7 Tips for Caring for the Wood in Your Home
It’s very important to remember that wood requires special care, both when it’s indoors or outdoors. Caring for your wood is simpler than it may seem, however, it’s easy to forget that wood can be tarnished and damaged by heat, insects or UV rays.
Wood can expand, rot, dry out, split or become stained or scratched. In light of this, we’ve compiled 7 tips for caring for wood in both the inside and outside of your home.
Protective oils
To protect wooden furniture that’s stored outside, such as chairs, tables or decorative items, lightly clean the surface with a damp cloth to wipe away any dirt. Leave it to dry and then apply teak oil to help protect it. Teak oil is specifically recommended for outdoor furniture, which tends to suffer the most from indirect weather damage.
In addition to creating a protective layer on the surface of your furniture, this oil will also hydrate and nourish your wood. This will not only make it stronger and healthier, but it will also make it more durable and keep it in good condition over time, protecting it against indirect damage. It’s important to apply this product at least once a year, as it will gradually dissolve over time.
Protecting your outdoor wooden furniture
There’s another alternative for protecting your outdoor wooden furniture. In addition to applying a protective product, such as the teak oil we mentioned previously, it’s also best to keep your outdoor furniture out of the cold and the rain.
If possible, keep your furniture under a shelter or in a shed. However, if you don’t have this option, you can also use a plastic cover that covers every part of the furniture.
Sand the surface
Gently sanding the surface of your wood before applying a protective product is extremely important. This helps to eliminate any impurities or remains of previous layers of varnish or paint. Then you can apply your chosen product and leave it to dry away from direct sunlight or damp areas.
Apply varnishes
Varnishes are a universal and easy-to-use product, available for all types of wood. They can be used on wood that is matte or gloss-finished or that has a high shine.
It’s best to apply varnishes with a medium-sized brush, following the grain of the wood, and to apply at least two thin coats on the surface. Caring for your wood in this way means it will be better protected and for longer. Varnishes are one of the most popular products on the market for caring for wood.
Use wax
To protect the surfaces of wood against damage such as splitting, it’s best to apply a coat of paste wax. This type of wax can be used on, among other things, un-laminated floors, tables, counters, cupboards, chairs, and stools.
Apply the wax using a soft steel wool sponge, but remember to always follow the grain of the wood. The wood will absorb the wax and help to repair some of the surface damage. Leave the wood to dry for a couple of minutes and then wipe the surface with a dry cloth. It’s best to repeat this process frequently to ensure that your furniture continues to look its best.
Caring for laminated wooden floors
A wax suitable for laminated floors can be applied directly to any laminated wooden floors in your home. Be careful not to overuse the wax or use strong products, such as alcohol or turps, on your floor. Rub the wax in using a cloth to remove any excess water and then leave the floor to dry, being careful not to walk on it while it’s damp.
Watch out for water
If you have any leaks in your roof, keep an eye on them on rainy days. If you don’t see a leak, then water may seep through and cause your wood to expand. Then, there’s no going back!
If you don’t take the right precautions, then your floors, doors or skirting could expand and become damaged. You may then have to pay out a lot of money to replace them. Remember – prevention is always better than cure!
When we’re busy with our daily routines, it’s sometimes easy to forget about caring for your wood and furniture. If you have wooden floors in your home, laminated or un-laminated, it’s important to pick up your chairs and tables when you move them. This will avoid damaging or scratching your floors.
It’s also important to remember that, when you use a protective product, it’s important to reapply it at least once a year. That way, your wood will have a well-cared for, shiny and healthy look and it’ll stay in good condition for longer.