Think about it, if you look around, what is the most common material for furniture you can see? It is wood, of course! Wooden types of furniture are known for their unbeatable ability of customization, durability, and affordability. Especially in Asian countries like Bangladesh, wood is the most common raw material for furniture.
But, if you fail to take care of them, you will face the consequences. The cracks in wooden furniture could be the result of environmental factors, improper care, or natural wear. Natural factors like exposure to direct sunlight, changes in humidity, and fluctuations in temperature can cause cracks. But how can you prevent the wooden furniture from cracking? Let’s find out!
Understanding Wood and Its Properties
Before you jump to the tips, you must have a clear understanding of how wood behaves and what damages it. Here is a bite-size breakdown:
Hygroscopic Nature
Here are some common wood properties you need to know:
- Wood absorbs and releases moisture from the environment.
- It expands in high humidity and contracts in dry conditions.
- Repeated changes in this factor will stress out the wood and result in cracking.
Types of Wood
Now, let’s have a look at wood types based on their crack resistance.
- Hardwoods: Hardwoods like Oak are highly dense and have high resistance to cracking.
- Softwoods: Softwoods like pine are more porous and they are prone to damage.
- Engineered Wood: Engineered wood, like plywood or MDF, is more stable but they are also affected in extreme conditions.
Grain Patterns
Does grain patterns have any influence on the cracking of wood? Let’s find out!
- Straight-grained woods are more durable and don’t crack easily.
- Wood with irregular or interlocking grains is easily stressed and prone to cracks.
Presence of Moisture Content
Let’s see which wood cracks easily, dry ones or fresh ones.
- Fresh and improperly dried woods have more moisture in them. It makes them more fragile and prone to cracks.
- Kiln-dried or properly seasoned woods are more stable and durable.
Apart from them, some common natural factors and imperfections make wood crackable. Knots, checks, and splits are common among these factors.
How to Prevent Wooden Furniture from Cracking?
What else can add charm and elegance to your home, like wooden furniture? The answer is none! As we already know what can crack your wooden furniture, the care routine will be easy to understand. Let’s dive in!
1. Control the Environment
You can control small environmental factors inside your home to keep your wooden furniture healthy. Here is how:
First, you need to maintain the optimal humidity. The ideal humidity for wood is around 15 – 40%. But how can you measure the humidity level? Easy! Just use a hygrometer to monitor the levels. If the air is dry, use a humidifier and if the air is too humid, use a dehumidifier to control it.
Then comes the temperature control. You need to keep your wooden furniture away from extreme temperatures. So, keeping them away from fireplaces, radiators, and air vents is a good idea.
You also can control the lighting conditions for a significant result. Don’t expose your wooden furniture to direct sunlight. To block direct sunlight, you can use blinds or curtains, which is pretty effective. Also, remember to rotate your furniture periodically to ensure even light exposure.
2. Clean and Maintain Properly
Keeping your stuff clean will always benefit you in the long run, and wooden furniture is no different. Use a soft microfiber cloth to clean your furniture to keep away dust and prevent buildups. Be gentle with the furniture! Use a damp but not wet cloth and mild soap occasionally. Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners to clean your wooden furniture. It will do more harm than good.
You also need to protect the surface of your furniture. How? Just use a top-tier furniture polish or wax for extra protection. Here is a pro tip: You can set a monthly reminder to clean and inspect your wooden furniture for any signs of damage.
3. Use Protective Products
Several protective products are available in the market that can be used to keep your wooden furniture happy. Take wood conditioners, for example. You can apply it once a year to keep your wooden furniture moist. It comes in handy to prevent furniture from drying.
To lock in the moisture, you can use sealants or varnishes. You can also nourish the wood to enhance the furniture’s longevity. Oils like teak oil or linseed oil work pretty fine in this case. Don’t apply the oil entirely on the furniture on the first go. Test a small area with the product to ensure compatibility first.
4. Address Seasonal Changes
Seasonal care of wooden furniture is not very complicated. When the air is dry in winter, use a humidifier to balance it out. In summer, protect the furniture from direct sunlight and high humidity. To make things easier, you can create a seasonal checklist to adjust your furniture care.
5. Repair Minor Cracks Early
If you spot any minor signs of damage, especially little cracks, take action immediately. You can take care of small and shallow cracks by yourself. Use a wood filler or epoxy for minor damages. Then, sand the area and apply a matching finish so the spot doesn’t stand out. If you spot a large or deep crack, you better call for professional help.
Conclusion
To sum it up, taking care of your wooden furniture will surprisingly increase its longevity. Keep the humidity under control, avoid extreme heat or cold, and don’t expose them to direct sunlight. Finally, clean them every once in a while. Sounds pretty simple, doesn’t it?
FAQs
How often should I clean my wooden furniture?
Once a week is enough. Dust them and clean them with a soft & damp microfiber cloth to clean it.
What is the ideal humidity for wooden furniture?
The ideal humidity for wooden furniture is anything between 40-45%.
What products are good for furniture care?
You can use wood conditioners, sealants, and furniture oils to nourish the wood and keep the furniture healthy.
