Tips To Care For Wooden Furniture, Windows and Doors

There is nothing quite as beautiful as genuine timber. Timber has an effortless way of transforming a property into a classic, cosy, and comfortable space. Not to mention the wonderful, earthy aroma that real, perfectly varnished timber brings to a room – pure heaven.

As with most beautiful things in life, timber requires a lot of love and care. As a building material, timber comes with its own share of advantages and disadvantages. It is important to carefully consider whether this material is right for you and your home. Different climates and weather conditions will impact the degree of maintenance your timber items will require.

Risks to Consider When Choosing Timber Furniture and Frames

Some of the challenges that come with having wooden furniture, windows and doors include:

• Warping: in intense sunlight, wooden items can warp or twist over time
• Fire-risk: wooden furniture and frames don’t score highly for fire-resistance
• Cracking: untreated or exposed to the elements, wood will eventually crack or peel
• Pests: timber is prone to termites and other pests
• Maintenance: maintaining wood can be intensive depending on the quality

How To Care For Your Timber Furniture, Windows and Doors

When cared for and regularly maintained, timber can remain highly durable and last for decades. When you give your wood the attention it deserves, it will reward you with a lifetime of beauty and pleasure in return.

Step 1: Clean

Done regularly, cleaning your timber shouldn’t take too much elbow grease. Simply wash the wood with a soft cloth and a bit of soapy water. To tackle stubborn grease, use dishwashing liquid with little to no water, then rinse with water afterwards. Do not use any other household cleaner, including kitchen and bathroom products or harsh chemicals.

Step 2: Treat Gaps, Scratches and Chips

Timber should be treated immediately as soon as you see signs of wear or damage. Repainting or restaining any problem areas is essential to keeping your timber furniture, windows and doors looking pristine.

1. Prepare the damaged section by lightly sanding it in the direction of the grain.
2. Use a wet cloth to remove any residue, taking care not to inhale any dust.
3. Use a timber filler to repair the damage and smooth out the surface before finishing.
4. Then reapply the finish and leave to dry.

Step 3: Seal, Paint or Varnish

There are three kinds of finishes that are typically used on natural timber: varnishes, sealants, and oils. The kind of finish you use depends on what kind of elemental exposure is involved. For example, will the wood be placed in humid conditions, or will it be exposed to harsh sunlight?

Varnish: Varnishes are suitable for indoor wood that isn’t exposed to harsh sunlight. However, removing and recoating varnish is a tedious task.

Oils: Oiling is a more traditional method of nourishing timber, though oil has a short lifespan and tends to build up into a tacky residue which eventually needs to be scraped and cleaned.

Sealants: Overall, sealants are a better choice for sealing wood as they are easier to apply and maintain. When the sealant wears out, you simply need to lightly sand the wood down and reapply it. Water-based coatings offer your timber the best protection, durability, and ease of maintenance.

Step 4: Maintain

Timber should typically be treated annually in order to maintain a lengthy lifespan. However, South Africa’s climate has certain extremes. It is a good idea to treat timber before the rainy season, and again before the summer months.

Browse Our Premium Range of Timber Windows and Doors!

Swartland offers a wide selection of top-of-the-range wooden windows and doors to choose from. We would be glad to walk you through your best maintenance options for your timber. Visit our website for more or contact us for a quote today.
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