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How to Care for the Wood in Your Home


Classic solid oak table, £995, Loaf.

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Nothing beats the look of natural wood - it adds a layer of warmth, depth and sophistication to your home and if you take care of it, your wooden floors and furniture will last and keep their shine. Basic woodcare includes using wood sealers and being careful to avoid scratching or damaging the wood’s surface. However, preserving wood can be a tricky process, so here are some handy tips for maintaining the timber of a property.

The Wood Flooring Co. - Old Farmhouse Oak £63.91 Per m2

Beware of Household Pests

Most people don’t think about household pests and what they can do to wood. All common pests can noble the timber and some can even nest inside - a disaster for structural wood as well as completely ruining decorative or furniture wood. It helps to maintain your home as well as you can, however, pest control is almost always your best option. Even if you can’t spot anything, it is helpful to call in a local expert once a year just to make sure there are no pests.

Care for the Wood in Your Home by Dusting Regularly

Data from surveys found that most people dust once per week, or once per month. Once per month is a very long time - especially if you have pets. A month’s worth of dust will be visible and will damage your wood. Dust settles on wood and, of course, removes the shine and makes your home appear dull. Over time, any chemicals in the dust can actively damage the wood itself. Dusting your wood three times throughout the week is highly recommended.

Antrim Reclaimed Wooden Side Table, £380, Layered Lounge.

Apply the Correct Treatments

You can damage your wood if you apply the wrong treatments. Structural timber needs treatments against fungal infections, while wood like mahogany needs a sealant to protect it against water. For cleaning treatments, you must apply the correct solutions for each type of wood; double-check that you are always using the correct type of oils and waxes to rejuvenate and protect the wood.

Ercol Bedroom Salina Bed, Chest and Bedside Cabinet.

Always Use Coasters

Wood tables in particular are at the most risk because of how you use them. Stains from cups, glasses and plates are very hard to remove from exquisite wood such as oak and require a professional restorative job (which can be expensive). Simply making sure that coasters are always used goes a long way to protect wooden surfaces and shows great respect for the wood.

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