Caring for your furniture is important in protecting your investment in fine furniture. Below are some tips and guidelines for caring for various furniture materials and finishes.
Natural Wood Furniture Care
Choosing solid wood furniture is an investment in the special value of natural materials. Each piece naturally responds to changes in temperature and humidity. As solid wood responds to dry air by losing moisture, it shrinks a bit. Tabletop halves may part slightly, or a few tiny openings may appear on solid wood surfaces. These are natural responses, not manufacturing defects, and do not affect the strength and soundness of the furniture.
As the humidity rises, the tabletop halves and tiny openings will close again. To minimize these natural responses and preserve the beauty of your solid wood furniture, we strongly recommend that you:
- Use a humidifier in your home;
- Use a high quality furniture polish such as Woodley's Creme Polish;
- Wipe up spills as soon as possible and protect you table from scratches, excess heat and sunlight.
Lacquer Finishes
Every product with a lacquer finish is first sealed and then lacquered. If left untreated, the lacquer will dry and become brittle, thereby breaking the seal as the top expands or contracts. By using a good quality furniture polish, the lacquer finish will remain elastic, which enables it to stretch with the wood.
Heat or standing water will cause a great deal of damage to a lacquered finish. Never place anything hot directly on your tabletop. Use a table pad, place mats, or coasters when serving food and drinks. Following these simple guidelines will protect and preserve the lasting beauty of your natural wood furniture.
Fabric Furniture Care
Fabric on your new furniture is included in our one-year service warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. However, no fabric is warranted against fading, normal wear and tear, abuse or improper cleansing damages. Vacuum weekly. Dirt and grit will cause fabrics to wear more quickly. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Before cleaning any type of stain, pretest a small area for color-fastness. It fabric "bleeds" or shrinks, have it professionally cleaned.
Some fabrics have excess fiber that will pill or shed like an expensive sweater. This is not a defect. Most pilling can be removed by trimming or shaving with a "Buzz Off".
Leather Furniture Care
The markings on leather are nature's hallmarks and distinguish genuine leather from synthetic materials. These "fingerprints" are different on every hide and are the result of years of nature's work. Top grain leather stands up to the rigors of daily life in the home or office. To clean simply use mild soap and a damp cloth.
Granite and Slate
Granite, slate or fabricated granite will have different characteristics making each piece unique. The individual tiles or slates can differ in color or texture. Use soap and water to clean.