A well-built timber piece can outlast the people who bought it — but only if it is looked after. The good news is that care is mostly about small, consistent habits rather than heavy annual restoration. Here is what we tell every client on handover day.
Everyday habits
Dust with a soft, dry or barely damp cloth, following the grain. Wipe up spills straight away — water left to sit is the enemy of any finish. Use coasters and trivets; a hot pot or a sweating glass leaves marks that are far harder to remove than they are to avoid.
Mind the sun and the aircon
Direct afternoon sun fades and dries timber over time, so keep pieces out of the harshest light or draw a blind at the worst hour. Air-conditioning does the opposite — it dries the air and can make wood shrink slightly. Neither is a disaster, but a stable spot away from both extremes keeps a piece happiest.
Oiled versus lacquered finishes
An oiled finish feels natural and is easy to refresh: a light re-coat once or twice a year revives the colour and tops up the protection. A lacquered finish is tougher against spills and needs less upkeep, but a deep scratch is harder to spot-repair. When we hand over a piece we tell you which finish it has and exactly how to look after it.
Small fixes, done early
A loose hinge, a drawer that starts to drag, a knock that lifts a little edge — these are quick to sort when they are small and annoying to live with once they are big. Tighten fittings when you notice them, and call us for anything more involved. Under our guarantee, most adjustments are a simple visit.
When in doubt, ask
If a mark appears that you are not sure how to treat, send us a photo before reaching for a random cleaner from under the sink. The wrong product can do more damage than the mark itself.