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July 5, 2022

By: Zara Sahota | Design Specialist

Caring For Your Timber Furniture

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Collecting beautiful timber products for your home is an exciting investment. With natural wood, each piece is unique due to its grains, knots, veins and striking characteristics. Furniture is designed around these features by displaying the timbers’ natural beauty in its imperfections, creating a statement piece for your space. 

Although timber is highly durable, the protective finishes placed on the surface must be cared for to preserve its original look and feel. With proper care and products used, your timber furniture will age beautifully for years to come. 

Keep reading to find out how to best care for your timber furniture pieces. 

SHOP TIMBER

General Timber Care

Less is more when it comes to cleaning your timber. No matter what type or finish of timber you have, the same general steps are required to clean and preserve its appearance.

  1. On a regular basis, simply dust with a soft cloth that is slightly damp. 
  2. Immediately dry the surface completely with a cotton cloth to remove any excess moisture. 
  3. For polishing your timber use a qualified non-silicone product specifically made for wooden surfaces. 

We recommend Guardsman Timber care products to help protect the finish and keep your timber pieces looking new for a lifetime. Available as easy-to-use care kits or individual care products, Guardsman also offers warranties for accidental spills and damages. Click here to view the range. 

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Aside from these three main steps to keep your timber looking fresh, it is just as important to treat your furniture with some general TLC so you can enjoy it season after season. We have put together a list of do’s and don'ts when it comes to maintaining the longevity of your timber pieces. 

DO's: 
  • Use heat resistant place mats and coasters to protect against heat or water marks
  • Wipe up any spills immediately with a soft damp cloth
  • Use a wood marker for touching up small scratches. We recommend the Guardsman marker kit
DON’Ts: 
  • Avoid exposing your timber products to direct sunlight as it can cause fading/darkening and warping
  • Never use general household chemicals to clean
  • Don't use a feather duster as it can scratch the surface

High Gloss Timbers

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Many dining tables state that they are fully “sealed” which means the timber has a protective layer that reduces the chance of staining from dirt or spills. However, these lacquer seals only protect the natural wood to a certain extent. These products still require regular maintenance and care taken to prevent permanent damage and extend its longevity. 

Lacquer on timber can either lighten or darken over time, so placing runners on a dining table for too long can lead to the covered areas becoming a different tone to the rest of the table. 

Solid wood will also have some degree of timber movement depending on the climate. Therefore, your timber products will naturally have slight movements throughout the different seasons of the year.   

Shop OZ Design Furniture's range of wooden tables, chairs, storage pieces as well as bedroom furniture made from a variety of different timbers such as Mango wood, Australian messmate, Tasmanian blackwood, Acacia timber and more. 

Types of Timber

Each with its own unique look and texture here are a few examples of popular timbers used for furniture. 

Australian Messmate

Also known as Tasmanian Oak, messmate is a hardwood that easily accepts stains, paints and polishes. With lighter colour tones and rich with natural grain details, this timber is often paired with black metal hardware as a striking contrast.

Mango Wood

Sourced from mango trees, this hardwood is durable, dense and has a wide range of tones from dark to golden brown. With a straight grain and natural luster, mango wood is perfect for heavyweight household furniture. 

Tasmanian Blackwood

Being rich in colour with its deep reddish brown finish, blackwood gives off a grand and luxurious look for any home interior. It has a fine grain which creates a smooth and polished texture, perfect for furniture finishes. 

Acacia

Acacia is one of the hardest woods due to its extremely high density and resilience. This means it is resistant to harsh weather, scratches and rotting, allowing it to stand the test of time with minimal maintenance. 

Wormy Chestnut 

Showcasing nature’s history, Wormy Chestnut has deep red gum veins formed by fire and worm markings within its surface. As a result of the harsh climate it was formed in, this timber is hard-wearing and durable with similar tones to Oak.

Reclaimed Timbers 

Reclaimed timbers including elm, teak and pine have been repurposed to create furniture whilst preserving natural resources. Each piece provides a gorgeous rustic look, showcasing imperfections such as cracks, splits and uneven surfaces. 

 

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