Furniture Care - Timber

There are not many homes or commercial spaces around Australia that wouldn’t have some form of timber furniture  that is used and loved on the daily! Timber is an incredibly versatile natural product that has so many uses and has stood the test of time as one of, if not the leading material for furniture manufacturing.

Records show our earliest use of timber for furniture design and construction was in Ancient Egypt, one of the first major civilisations. The wealthy commissioned timber furniture, as this material was more comfortable than stone, which at the time was the predominant material used. Wood was valuable and had to be imported, therefore, owning timber furniture indicated power and privilege. At the risk of going down a rabbit hole of a history less – after the fall of Rome, the demand for finely crafted timber furniture diminished. It was not until the time of the Renaissance and new international wealth came into Europe from Asia that this fine wood craftmanship again became popular. Eventually the middle class had enough disposable income to be able to create a more comfortable life and buy timber furniture – and thus the market for timber furniture production exploded.

Timber over the years has proven to be a material that is available worldwide, malleable enough to be successfully moulded and shaped, light enough to be easily movable and transportable, and solid and durable enough to last. Natural timber provides wonderful warmth and depth to any home or commercial space. The natural beauty of timber means that each item is unique, and no two pieces will be the same. Each piece will vary in their natural qualities including knots, woodgrains, colour variation and surface markings. The colour tones of solid timber will vary from piece to piece, and with time will darken as the timber ages.

When caring for your timber furniture, it is best to think ‘simple’ – less is more. Timber does not require harsh chemical cleaners; with regular maintenance a soft cloth, water, and if required a diluted dish washing liquid will do the trick. Our team at Replica Furniture have put together some detailed information via our website to help guide you in the appropriate care and maintenance recommended, to ensure your Timber or Veneer Furniture is enjoyed and loved for years to come.

• >  Regular dusting with a soft lint free cloth or a light feather duster will avoid a build-up of dust and grime, which will dull the surface finish.
• >  Under no circumstance should an abrasive, acidic or silicone cleaner be used. When required use a diluted solution of dishwashing liquid and warm water with a soft cloth to clean the surface. Dry immediately with a second soft cloth to ensure water does not sit on the timber surface.
• >  To protect the natural timber finish, use coasters or mats under cold, hot, or damp objects. Should condensation be found on the surface of your timber, wipe dry with a soft cloth promptly.
• >  All spillages, particularly alcohol or acidic beverages should be cleaned immediately. Water or any moisture should never be allowed to remain on a timber or veneer surface as it may cause the timber damage or the veneer to lift.
• >  Do not place timber furniture in a position of harsh prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, near radiators, air conditioning vents, humidifiers, or a fireplace. Excessive heat can cause the timber to expand and crack.
• >  To prevent scratching the timber surface, avoid placing objects with hard or sharp edges or corners on the timber surface.
• >  Placemats, décor objects, or anything left permanently on the timber surface may cause shadows or marks on the timber as both natural and artificial lighting can alter the tone of exposed surfaces over time. Rotate regularly to ensure even colour change of your timber.
• >  Occasionally, gently buff the surface in the direction of the wood grain with a soft lint-free cloth. A light application of a non-silicone polish is recommended from time to time. There are many products on the market suitable to care for your timber, we like Gilly’s Carnauba Polish. 

Timber furniture has the wonderful ability to make a house feel like a home, create a commercial space that is visually inviting, and add depth and texture to any space through the individuality that each piece brings. At Replica Furniture we love timber, and as you will see in most of our collection, timber is often the hero material of our furniture, showcasing beautiful craftmanship and natural beauty that timber brings. Browse our collection online or instore at our showroom, 319 Gympie Road KEDRON QLD. Our team are only too happy to offer their help or advice, so you are welcome to phone at any time on 1300 338 978. Visit our Instagram or Facebook pages for styling inspiration, and to stay up to date on any product updates or new arrivals.