Naturally beautiful and durable, oak is the perfect hardwood for making quality furniture that’s built to last. Discover top tips to make your Oak Furnitureland pieces last even longer with our guide to caring for oak furniture.
Lay the best foundations
Boston extra wide sideboard | @our_london.home
To begin with, make sure you buy furniture that’s made from good quality, kiln-dried oak to prevent it from warping and to add to its longevity. That’s why we make sure that all of our oak pieces are made from quality, kiln-dried oak so you can be safe in the knowledge that your furniture is built to last.
When your furniture arrives in your home, help the oak adjust to its new environment by treating it with a wax polish.
How to wax oak furniture
Parquet coffee table | @laura.elizabeth_
You’ll need to wax your furniture at least every six months to nourish the wood and form a lasting protective seal. It’s really worth taking the time to do this as it can really help your furniture last a lifetime. Waxing protects the grain, makes the wood crack resistant, and keeps any finish in its best condition.
It’s a good idea to test the wax you’re going to use on a part of the furniture not in plain sight, like underneath the table or the inside of a cupboard or drawer, just to check you’re ok with the finish. If you’re happy, apply the wax to the rest of the piece in the same direction as the wood grain. Leave it for five minutes, then remove the wax by buffing, again following the direction of the grain. It’s a simple process that doesn’t take too long.
Cleaning oak furniture
Original Rustic large sideboard
The wax will form a protective layer on the oak, so for everyday cleaning, just wipe the surface down with a clean, damp cloth, or use cleaning products specifically designed for hardwood. For concentrated spills that might stain, blot the liquid with a clean, soft and slightly damp cloth. If you discover a set-in stain that you haven’t noticed before, it’s best to contact a professional furniture restorer.
Keeping oak happy
Provence dining table | Scroll back truffle fabric chairs | @laurashomeandlifestyle
Have a think about where your furniture is going to live in your home. Wood is a natural material, and it doesn’t like extremes of heat and cold – it won’t thrive in air-conditioned rooms or conservatories. Direct sunlight may fade the finish, and heat from radiators will dry your furniture out.
It’s a good idea to keep a gap of about 25mm between the wall and the back of your furniture. This lets air flow through, keeping the temperature stable and prolonging the life of your oak. If you have wooden floors, place felt pads under your furniture’s feet as this protects both the furniture and floor.
Hopefully that’s given you useful tips for caring for your oak furniture. We’d love to see your Oak Furnitureland pieces in your homes. Tag us using #OakFurnitureland on Instagram to share your style.
