Caring for Your Solid Wood Piece
A simple guide to preserving the beauty of custom hardwood furniture for generations.
Wood Is Alive
(Even After It’s Furniture)
Your table was built from solid hardwood. Unlike veneer or laminate, solid wood continues to subtly respond to its environment.
Seasonal expansion and contraction are normal. Small movement does not mean something is wrong. It means your table is real.
Phoenix’s dry climate is actually ideal for stability, but interior humidity shifts (especially with heavy AC use) can still create minor movement.
Daily Cleaning
Keep it simple.
- Use a soft cloth
- Warm water is usually enough
- Dry immediately
For light grime:
- A mild dish soap diluted in water is fine
- Avoid harsh cleaners or anything with ammonia
No specialty products required.
Mindful Use
Solid hardwood is durable, but not indestructible.
Use:
- Coasters for drinks
- Trivets for hot pans
- Placemats if you prefer extra protection
Occasional water rings or minor surface wear are part of a table that’s actually used. Many clients love that their table develops character over time.
Sunlight
Direct, intense sunlight over time can deepen or slightly shift wood tone. This is natural.
If one section is covered for months and another is not, slight variation may occur. Simply rotate décor occasionally if that concerns you.
Long-Term Maintenance
Most Ironwood finishes require little to no ongoing treatment.
If your piece has:
• An oil finish we’ll advise if reapplication is ever needed
• A commercial conversion finish, there is no maintenance required
If you’re unsure what finish your table has, just ask us.
When to Reach Out
If you experience something unusual or a structural problem, feel free to contact us.
That said, solid hardwood tables are designed for real life. Minor surface wear, small dents, and subtle movement are normal and part of owning natural wood furniture.
Most finishes we use are highly durable and not designed for spot repair. Significant refinishing typically requires full resurfacing in our shop.
If you’re ever unsure, we’re happy to advise.
We build these pieces to last for generations. With normal care, they should require little to no maintenance.
The Philosophy
Furniture should be lived with.
It should hold dinners, elbows, wine, conversations, laptops, homework, contracts, and late-night talks.
Perfection is not the goal. Longevity is.