Caring for oak furniture

Solid oak ages beautifully — but only if you let it. Here's what we tell every customer who buys an oak piece from us.

Daily care

Wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Avoid all-purpose cleaners — the surfactants strip the finish over time and dull the grain.

Spills

Blot, don't wipe. Hard-wax oil finishes are forgiving but only if water or wine doesn't sit on the surface for long.

Re-oiling

Once a year, rub a thin coat of hard-wax oil into the surface with a lint-free cloth, let it dry overnight, then buff. Fifteen minutes of work that doubles the life of the piece.

What not to do

• Don't place hot pans directly on the surface — even an oiled finish can scorch.
• Don't park furniture in direct sunlight all day. UV bleaches oak unevenly.
• Don't use silicone-based polish. Once it's on, it's hard to get off without sanding.

See our oak collection →