How to choose, clean and maintain solid wood furniture

How to choose, clean and maintain solid wood furniture

Solid wood furniture is known and appreciated for its natural beauty and durability. The correct selection, care and cleaning of However, solid wood furniture requires some specialist knowledge. In this article, we will explain how to select, clean and maintain these pieces of furniture using teak and suar wood (also called acacia wood) as examples.

I. How to choose teak and suar wood furniture

1. Understand the properties of wood

   • Teak wood : Teak wood is known for its durability, moisture resistance and natural resistance to pests. Therefore, it is often used for garden furniture. It has a beautiful grain and its color ranges from golden yellow to dark brown. Over time, untreated teak wood develops a noble silver-gray patina. Due to its high content of natural oils, teak wood has excellent weather resistance and stays in good condition for a long time even without additional treatment.
   • Suar wood (acacia wood) : Suar wood is characterized by a distinctive grain with clear color contrasts, which makes it particularly attractive visually. It is a hard, durable wood that is ideal for large pieces of furniture such as tables, benches or cabinets. The natural grain of the wood gives each piece of furniture a unique character.

2. Pay attention to the wood quality

   • Uniform color : Quality teak and suar wood furniture should have a uniform color without obvious color differences. Teak wood should have a natural golden or brown sheen, while suar wood should show its characteristic grain and color contrasts.
   • Degree of dryness : The degree of dryness of the wood affects the stability and durability of the furniture. Make sure that the wood is sufficiently dried, ideally with a moisture content of 8% to 12%. Wood that is too moist or too dry can crack or warp.
   • Oil content : Teak wood naturally has a high oil content, which gives it its moisture-repellent and insect-resistant properties. When choosing teak wood furniture, you can judge the oil content by the feel of the surface - high-quality teak wood often feels slightly oily.
   • Thickness of the table tops : For larger pieces of furniture such as tables, the thickness of the wood is particularly important. For example, with Suar wood, table tops should be at least 5 cm thick to ensure the stability and durability of the furniture.

3. Stability of the construction Solid wood furniture is usually heavy, so a stable construction is crucial. When buying, make sure that the furniture connections are firm and not loose. Chair and table legs and drawer rails in particular should be checked carefully, as these parts are subject to a lot of wear and tear.

II. Cleaning solid wood furniture

1. Regular cleaning

   • Wipe with a soft, dry cloth : Solid wood furniture should be protected from dust. For daily cleaning, use a clean, soft cloth to gently wipe the furniture surface. Avoid rough or abrasive cloths as these could scratch the wood.
   • Regular waxing : Solid wood should be waxed every few months to protect the wood and maintain its shine. Teak furniture, which is rich in natural oils, can be maintained with a light coat of wood oil, while for Suar wood furniture, a slightly stronger beeswax is recommended.

2. Thorough cleaning

   • Mild cleaning agents : If there are stains on the furniture, use mild soapy water or special wood cleaners. Avoid aggressive chemical cleaning agents or strong acidic or alkaline solutions, as these could damage the protective layer of the wood.
   • Removing stubborn stains : For stubborn stains, you can use fine sandpaper to gently sand the affected area. Then you should treat the wood with wax or maintenance oil to reseal the surface. Be careful not to sand too hard to avoid damaging the wood.

3. Avoiding water stains and heat marks

   • Solid wood furniture should not come into direct contact with water or high temperatures. Always use coasters with hot pots or cups to avoid water stains or heat marks on the surface. If stains do occur, you can gently rub them with a little olive oil or lemon oil to restore the shine.

III. Care of solid wood furniture

1. Avoid direct sunlight

   • Direct sunlight can cause the surface of solid wood furniture to fade or crack. Although teak has good weather resistance, strong sunlight can accelerate the color fading. Suar wood is even more sensitive to sunlight, so it is advisable to place furniture in a shady, well-ventilated place or use curtains to block out the sun if necessary.

2. Maintain optimal humidity

   • Solid wood furniture is sensitive to humidity. Environments that are too dry can cause cracks in the wood, while conditions that are too humid can encourage mold growth. Ideally, the room humidity should be between 40% and 60%. If necessary, use a humidifier or dehumidifier to regulate the room climate.

3. Regular oiling

   • Due to its natural oil content, teak furniture does not usually require frequent maintenance. However, a treatment with special teak wood oil once a year can extend its lifespan. Suar wood furniture should be treated regularly with wood wax or beeswax to preserve its color intensity and feel.

4. Be careful when moving furniture

   • When moving solid wood furniture, care should be taken not to drag it directly along the floor to avoid damaging the piece or the floor. Use a fabric pad or glide pads when lifting the furniture, especially for heavy Suar wood furniture that requires careful handling.

Conclusion

Selecting, cleaning and caring for solid wood furniture is a worthwhile investment in its longevity and beauty. With a good understanding of the types of wood, the right selection criteria and the right care methods, your teak and suar wood furniture can retain its unique charm and natural appearance for many years. Whether through regular cleaning or periodic care - solid wood furniture becomes even more attractive over time and gives your home a distinctive, elegant character.