What is "Solid Lumber" Furniture?
"Solid Lumber" means your furniture is made of hardwood lumber such as oak, cherry, maple or quarter-sawn white oak. Do not confuse solid lumber with "all wood," the furniture using substitute materials such as particle board and plywood.
In both the manufacturing and finishing, it is expected that there will be variations in the color and grain. These variations make it impossible to guarantee an exact match in finish between two pieces of furniture, even though identical finishing processes are applied. These characteristic qualities give solid lumber furniture its unique charm.
Hardwoods are a natural fiber. Because most solid woods are open grained, your solid lumber furniture will breathe, expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes, even after protective finishes have been applied. Care needs to be taken to control the furniture's environment.
Hardwoods have character that no manmade material can duplicate. Each piece of solid lumber furniture is one-of-a-kind.
When you choose solid lumber furniture, you are investing in a special value of natural materials. Plywood and particle board may try, but can never duplicate wood's warmth and character. A bit of tender loving care goes a long way toward enhancing your enjoyment and protecting your solid lumber furniture investment. |
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Preserving Your Oil Finish Furniture
Control the Environment
Your furniture will respond to changes in humidity. We recommend keeping your home's humidity between 25 and 35%. Avoid placing your furniture in front of radiators, heat runs, wood-burning stoves, or fireplaces. Avoid placing your furniture in direct sunlight. This will affect the color of your furniture. Natural cherry will age faster than any other wood. The more sunlight it is exposed to, the darker it will become.
Major changes in temperature and humidity will shrink or expand table tops and furniture.
Everyday Care
Use coasters and hot pads to prevent damage from heat and condensation.
Repairing Dents and Scratches
The most unique feature about the oil finish is that it is very easy to repair. Should a dent or a scratch occur, simply use a damp cloth and apply it to the damaged area, then place a hot iron on top of the cloth to steam the affected area. This procedure will expand the wood and allow you to sand lightly with the grain of the wood, using a 320 grade sand paper. Reapply the oil to the repaired surface, restoring your furniture to its natural state.
Oil Your Furniture
Solid lumber does not take kindly to excessively dry air. Polish your furniture with Lemon Oil and Beeswax, or Amish Wood Wax two or three times per year, all of which can be found at Black Carriage Furniture. Use a clean, soft cloth and apply with the grain.
If wood appears dry between applications, lemon oil polish can be applied to replenish moisture.
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