about walnut

Caring for walnut furniture


Scratches and spills

Walnut wood is fairly hard wearing but it is always advisable not to place anything hot or wet directly onto the surface of the furniture. Use tablecloths, place mats and coasters to protect the flat surfaces where possible. 

Any spills should be cleaned up immediately with a dry or barely damp cloth. Wiping spills off immediately helps to prevent stains from forming. Shallow spots can sometime be removed by rubbing with the pad of your (clean) forefinger. 

Take care not to scratch your furniture. Dust with a microfiber cloth or similar when dry dusting. Lift vases, lamps, picture frames and ornaments instead of pushing them aside while dusting.

Finishing

Every six months (or when you feel the furniture needs it) you should oil walnut using a soft cloth and the appropriate finish. Using the soft, clean cloth, apply the oil sparingly to the entire surface of the wood, working in the direction of the grain in smooth circular motion until the oily feel disappears. 

Once applied, gently buff the surface with another clean dry cloth, again in the direction of the grain.

Always read the instructions carefully and consult a professional if you are unsure.

Positioning

It is best to position your furniture away from direct sunlight. Sunlight may have a bleaching effect causing the colour of the wood to fade. Sunlight can also damage the finish of the piece over time. 
Try not to place your furniture too close a radiator or other source of heat as sudden changes in temperature can sometimes cause the wood to dry out.

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naturally oak

For centuries oak timber has been used to make furniture that is high quality, long lasting and attractive. As with any natural product, each piece of timber is unique. Differing grains and colourings add to the distinctive character of the wood.

Medullary ray

Medullary rays, sometimes called tiger marks or figuring, refer to the markings and characteristics found in wood. They are found on all pieces of oak furniture.

The medullary rays in oak are an important part of the wood's natural colour variation and characteristic. They occur during the growth phase of the tree and transport nutrition between the main trunk and the outer parts of the tree.

Sometimes mistaken for filler marks, scratches or splashes these medullary rays actually indicate that the item of furniture has been produced from one of the best cuts of oak from the tree. 

Knots

Knots are part of the character of any wood. They occur as a consequence of branches growing on the tree. Knots are not faults but an inherent characteristic of any natural timber. 

As our furniture is handmade every piece is individual with varying degrees of markings, grains, knots, colour and texture. These differing appearances of solid handmade furniture create a character often lacking in mass produced items.

Grain

The structure of wood, which includes annual rings, helps to produce the recognisable grain patterns visable in oak. These growth rings are naturally formed each year as a new layer of wood grows around the tree trunk and branches.

Some oak timber may have more or less grain than others which can create varied patterns on oak such as table tops.

Touch

Finishing oak with oil is one of the most traditional methods and, unless requested, we finish all of our oak with oil. An oil finish brings out the natural beauty of the wood while offering a warm coloured, matt surface. 

Oiled furniture is easy to care for and a light application of oil once a year will keep furniture looking as good as new. Oiled oak leaves the wood’s grain slightly open which gives a lovely tactile, textured surface that is flat to the eye and sometimes slightly rough to the touch.