Wood and veneer are natural materials and therefore will display natural variations in their grain and colour. Their surfaces are affected by light, and overtime their character and colour will change.
As the solid timbers in our range are natural products, they may expand and contract due to varying temperature and environmental conditions. This may cause small cracks where the timber joins. This is normal and not considered a fault or flaw, rather, it is a unique and beautiful characteristic of your piece.
To minimise movement, solid furniture should not be placed outside (unless the item is specified for outdoor use), in direct sunlight, or in heavily air-conditioned or climate controlled areas.
The care of wood furniture varies according to the wood type and finish, and the function of the piece.
General Care
- To dust, we recommend using a microfiber cloth for wood furniture, as this will not damage the surface.
- For deeper cleaning, wipe the surface of your timber with a damp cloth, then dry with a soft clean cloth to prevent spotting.
- The surface of your furniture should not come in contact with hot and/or moist/wet containers/materials. We always recommend using coasters, place mats, tablecloths and table runners to protect furniture surfaces from heat and stains. Take extra care to protect your surfaces from candles and heated objects.
- If you choose to polish your furniture with a product/solvent, you should always try it out first on a small, inconspicuous area to trial how your timber will react.
- Certain drawers/doors on our pieces have a push to open/close mechanism. With this mechanism, it is important to ensure you place two hands on each side of the drawer/door when opening/closing to ensure an even amount of pressure is applied. Not doing this may cause the runner to dis-align and will not be covered by warranty.
- All our indoor solid timber ranges have a protective coating (with the exception of Ethnicraft Teak – for more information on this, please see the Ethnicraft Teak section). These can vary from a PU to a NC finish with a varying degree of matte or shine finish. For exact details, please contact GlobeWest.
- To prevent permanent discolouration, do not leave objects in the same position on the furniture over long periods of time.
- Do not use furniture when multiple drawers and doors are open simultaneously as it can cause forward inclination of the centre of gravity and could become a tipping hazard.
Natural Teak and Rustic Teak
- Teak is a tropical hardwood with a beautiful golden/honey brown colour when it is new. Over time, as natural teak is exposed to the elements, it gradually changes colour from honey brown to a silver-grey patina.
- Depending on the environment, natural greying and/or weathering may become noticeable after only a few weeks. In moist climates, subject to regular dew and sunshine, teak furniture will wear more quickly. Allowing teak to grey will not impact the structural integrity of the product.
- Every piece has its own character and structure. Small inlays can be used to fill up minor existing imperfections and give the product a naturally aged look. Sometimes small fissures will open in the end grain, this is known as checking. This is normal, particularly in heavier components and it will not affect the serviceability of your furniture.
- Teak has a high level of natural oils which increases its stability and longevity. Over time, these oils will migrate to the surface of the timber, this is called oil surfacing. This is a normal characteristic, particularly in New Teak. If you are placing your teak furniture on carpet or a permeable surface, consider using felt furniture protectors or similar as this may help prevent natural oils from transferring.
- If you wish to maintain the Natural Teak golden brown colour, clean teak furniture with water which has a mild detergent in it. Use a soft bristled brush to gently scrub the furniture.
- Once cleaned, rinse the furniture thoroughly to get rid of any cleaning solution and dirt residue. Apply a teak protector to furniture. Do not use Teak Oil as this can cause irregular colouring or mildew. Do not use a power washer.
How to maintain the Natural Teak colouring
- If you wish to maintain the Natural Teak golden brown colour, clean teak furniture with water which has a mild detergent in it. Use a soft bristled brush to gently scrub the furniture.
- Once cleaned, rinse the furniture thoroughly to get rid of any cleaning solution and dirt residue. Apply a teak protector to furniture. Do not use Teak Oil as this can cause irregular colouring or mildew. Do not use a power washer.
Recycled/Reclaimed Teak
- Reclaimed teak has been seasoned for many years, producing a beautiful mature grain and rich colour unlike plantation woods. It is a very hard, heavy, strong wood, distinctively oily to the touch. This oil in the wood makes teak very durable. Nicks and marks are an inherent part of the furniture, and a reminder of the historical character of the wood.
- Due to the characteristics of reclaimed teak, holes (from nails), imperfections and discolorations in the timber as well as some surface cracking are not considered as a fault in the product, rather a part of its natural appeal.
- Additionally, you may notice that other larger imperfections are re-worked (larger holes are patched with timber plugs). These various imperfections are not defects and they add to the beauty and individuality of the piece.
*Content and Image Credit @globewest
