How to Take Care of Oak Furniture

I wanted to ensure that my oak furniture would withstand the passage of time and researched what the consensus was on the best techniques to take care of oak furniture and oak based products.

After significant research, I found that there were two broad camps when it came to oak furniture care. These two camps were largely determined by the quality of the workmanship of the finished product. As oak is renowned for its great strength and hardness, the resistance of the wood and grain itself is rarely questioned, but the workmanship is instrumental in determining what care is needed.

This article is based on oak furniture that has been made using the most dedicated craftsmanship and using thoroughly kiln dried oak that has matured and been perfected over time. Lesser attention to workmanship and the quality of the timber will inevitably lead to shrinkage, warping, breaking of furniture joints and the such.

You will need these materials:

• Wax based polish
• Linseed oil

You will need these tools:

• Lint-free cloth

Step 1: Positioning Your Oak Furniture

We’ve touched on oak furniture’s strength and endurance, but as with any piece of furniture the first recommendation is to be aware of where you place your furniture and what you place on any surfaces.

Consider the following:-

• Keep away from heat sources such as radiators and fires. While oak that has been well kiln dried and matured will be less prone to shrinkage, there is no value in exposing the furniture to heat damage.
• If the furniture is in direct sun, do consider moving it permanently or moving it out of the sunniest place in the height of summer.
• Any objects that are placed on the surface of oak furniture should be rotated periodically. Move a vase or other objects as they may lead to marking over time.

Step 2: Identify the Finish

When you buy your oak furniture the first thing you should ideally do, is check with the joiner or cabinet maker what the finish on the furniture is and seek their advice as to how to care for it. If you don’t know what the oak furniture has been finished in, below are the three most common types of wood finish.

• Oil Finished
• Lacquer Finish
• Wax Finish

Each finish will require a slightly different approach but common to all is the beauty of the grain and any polishing or treatment should work to protect and embellish the grain. ALWAYS work any polish in the direction of the grain.

Step 3: Caring for Oil Finished Oak Furniture

Working in the direction of the grain, use a damp, lint free cloth rub in linseed oil as and when you feel that the furniture could need a quick “pick up”. Over time, oak can loose its shine and appear dry looking, so a quick polish with an oil based treatment immediately works to restore the wood to its former glory. I would recommend a polish every 3 to 6 months with the following caveats:-

• Ensure that any spills of oil are quickly worked in and not allowed to seep into one particular area.
• If any areas are worn, be sure to not snag the cloth and cause any additional problems.
• Worn or damaged areas can be brought back to resplendence by gently rubbing with fine sandpaper in the direction of the grain and then oil polishing.

Step 4: Caring for Lacquer Finished Oak

Lacquer finished oak will just need a periodic wipe with a damp, lint free cloth using silicon free furniture polish. Again, ensure that you only work polish in the direction of the grain.

• If lacquer finished oak has any damage to the finish, do not be tempted to remedy the situation yourself. Do not pick at the lacquer and seek professional advice to ensure that the furniture is re-lacquered consistently.

Step 5: Caring for Waxed Oak Furniture

Using your lint free cloth, work wax into the direction of the oak grain and leave a coat of wax to stand on all the oak surfaces. After about ten minutes use a separate, clean lint free cloth and polish off all the wax to bring your oak back to a consistent finish.

Step 6: Sit Back and Enjoy Your Furniture

Using the above methods and recommended positioning tips, your oak furniture will look stunning for a considerable period of time. Unlike cheaper woods, the grain, strength and resistance to warping ensures that your furniture will look stunning in your home for years to come.

Enjoy!