heat, cold, or moisture. So, try placing the furniture where it has no direct contact with sunlight, which can bleach the wood and change its color. If that’s not possible, simply rotate the furniture periodically to even out the exposure to direct sunlight.

Is solid wood furniture affected by temperature fluctuations?

Absolutely. Fluctuations in temperature significantly affect the health of hardwood furniture because wood expands and contracts when it’s exposed to changing temperatures. Sudden temperature changes can lead to warping and cracking. To avoid damaging your hardwood furniture, maintain the room at 70 degrees for the first 30 days, when the furniture’s new finish will reach its maximum performance properties. After that, keep the room temperature between 65 and 75 degrees. Also, keep the furniture away from heating and/or cooling sources such as vents, radiators, and fireplaces.

Do changes in humidity affect solid wood furniture?

Yes. Changes in the humidity of a room can have a big impact on hardwood furniture. This is because wood expands when exposed to moisture. And it contracts when the air is drier. Rapid fluctuations in moisture content can result in the wood warping, cracking, and splitting. The expansion and contraction of wood can also cause joints to loosen in pieces of furniture. So, maintain the humidity in the room at 35 to 45 percent. Also, make sure no air vents or radiators are close by to disproportionally change the moisture content of the furniture. Setting a humidifier to the required humidity level is the best way to maintain a constant humidity in the rooms where you have hardwood furniture.

How can I protect my solid wood furniture from getting damaged?

Apart from protecting your furniture from direct sunlight, extreme heat, and cold, plus too much or too little moisture, there are several things you can do to protect your furniture. First, use coasters under ice containers, cold drinks, and pitchers that are placed on furniture. Failure to do so might result in your furniture getting a permanent stain. Similarly, use protective pads under hot plates and dishes, or the area exposed to excessive heat could get stained. Second, clean up spills immediately to prevent stains and discoloration. Third, do not place cups, placemats, or toys on your hardwood furniture because the dyes and inks could discolor the finish over time. Fourth, do not use abrasive cleaners, harsh chemicals, bleach, silicone, or ammonia on your hardwood furniture.

How should I clean my solid wood furniture?

Dust your hardwood furniture often along the grain of the wood to avoid streaking and prevent scratches or scuff marks. Use a cleaner that is specifically designed for hardwood. Avoid using a polish that has silicone or chemical waxes because they can damage or destroy the finish. Change your dusting cloth frequently since a frequently used cloth may be infused with elements that can scratch the hardwood finish. Try to polish your hardwood furniture every six to 12 weeks. Doing this will help maintain its sheen and protection.

Where online can I find more info on taking care of hardwood furniture?

A number of sites online provide information about taking care of solid hardwood furniture. One such site is ‘What sort of care does Amish furniture require?’, which is part of the e-Amish Furniture website. Also, visit Amish Furniture Shops for more information on Amish furniture.

What if I’m ready to buy Amish solid wood furniture online?

In Google or another search engine, simply search for “Amish furniture”. Several Amish retailers will populate your screen. One of these retailers is e-Amish Furniture. E-Amish offers finished heirloom-quality Amish furniture directly from their vast inventory. Or, you can order pieces with limited customization, such as your choice of varnish. That way, you can match your new furniture with your existing pieces. And your furniture will arrive fast through the company’s Quick Ship program.

How can you find out more about solid hardwood furniture?

To learn more about Amish solid hardwood furniture, check out Why Amish Furniture? Your Grandkids Will Thank You!. Additionally, for more information on buying hardwood furniture online, visit “How to Buy Amish Furniture Online”.