Caring for Wood Furniture

All Darafeev products have been finished with the finest materials on the market. Along with using compliant toners, stains and other essential finishing products manufactured to the highest EPA standards along with the final finish coat which is a post catalyzed varnish, very little care is required in maintaining a Darafeev finished product.

Heat, Humidity and Hardwoods

It’s a fact that up to half the weight of freshly sawn wood is water. Furniture is crafted from wood that is carefully dried retaining just enough moisture for the furniture to properly acclimate to the relative humidity in your home. The wood in furniture “breathes”, taking on and releasing moisture. This results in shrinking and expanding components, and either extreme may cause splits and/or joint failure.

Like your own skin, solid hardwood furniture’s natural response to extremely dry air is to lose moisture and shrink a bit. The halves of an extension table may part slightly and a few tiny openings may appear on a solid wood surface. This will correct itself as the relative humidity in the home rises, and the wood absorbs enough moisture to expand slightly. On the other hand, if you don’t have an air conditioner or humidifier, your home’s relative humidity may get too high. Parts of your wood furniture may absorb excess moisture from the air and expand. Under normal environmental fluctuation this will correct itself as your home’s relative humidity decreases. The furniture’s quality and sturdiness are not affected by these natural changes.

Ensure Your Solid Hardwood Furniture’s Longevity

• For your comfort, as well as to protect your furniture, use a humidifier or heater in the winter and an air conditioner in the summer to keep relative humidity at 25-35 percent.
• Avoid placing furniture directly in front of radiators, heat runs, or fireplaces
• Don’t expose hardwood furniture to continuous direct sunlight.

With just a little TLC, genuine hardwood furniture will last a lifetime – taking good care of your solid hardwood furniture ensures its longevity. Just clean with a soft damp cloth!