Oak is a preferred choice of wood for flooring and furniture purposes. Oak is easy to be worked on, looks good with its natural stains, and very durable. It is available in various shades with unique grain patterns that give it a differentiated look. Usually, Oakwood is a natural choice for traditional types of furniture. But the wood’s resourcefulness makes it suitable for crafting modern furniture too.
Oakwood is available in many different shades, and there are varieties of oak trees available. Over 60 types of oak trees are grown in the US alone. Common types of oak wood are white and red oak used in the home furniture. Typical home furniture can include an oak dining set, wine chest, floors, cabinets, kitchenware, etc.
General Caring Tips for Oak Furniture
Be it any furniture, it may start wearing up over time. But, with timely care, you can maintain the looks, beauty, and durability of your oak furniture. Following are some practical tips for furniture caring:
- Too much exposure to sunlight will make your oak furniture fade and look older fast. Avoid placing your furniture in sunlight.
- Place the oak furniture where there is sufficient ventilation. If you place it beside a wall, maintain enough space between your furniture and wall. It maximizes the airflow and stability in temperature, which results in a long life for the oak furniture. On the other hand, if placed near the heated areas like the fireplace, it could cause damage due to wood shrinkage and splitting.
- If you have a wooden floor, you should have padding under the furniture’s feet. It will protect the foot of your oak furniture and also the wooden floor from damages.
- Wax polish your furniture regularly. Wax acts like an additional coating to protect the wood. Waxing moisturizes and nourishes the wood and also adds up to its beauty. Although oak is known to be durable, it can still crack or stain due to its absorbing nature. Hence, waxing is essential.
- Oak furniture requires regular cleaning. Properly waxed furniture can be easily cleaned by simply wiping it out. But wet oak surfaces are hard to be cleaned and should be dried first to avoid decaying of wood. That’s one more reason for protecting your furniture with a wax coating.
Wax Coating Your Oak Furniture
Applying a wax coat to your furniture is an essential thing to maintain your oak furniture. Yet, it is an easy and hassle-free procedure that we can handle ourselves. Following are some steps to wax your furniture properly:
- Be assured that you are using the proper tools. You must use a wax brush. However, you can also use a cloth with fewer fibers. For better understanding, you must read the waxing instructions mentioned in the wax box.
- Clean the surface before waxing to remove any visible dust or particles. Ensure that the furniture surface is smooth.
- It is better to check the wax on a surface so is not visible. It helps you in practicing how to apply wax and also check the quality beforehand.
- While coating the furniture with wax, put uniform pressure and perform a circular motion. With areas that have scratches, apply a little more force so that the polish soaks in.
- Apply wax in a similar direction to grains with thinner coatings. It makes the wax polish dry quickly and set well.
- Once the polish dries up, use a cloth to rub the waxed area till it becomes shiny.
Cleaning Your Oak Furniture
As all the woods are unique in their ways, we cannot have a common cleaning approach for all the wooden furniture.
Make it a habit to clean your furniture on a regular basis to maintain its beauty always. Just wet a soft cloth and wipe the surface and ensure that all the spill stains get cleared. Apart from regular cleaning, dusting is also critical. Dust settles over time and distorts the visual appeal of your furniture.
Be very cautious when using pre-made furniture cleaning products. Most of the cleaning products use rigid chemicals that can cause irrevocable damage to your furniture. It’s better to start with mild cleaners first. Some natural alternatives to cleaners include vinegar, mayonnaise, baking soda, and bleach.
Final Words on Oak Furniture
From dining sets to cabinets to bookshelves to wardrobes, oak furniture gives your home interior an exquisite appeal. If maintained, oak furniture can last for a lifetime considering its durable and sturdy nature. Follow the maintenance tips above and enjoy your oak wood masterpiece for generations to come.
