Maintaining Your Wood Investment: Essential Care for Solid Timber Furniture

Bringing Jimmy & Ross furniture into your home means you’re not just investing in a table or sideboard; you are buying a living material. Solid wood does not react like synthetic laminates or metal but reacts to its environment and the surroundings. It breathes, it moves, and it ages. It is this organic quality that makes timber so lovely, but it is also what means it needs extra care. 

The reality is that caring for your solid wood furniture doesn’t have to be difficult. You just have to be consistent and have an understanding of what wood enjoys (and hates). This is your step-by-step guide for protecting your investment for decades. 

The Golden Rule: Control the Environment 

The biggest danger for solid timber isn’t spills or scratches; it’s the atmosphere. Wood is hygroscopic, so it receives and sheds moisture depending on the humidity of the room. If air is too low, such as in winter when heaters are running, the wood contracts and may split or crack. Good joinery will allow for some natural movement, but extreme movements are a recipe for disaster. 

• Temperature: Make sure your furniture is not exposed to direct heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators, or ducted heating vents. 
• Sunlight: UV rays are powerful. Over time, sunlight hitting the timber can not only bleach its colour, but it can cause the wood to dry out and crack. If your dining table is near a big window, use sheer curtains, for example, to scatter light. 

Daily Cleaning: Less is More 

The mistaken belief is that wood must be ‘fed’ constantly by means of polishes and oils. In reality, contemporary wood finishes – lacquer, oil, or wax – are meant to seal the wood. Over-polishing can create a sticky buildup that will catch dust and dull the shine. A simple practice is best: 

• Dust Regularly: Use a cloth that is soft and free of lint (microfibre is an excellent choice). Dust is abrasive; if it remains for too long, it accumulates and can cause micro-scratches that smudge the finish and dull it over time. 
• Wipe Spills Immediately: Whether it’s red wine or water, liquid is the enemy. Blot the spill gently; do not rub, as rags can push liquid deeper into the grains. 
• Damp, not wet: If you have a sticky spot, use a slightly damp cloth along with mild, non-alkaline soap. Follow with a dry cloth as soon as possible; never leave water on the surface. 

Prevention is Better Than Cure

The easiest solution to damage is to keep it from happening in the first place. Some of the best options to protect your furniture include: 

• Coasters and Placemats: These are non-negotiable. Hot mugs can capture moisture under the finish to create ‘heat rings’ (white cloudy marks) by trapping moisture. Condensation rings form on glasses when they are cold. Always protect from plates and cups. 
• Table Runners: This protects the furniture from scratches from centrepieces or serving dishes. 
• Felt Pads: If you have wooden flooring, stick felt pads on your furniture’s feet. Also use felt pads beneath heavy vases or lamps that sit on your timber furniture to keep them from scratching the surface. 

Long-Term Maintenance: Oil vs Lacquer

How you treat your furniture over time depends on the way it was finished. 

• Lacquer/Varnish: These very hard finishes rest on top of the wood. They are easy to maintain, but difficult to reinstate if chipped. They tend not to need oiling, in general – just keep them clean. 
• Oil/Wax Finishes: These are the ones that soak into the grain for a more natural feel. They do dry out over time. Depending on your home’s humidity, you should apply a good-quality furniture oil (Danish oil or beeswax, for example) every 6-12 months. Always test a small, hidden patch and watch for grain when applying. 

A Note on ‘Character’ 

Don’t forget that solid timber is for using. A small dent or faint scratching from use isn’t a tragedy – it’s part of the piece’s story. And while we all try to keep our furniture clean, a ‘lived-in’ look can add warmth and history to a piece. 

With these simple maintenance tasks, your Jimmy & Ross furniture will last for years and become an heirloom for the next generations.