Oak is a beautiful, timeless hardwood that’s designed to last, that’s why we love it! It’s a popular choice for many thanks to its durability, versatility and unlike flatpack, it’s the type of furniture that gets passed down through generations.

When you invest in a piece of oak furniture, you want to ensure that it stands the test of time. Although the timber is highly durable, when neglected completely, it can begin to look a little tired.

So, to help keep your furniture looking great, we’ve rounded up our top tips on how to care for oak.

Firstly, here’s a few things to avoid:

1. Extreme temperatures

Placing your oak furniture in a room that’s prone to getting overly warm, like a conservatory in summer, can dehydrate the wood. Over time, this exposure to high temperatures causes cracks and general damage to the wood.

Similarly, it’s important to avoid placing oak too close to radiators, heaters or open fires, which will also dehydrate it over time.

2. Too much exposure to sunlight

It is natural for oak to darken and mellow slightly over time, but often the change is so slight, it’s not noticeable. However, when placed in direct sunlight, the process will be accelerated, making for a more obvious change.

To avoid this, be mindful of where you position the furniture in a room. Try to avoid placing it too close to large windows or in conservatories where it will be heavily exposed to UV light.

3. Not rotating your surface ornaments

If you’re a fan of vases, ornaments and trinkets, be sure to rotate them when placed on the surface of your furniture. It’s easy to forget, especially when they’re only usually moved for a quick dust, but when left in the same position too long discoloured patches can begin to form.

4. Harsh cleaning materials and sprays

General household cleaning sprays or wipes should be avoided as the chemicals can prove too abrasive for oak. For general cleaning and dusting, use a soft lint-free cloth.

Tips to care for your oak furniture

1. Get the coasters out

Heat and liquids can damage oak and no one wants to see ugly coffee cup rings on their new table, right? So be liberal with the coasters and invest in some placemats for the dining table – prevention is better than cure here.

2. Attend to any spills

When coasters and placemats just aren’t enough, don’t leave spillages lingering as oak is porous so liquids can be easily absorbed. Be sure to mop them up quickly with a soft cloth and wipe in the direction of the grain, this will help to avoid leaving any residue in the wood.

3. Treat your furniture

Unlike flatpack furniture, solid hardwood requires a little more TLC to protect and retain and its natural beauty. Don’t worry, this isn’t a difficult job and to help the process, we’ve put together a specially sourced furniture care kit.  

The formula used in our Made with Care Kit was designed by a team of industry experts, creating a furniture care product designed to nourish and rejuvenate.

When applied to oak, the formula reinforces the seal against liquids and general wear and tear.

The kit contains a furniture cleaner and polish, leather furniture cleaner and a leather reviver, to help conceal the appearance of surface scratches and give your furniture a new lease of life.

The Made With Care Cabinet Kit is £24.99 and available to purchase on our site at the checkout.

To sum up

Caring for oak isn’t difficult and whilst it does require a little TLC, when looked after properly, it really will stand the test of time. Do you have any other tricks and tips when it comes to oak furniture care? If so let us know on one of our social media channels below.