Solid wood is a living material. It breathes with humidity, deepens with age, and rewards attention. The good news is that caring for it well requires almost no effort — just the right knowledge and a small seasonal ritual.
Every piece we deliver comes with a care card. But over time, questions come in — and we've gathered the most important guidance here. Whether your piece is freshly delivered or years old, these principles apply.
Daily and Weekly Care
Cleaning
For daily dust and light marks, a soft dry cloth is all you need. For spills, act immediately — blot (never rub) with a slightly damp cloth, then dry immediately. Standing moisture is wood's only real enemy in regular use.
Avoid all-purpose spray cleaners, silicone-based polishes, and anything ammonia-based. These strip the natural oils in the timber or leave a residue that prevents future oiling from penetrating.
Keep a soft microfibre cloth near your dining table. A 10-second wipe after each meal will prevent the build-up of fine grit that slowly dulls the surface over time.
Oiling: Your Most Important Annual Ritual
Oil-finished solid wood needs re-oiling once or twice a year — more frequently in dry Highveld winters when indoor humidity drops and timber can dry out slightly. The process takes about 30 minutes and dramatically extends the life and beauty of your piece.
- Clean the surface thoroughly and allow it to dry completely (at least 2 hours).
- Use a food-safe finishing oil (Danish oil, linseed oil, or the specific oil we recommend for your timber). Never use cooking oil — it goes rancid.
- Apply with a clean lint-free cloth in the direction of the grain. Use small circular motions, then finish with long strokes along the grain.
- Allow to penetrate for 15–20 minutes, then buff off any excess with a dry cloth. Wet spots left to dry will become sticky.
- Allow 24 hours before normal use.
Dealing With Scratches and Marks
Solid wood can be repaired in ways that no veneered or MDF piece can. A light scratch on an oil-finished surface can often be raised and blended with a re-oil. A deeper gouge can be filled with matching wood filler and sanded flush. If in doubt, contact us — we're happy to advise or arrange a repair visit.
"A scratch on solid wood is a repair opportunity. A scratch on veneer is a permanent scar."
Protecting Against Heat and Light
- Always use coasters and trivets. Direct heat from cups and pots will raise the grain and can cause permanent white rings on oil finishes.
- Use placemats at dining tables. The constant friction of crockery combined with fine grit from food dulls the surface faster than almost anything else.
- Avoid placing pieces in direct, intense sunlight for extended periods. UV fades timber unevenly. If sun exposure is unavoidable, rotate decorative pieces occasionally and consider UV-filtering window film.
- In centrally heated or air-conditioned rooms, try to maintain a consistent humidity level. Extreme swings cause natural movement in solid timber.
