Oak furniture is a material made to last. But “last” is a relative concept. With proper care, your oak table or armchair will serve you for 50 years or more, preserving its beauty and strength. With careless treatment, it will lose its appearance in 5–10 years.
At MebWood, we have been making solid oak furniture for over 30 years and know exactly what mistakes buyers make most often — and how to avoid them. These seven rules are the essence of our experience.
Protection from Direct Sunlight
Ultraviolet radiation is one of the main enemies of wood. Prolonged direct exposure leads to:
Discoloration and “fading” of the surface layer
Destruction of lignin and cellulose in the upper wood fibers
Yellowing or graying of the coating, especially oil coating
Formation of microcracks due to uneven heating
Solution: place oak furniture at least 1 meter away from windows with direct sunlight. Use UV-protective films on windows or regulate the light with curtains during active sunny hours.
Control of Indoor Humidity
Wood is a hygroscopic material: it absorbs and releases moisture according to the conditions of the surrounding environment. This is a natural process, but if it happens suddenly or unevenly, the wood deforms.
Optimal relative humidity for oak furniture: 45–65%. At humidity below 40%, which is typical in winter during active heating, the wood dries out and may develop microcracks. At humidity above 70%, it swells.
Solution: during the heating season, use air humidifiers. Place simple hygrometers in rooms with expensive oak furniture and monitor the readings.
Immediate Removal of Liquids
Water in small amounts is not an enemy of oak. But water standing on the surface is a problem. Even with a high-quality lacquer or oil coating, water eventually finds micropores and penetrates into the wood.
Algorithm of actions when liquid gets on the surface:
Immediately blot it, do not rub, with a soft absorbent cloth
Repeat several times if necessary
Let the surface dry completely naturally
If a matte ring remains, lightly polish it with wax or oil
Proper Cleaning
For daily cleaning, a slightly damp, not wet, soft microfiber cloth is enough, after which the surface should immediately be wiped dry.
It is forbidden to use:
Aggressive chemical products, including chlorine-containing products and those with abrasive particles
Steam cleaners and pressure washers, as steam opens the pores of the wood and deforms the coating
Excessively wet wiping, because water remains in the pores after drying
Abrasive sponges, steel wool, hard brushes
To remove stubborn dirt: use neutral liquid soap diluted in water at a ratio of 1:20. Wipe, thoroughly remove soap residue with a damp cloth, then wipe dry.
Thermal Protection Is Mandatory
Hot pots, pans, kettles, dishes straight from the dishwasher — all of this leaves irreversible marks on an oak surface: white stains, burns, coating deformations.
Solution: always use heat-resistant stands. Cork coasters, silicone potholders, wooden boards — any buffer between the hot object and the table surface.
The same applies to flowerpots with plants: constant contact of moisture with the bottom of the pot gradually destroys the coating. Always use trays.
Regular Renewal of the Coating
If your furniture is coated with natural oil or hard wax, and MebWood offers exactly this type of coating, the coating requires regular renewal.
For surfaces with standard use, such as a dining table: renewal once a year.
For surfaces with intensive use, such as a kitchen table or bar counter: 1–2 times a year.
Renewal procedure:
Clean the surface of dirt and remains of the old coating with fine-grained sandpaper, 220–280 grit, along the grain
Thoroughly remove dust
Apply a thin, even layer of oil or wax with a soft cloth
Leave for 30–60 minutes to absorb
Polish to a shine with a dry soft cloth
A coating that is regularly renewed protects the wood much more effectively than a neglected surface.
Let the Furniture “Breathe”
Solid wood is a living material that needs air circulation. Do not cover oak furniture with polyethylene or dense waterproof covers for a long time — moisture accumulates under them and mold develops.
If the furniture is being stored, during a move or renovation, pack it in breathable materials: cotton or linen fabrics, cardboard. Not in polyethylene.
If these seven rules are followed correctly, your furniture from MebWood will serve you, and then your children, without losing quality and beauty. If you have questions about caring for a specific product, contact us: +380661168250 or through the website mebwood.com.
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