Wood

 

We utilise a broad range of solid wood in our collection, including oak, ash, beech, pine and larch wood, of which the majority is FSC™ certified.

Wood is a natural material – no two pieces of wood are the same – which is why there are no two identical pieces of wooden furniture. Wood is constantly changing, which means that its structure and colour evolve over time. The biggest changes take place at the start of a piece of furniture’s life. Solid wood is particularly affected by seasonal changes in humidity. During the summer, wood expands and may cause tabletops to bow slightly. During the winter, the wood contracts again.

 

 

Wood movement – expanding and contracting – can cause ‘checks’ (small splits and cracks between the veins of the wood) to appear. However, these do not damage the product and can usually be successfully treated with a wood oil treatment. To maximise the lifespan of wooden furniture, it is important to ensure that it is continuously cared for and maintained. Below are guides on how to best treat and maintain your furniture made of solid wood. Using a neutral wood oil will help the wood to retain its original colour, as well as have a water-repelling effect and protect the wood from drying out. For a lighter/white surface, we recommend treating the product with a white-pigmented wood oil. Apply oil with a soft sponge or soft, lint-free cloth in the direction of the wood grain in a continuous thin layer. Allow the oil to dry for three hours, then wipe with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove any excess oil. Daily cleaning (wiping the surface after a meal, for example) slowly removes oil from the wood, which is why it is recommended that you treat the wood 4–6 times a year, or as needed. Please read the instructions on the bottle prior to treatment.

For a more thorough clean of your wooden furniture, you should use a wood cleaner, which removes marks like oil-based stains, water rings and more. It can also be used to wash tannic acid out of oak wood. Always remember to treat the surface with a neutral wood oil or white-pigmented oil after using wood cleaner. Always remember to also treat the underside of your furniture, otherwise there is a risk that the wood will warp or crack. If the surface of the wood ‘rises up’ (becomes rough) after treatment, you can lightly sand it in the direction of the wood grain using fine sandpaper (minimum 200 grit). Never use steel wool!

Veneer

Wood veneer is made from thin sheets of solid wood that are applied to a base of MDF, plywood or chipboard. Veneered surfaces should be cleaned regularly with a damp cloth. In case of spots or stains, remove them with a well-wrung cloth. The surface must be dried immediately after so that no liquid of any kind remains.

Oiled Veneer

For daily cleaning, wipe with a clean, dry cloth or a cloth wrung out in clean water. If a wrungout cloth or chamois is used, immediately wipe away the water with a clean, dry cloth. Dirty surfaces should be wiped with a cloth that has been wrung out hard in soapy water. Again, dry immediately with a clean, dry cloth. Do be aware that liquid detergents will dissolve the oil, so an oil treatment should be repeated. To do this, apply wood oil evenly with a soft cloth or sponge in the direction of the wood’s grain. After 2-3 hours, the wood may be polished with a clean, dry cloth. If intermediate sanding is needed, use fine sandpaper (no. 220). Never sand across the grain, and never use iron wool or wire sponges. Avoid exposing the surfaces to water or other liquids for an extended period of time. Spilled liquids should be wiped away immediately.

Lacquered Veneer 

Wipe with a clean, dry cloth or with a cloth or chamois that has been wrung out in clean water. If a wrung-out cloth is used, immediately wipe away the water with a clean, dry one.

Dirty surfaces are wiped with a cloth or chamois that has been wrung out hard in soapy water. Again, dry immediately with a clean, dry cloth.

We recommend using mild detergents for cleaning lacquered veneer. Note that it is not recommended to use harsh detergents or products that contain scouring powder, as this will result in a dull, scratched and damaged surface. Avoid exposing the surfaces to water or other liquids for an extended period of time. Spilled liquids should be wiped away immediately.

Accoya Treated Pine Wood

Accoya is a treatment that makes the wood resistant to external factors, including the impact of fluctuating weather. During the Accoya treatment process, the cell walls of the wood are closed, ensuring that the wood does not absorb water and moisture. Fungus and decay can therefore not penetrate into the structure of the wood, as it is otherwise known to do in an untreated state. Accoya treatment also makes the wood stable, which is why it has a longer lifespan. This does not affect the structure of the wood.

Accoya wood is 100% recyclable and nontoxic, and the Accoya wood we use is FSC™ certified. It can therefore be disposed of in exactly the same manner as untreated wood without any additional harmful effects to our environment. One can safely burn Accoya wood for bioenergy. The wood requires less maintenance, and it is not necessary to treat the wood with protective oil, but you may do so if you would like to provide an extra protective barrier. Using a protective oil will not a!ect the unique properties of the Accoya wood.

If you would like to treat your furniture with oil, please follow the following instructions:

We recommend using Outdoor Wood Oil from Guardian as it is specially developed for the care and maintenance of unvarnished outdoor wood. The Outdoor Wood Oil from Guardian is based on vegetable oils. Wood furniture that is used outdoors is very exposed to the elements and is susceptible to changes in climate (sunlight, rain and varying temperatures) which can cause mould and mildew to grow. The risk of a mould and mildew infestation is minimized by regularly applying oil. If you notice any algae growth on the surface of the bench due to long-term rain exposure, these spots can be removed with the use of a wood cleaner. Due to the Accoya treatment, the algae growth will be limited to the surface of the bench and will not have penetrated the wood.

Wood oil and wood cleaner must be applied in the direction of the wood grain with a soft, lint-free cloth or sponge. Never apply in direct sunlight. 

Good Advice For Wooden Furniture

• Daily cleaning should be done with a clean, well-wrung damp cloth.

• For stubborn stains, wood cleaner is recommended.

• Treatment, cleaning or sanding of the wood must always be done in the direction of the wood grain.

• Do not place hot or wet items on wooden surfaces, as this can cause stains/burns.

• Placing wooden furniture close to strong heat sources (fireplaces and radiators) can affect the wood and increase the risk of warping.

• Wood should not be permanently covered by airtight materials (oilcloth, for example) for extended periods.

• When treating tabletops, treatment should be performed on both sides.