Wood

Dust with a soft cloth along the wood grain. Use a damp cloth for light dirt and a water–Murphy’s soap mix for oily stains. Dry thoroughly with a clean cloth. Blot spills instead of wiping to prevent scratches.

Over time, the foundation of your home settles and floors can become uneven. This can cause furniture to sit unevenly, or cause uneven doors on armoires. If your furniture does not have a built-in leveling device, a shim or two will help to level a piece when needed.

Most wood pieces absorb stain differently. Batches of stains and paints can vary slightly over time. Hand applied stains, paints and glazes can vary slightly. Finishes change as they age. Because of these issues, we can not guarantee a 100% perfect stain match from item to item in a new order. Minor variations will always be present, regardless of cost.

Wood finishes naturally change over time. Low-sheen finishes may become shinier, and wood may expand or contract with climate changes, affecting joints and seams. Many woods darken or redden with age, and white paint may yellow. These changes are normal and not covered by warranty.

Doors should be kept closed and not left hanging open. Changes in humidity can cause warping—high humidity leads to expansion, while low humidity causes contraction. The client is responsible for keeping doors closed and maintaining stable indoor humidity to prevent warping.

Solid wood furniture reacts to humidity—shrinking in dry air and expanding in moisture. This can cause small cracks, minor warping, and slight misalignment of doors or drawers. These changes are normal, don’t affect structural integrity, and can’t be corrected. Maintaining proper humidity, especially in winter, is recommended.

White washed finishes will enhance knots and grain variations naturally found in the wood.

Extreme heat from radiators or heat ducts can cause warping or splitting as well as buckling or delaminating of veneers.

Use felt pads under lamps and similar items. Always use placemats and hot pads for hot dishes. Avoid placing rubber, plastic, or synthetics on wood, and don’t leave newspapers or magazines on surfaces, as they can damage or stain the finish.

Do not use silicone waxes, lemon oil, or other oily polishes. They can attract dust and grit, causing scratches in the finish. We recommend Furniture Cream for standard lacquered wood finishes once a year or less.

Overexposure to sunlight can adversely affect wood finishes, causing cracking and bleaching that are difficult and costly to repair.

Minor damage can be fixed with a furniture touch-up pencil. Use light, medium, and dark markers, starting with the lightest. Contact client services for additional repairs if needed.