Product Care & Characteristics
No two pieces of wood are the same and as such each will have their individual colours, textures and grain structure. As wood is a natural product you can expect to find knots, marks and lines in the grain on various surfaces. These marks show that the timber is real, solid and reflects the nature of the product. These are not faults but part of the characteristics that you can expect from a natural material and mature differently over time giving each piece its own identity.
Care
To clean most wooden surfaces, wipe with a slightly damp cotton cloth. For greasy marks add a few drops of vinegar to the water. Never leave a surface wet as this can be harmful to the finish and always wipe up all spillages immediately. Polishing your furniture with a furniture wax each year will help to maintain the appearance of your furniture. Avoid using aerosol polishes as these can be detrimental to the finish. ​If you are unsure about using a certain cleaning product on your wooden piece, test on a small non-visible patch and leave for 48hrs to check for any negative effects before applying to the rest of the piece.
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Dust with a soft or slightly damp cloth
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Avoid direct exposure to sunlight and heat
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Sudden temperature changes and too low humidity can cause distortion, warping and cracks
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Putting hot items directly onto a wooden surface can be damaging and leave marks that cannot be removed. Always use a coaster or heat proof mat under hot items
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ELM
Natural Finish
A hearty strong wood, Elm lends itself well to sturdy pieces like dining tables and chests of drawers. To keep Elm wood looking its best, sweep away any dust, dirt or crumbs with a brush and slightly damp cloth. Avoid using any harsh acidic liquids. Our natural finish Elm pieces have a thin matt transparent varnish film that gives a basic level of protection from scratches and stains.
PINE
High Gloss Lacquered
Our high gloss pieces have been lacquered four times to provide lasting protection and a deep colour shine. The Pine wood is softer than Elm so be especially careful to avoid impacts and deeper scratches. Only use very soft, clean cloths and wipe with a light pressure. To avoid scratching, dust the items lightly with a feather duster, or alternatively, wipe lightly with a soft damp cloth to pick up the dust and follow immediately with a dry cloth.
BAMBOO
Natural Finish
Furniture made of bamboo can look great for years, but its longevity relies on proper care. Use a dust cloth regularly to keep dust from settling into the joins of armrests and legs. If you need to clean your bamboo, you can use a mild detergent in warm water and then allow it to air dry. You should apply furniture oil to your bamboo, ideally one that is specifically suited to it. This will protect your bamboo by ensuring that it will flex rather than crack and also give your bamboo a beautiful shine.
Characteristics
MOVEMENT
Wood is a natural product which ‘breathes’ in different temperatures. As it breathes some movement will occur in your furniture. This is perfectly normal and most pieces of cabinet furniture are designed to allow for movement. In rare occasions some movement may occur in the drawer runners making them more difficult to open and close – this can be easily rectified. For an effortlessly smooth drawer, rub a little soap along its edges to loosen up any stiffness.
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Movement can occur very early into the life of your furniture. Similarly, hidden pressures in the grain of any piece of wood can cause it to twist or ‘warp’. This is more noticeable in longer pieces of wood such as dining tables and often becomes more apparent after changes in temperature and humidity. In areas of the house that are prone to extremes of temperature such as conservatories or sun-rooms, we would expect solid timber to move in a more marked fashion. For example, the joints in a piece of wooden furniture that is kept in a hot room by a radiator might shrink, and in a damp/cold room the joints might expand as it takes on moisture.
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SHADING & MELLOWING
It is quite normal for a new piece of furniture to shade or mellow as part of the ageing process, and that is more evident in new pieces of furniture, as the hue of the wood comes through when exposed to daylight. It is important to avoid extreme changes of temperature and to keep your furniture away from radiators and direct sunlight where possible.
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ANTIQUE & DISTRESSED FINISHES
Our high gloss ranges come with an antiqued or distressed finish. This is a deliberate feature adding character and individuality to each piece. Please bear in mind that if you order furniture from the same colour range in the future, your original furniture may have slight colour variation, and the pieces will not be an exact match. You may also find that slight details, finishes and specifications may have changed from your original furniture.