Caring for Your Log Furniture

The GoodTimber log furniture is hand-made and built to last. They are carefully crafted using 100% mortise and tenon construction and are then finished to protect the wood from water and sun damage. However, homeowners should also do their part to preserve the appearance of their log cabin furniture to keep these in their best condition.

Here are some tips to remember so that you can enjoy your log home furniture for years to come:

Everyday use. There are some things you need to note when you have log furniture that you use regularly, such as furniture in the living room or the bedroom:

• -When moving objects along the surface of the furniture, don’t slide. Rather, lift the object to prevent scratching. Also, when you need to place lamps and other decorative items, stick on felt bottoms or use doilies or tablecloths.
• -For the dining table, be sure to use insulated pads whenever you place hot plates or bowls on the table. It is also best to use placemats during meals.
• -The finish, although water and stain-resistant, needs special care. Some of the items that can cause discoloration and staining include substances with alcohol (perfumes, alcoholic drinks and colognes), paint thinner, nail polish remover, flower nectar, as well as substances containing ammonia. Keep these away from the wooden surfaces.
• -Avoid covering the table or other surfaces with plastic, especially colored plastic tablecloths. Over time, the plastic can trap moisture inside. The plastic can also stick to the surface so that lifting it up can damage the finish.
• -When writing, always use a writing board or thick cardboard to prevent indentations on the wood.

Cleaning. You need to regularly dust and clean the furniture to avoid dust buildup, particularly in the cracks and grooves of the furniture.

• -When cleaning the surface of the furniture, use a soft, lint-free and washable cloth. Check that your cleaning cloth is free of any hard material such as buttons or zippers that can scratch the surface.
• -Avoid using a feather duster, as the feather tips can break. The remaining quills can be sharp and also result in scratching.
• -Rub the furniture gently with a damp cloth. It should just be wet enough to remove the dust but not too wet that the moisture will damage the wood. Using gentle strokes, wipe off the dust and moisture.
• -You can use polishing products, but choose the products that are recommended by the manufacturer.

Exposure to water. Never allow your furniture to be soaked with water. Prolonged exposure to water can cause surface stains, as well as swelling, splitting, warping or cracking. Wipe away spills immediately.

You should also use protective covers such as table runners and glass coasters to minimize potential damage.

Exposure to humidity. Changes in weather and the humidity levels can also affect the wood. You can protect your log cabin furniture from humidity damage by:

• -Maintaining ideal temperatures (between 70° to 72° F) inside the home. This can be done by using an air conditioner during the summer and a humidifier in winter or during the rainy season.
• -Placing the furniture away from potential drips and from heat sources.Keep the furniture far from fireplaces, radiators or vents. If you need to place the furniture near an air duct, attach a guard plate or shield to the vent so that the heat flows away from the furniture.
• -Avoid storing the furniture in humid areas such as the basement.

Exposure to sunlight. Avoid exposing the wood to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. These can result in cracking and warping. Thus, note the placement of your log furniture, so that their exposure to direct sunlight is kept to a minimum. You can also use blinds, shades and drapes on the windows.