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FURNITURE CARE
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Living Breathing Wood
All wood contains water within its structure and any changes in its moisture content will affect its density, volume, shape and behaviour in your home. Wood will naturally absorb moisture if it is available, so taking a few careful steps to avoid excessive absorption will help avoid any problems with this.
Hamilton's accurately environmentally-controlled manufacturing processes ensure that when it is under manufacture that the woods moisture content is constant and stable throughout manufacture right up until the point that it leaves the factory.
This means that when it is kept under "average" household humidity levels of 35-40% it will maintain the size and dimension tolerances under which it was manufactured.
However any changes in household humidity (which also changes with ambient room temperature) which vary widely from average levels, will cause the furniture to absorb or even lose water resulting in changes in structure and shape and in very extreme cases, drawers or doors jamming or cracks appearing in surfaces.
To avoid extremes in the wood temperature and moisture content a few simple rules can be followed:
Hamilton's accurately environmentally-controlled manufacturing processes ensure that when it is under manufacture that the woods moisture content is constant and stable throughout manufacture right up until the point that it leaves the factory.
This means that when it is kept under "average" household humidity levels of 35-40% it will maintain the size and dimension tolerances under which it was manufactured.
However any changes in household humidity (which also changes with ambient room temperature) which vary widely from average levels, will cause the furniture to absorb or even lose water resulting in changes in structure and shape and in very extreme cases, drawers or doors jamming or cracks appearing in surfaces.
To avoid extremes in the wood temperature and moisture content a few simple rules can be followed:
- Allow adequate room ventilation to create air movement and stabilise humidity and temperature levels.
- Avoid keeping your furniture where extreme fluctuations in temperature may occur such as in direct sunlight or close to radiators or heat sources.
- Direct sunlight can also create fluctuations in surface colour so if you are displaying items on top of furniture then it is a good idea to rotate them at regular intervals to avoid "patches" appearing on the surface.
- Direct localised heat sources from hot plates and cups should be avoided at all times - use protective covers or mats to avoid placing objects directly onto the wood.
- Mop up any spillages as soon as possible - remember wood naturally absorbs moisture so avoid exposing it if you can.
- Regularly maintain wax and oil finishes on furniture to protect wood from moisture and moisture absorption
- Avoid slamming drawers and doors as this can cause damage and splitting of the wood
- Avoid dragging your furniture when moving it. Lift it at all times from an area where the furniture is strongest. Avoid lifting directly from tops of furniture - use supporting rails or structures where possible.