Wood Products

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Just as trees in the forest are not the same, each individual piece of furniture has markings that will differ from catalog and showroom samples. Mineral streaks, grain variations, knots, small pits, and other marks of nature are normally found in fine woods and are not considered defects. Variations cannot be controlled or corrected and will even occur among pieces within a set. On some items we intentionally dent, discolor and scratch the wood to create an aged appearance. Techniques used include physically marking the surface with a blunt instrument, marking with darker stain and splattering with stain. An aged appearance is sometimes achieved by rubbing pumice or a similar medium into wood pores. The number and nature of distress marks are a matter of design by the manufacturer and cannot be changed, nor is it an option that can be deleted.

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**CHARACTERISTICS OF RECLAIMED WOOD**

Most products are handcrafted of solid reclaimed timbers from the exteriors of decades-old buildings. Rustic, rough-hewn wood is left unfinished to celebrate its character and provenance. Each unique, one-of-a-kind item displays the nicks, knots and imperfections that speak to the wood’s former life.

*Please note that the variations and different characteristics you can expect from reclaimed timbers are not only expected but applauded!

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Door Warping

It is important to properly close the doors and not allow them to hang open. Long periods of varying humidity can also produce warping. High humidity causes expansion; low humidity causes contraction. The client is responsible to keep doors closed when not in use, as well as to keep a reasonably stable level of humidity in the home to avoid warping problems.

 

Leveling and Settling

Over time, the foundation of your home settles and floors can become uneven. This can cause furniture to sit unevenly, or cause uneven doors on armoires. If your furniture does not have a built-in leveling device, a shim or two will help to level a piece when needed.

 

Matching Finishes

Most wood pieces absorb stain differently. Batches of stains and paints can vary slightly over time. Hand applied stains, paints and glazes can vary slightly. Finishes change as they age. Because of these issues, we can not guarantee a 100% perfect stain match from item to item in a new order. Minor variations will always be present, regardless of cost.

 

Normal Changes Over Time

Wood finishes will change in appearance as they are used. Items with low sheen finishes tend to develop an increased sheen over time. Slight variations in appearance and the fit of joints and seams will result from the normal expansion and contraction of wood as it responds to climatic changes in the home. Many wood species darken or redden with age. White painted finishes tend to yellow with age. These changes in tone, fit, finish, and texture are normal signs of aging and are not covered by any warranty.

 

Reclaimed Wood

Reclaimed lumber is collected from old structures and used in making new pieces of furniture. Each board will vary in surface texture and color shading. There may be natural splits and cracks visible. Holes where nails, bolts or hinges were applied may be open and may exhibit signs of rust around them. Large holes may be “plugged” with a wood insert. All of these features add to the unique individual character of the furniture and are not considered defects.

The majority of our offerings are left in their natural state and have a light application of wax to offer some surface protection. A few of these pieces have either a simple stain applied or we have opted to paint them and then strip the paint offering a unique aged appearance. 

If, for example, red wine is spilled on a reclaimed table top, it must be cleaned immediately to avoid staining. Using a clean dry cloth and blotting, not rubbing, the spill will usually work.

 

Solid Wood

Solid wood furniture is susceptible to changes in humidity. It contracts in a dry environ­ment and expands in a moist environment, creating season cracks, minor warping, and inconsistencies in alignment of doors, drawers, and table tops. These are normal changes that should not be cause for alarm. These changes do not affect the structural integrity of the piece and cannot be corrected. Maintaining proper humidity during winter months is recommended.

 

White Washed Finishes

White washed finishes will enhance knots and grain variations naturally found in the wood.

 

Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Extreme heat from radiators or heat ducts can cause warping or splitting as well as buckling or delaminating of veneers.

 

Cleaning

Dust lightly using a soft terry cloth with the grain of the wood. To remove minor stains or caked on dirt, wipe with a soft damp cloth. Oily stains can be removed using a cloth damp with a mixture of warm water and Murphy's soap. Dry the piece thoroughly with a clean, soft cloth. To avoid scratch­ing, you should blot, rather than wipe spills.

 

Damage Prevention

Apply adhesive felt glides to lamps and similar objects before placing them on tables. When serving hot food, always use place mats under the plates and hot pads under the serving containers. Do not set synthetics, rubber or plastics on the wood finish as they might contain chemicals that will damage the finish. Do not leave newspapers or magazines on wood as the ink can bleed onto the finish and into the wood.

 

Polishing

Do not use silicone waxes, lemon oil, or other oily polishes. They can attract dust and grit, causing scratches in the finish. We recommend Furniture Cream for standard lacquered wood finishes once a year or less.

 

Sun Exposure

Overexposure to sunlight can adversely affect wood finishes, causing cracking and bleaching that are difficult and costly to repair.

 

Touch-Up

Minor damage may be touched up with a furniture touch-up pencil, which can be purchased through our service department or at a hardware showroom. Buy a set of light, medium and dark markers, and start with the lightest color touch-up marker. Contact client services if further repairs are necessary.

 

Other Tips

If perfume or nail polish remover is spilled, do not blot it off. The lacquer which has been softened by the chemicals should return to normal when the liquid has totally evaporated. Allow the area to dry, rub it with a fine automotive polishing compound, then apply a fresh coat of polish.

If candle wax drops on your wood finished surface, hold an ice cube to the wax to harden it. Blot up the water and use a dull plastic spatula to remove the wax without touching the wood. Gently scrape away any remaining wax, and rub the area with furniture polish to replace the protective coating.