Care
February 27, 2024
By: Zara Sahota | Design Specialist
Timber is a versatile and durable material that offers numerous advantages for furniture. Its natural beauty, longevity and sustainability make it a popular choice for those looking for high-quality, timeless pieces in their interior. Another advantage of timber is its exclusivity. Each piece of wooden furniture is one-of-a-kind due to the variations in grain and color, making it a unique addition to any home or office.
When it comes to choosing the right type of timber for your furniture, there are several options to consider. Each type of timber has its own unique characteristics, including color, grain pattern and durability.
Keep reading as we take a deep dive into each of the popular types of timber used for furniture.
Mangowood is an extremely durable product with strength comparable to Ash or North American Oak making it the perfect timber product for a growing family. It is highly sustainable as it grows quickly and is cultivated for its fruit. It reaches maturity at 15 years. Its distinctive patterns and wood grain mean each piece is exceptionally unique and make it easier to blend in with other timber pieces.
If exposed to heat, Mangowood can dry out, causing cracking. Utilise coasters and placemats to prevent heat coming into direct contact with the timber. Using a furniture polish will help protect the product from heat and prevent fading in sunlit areas.
Reclaimed teak is old teak wood harvested from old, unused structures which is an environmentally conscious choice. Due to teak’s natural 'gold standard' decay resistance and durability proven over eras, this wood has the same qualities that natural teak does. Teaks high silica content and superb oil retention naturally protects the product from outside sources of use and is proven to last centuries with little maintenance. Teak wood is naturally resistant to stain, so no need to worry too much about that spilled wine. However, if staining does occur, you will find that it only adds to the character of the product.
If spills occur, wipe the surface with a damp cloth. This will ensure the cells in the wood absorb some of the water, preventing cracking. To disinfect the furniture, use warm, soapy water. Using products that contain harsh chemicals can break down the finish. Avoid placing the furniture near heat sources like ducted heating and radiators as excessive heat can cause warping. Dust once a week with a lint free cloth or feather duster.
Being reclaimed makes this timber environmentally friendly and sustainable. This timber is often rescued from old barns, decking and factories. Sometimes reclaimed pine can be sourced from less traditional structures like coal mines, box carts and wine barrels. The timber is generally very old, meaning it is much less likely to crack and split further over time. Reclaimed pines unique rustic look and deep ridges throughout the timber mean any additional dents and scratches simply add to the character of the product.
If spills occur, wipe the surface with a damp cloth. This will ensure the cells in the wood absorb some of the water, preventing cracking. To disinfect the furniture, use warm, soapy water. Using products that contain harsh chemicals can break down the finish. Dust once a week with a lint free cloth or feather duster. Avoid placing the furniture near heat sources like ducted heating and radiators as excessive heat can cause warping.
Mindi is a very dense hardwood bringing stability to products for growing families. Its rustic and textured appearance gives a unique look to the furniture. Naturally resistant to decay and fungus, customers can enjoy this furniture with very minimal upkeep.
Wipe the surface with a damp cloth as needed. Use a natural spray product to disinfect the surface.
Messmate ranges in colour from pale to medium toned brown to light yellow with a hint of peach. Lighter colours have excellent longevity in terms of style. Being a type of eucalyptus tree, its main appeal is having an Australian product within your home. Gum veins are common throughout this timber and add a level of uniqueness to a space.
Messmate has a lower hardness rating than other timbers. While still high quality, it is recommended that you purchase a timber protection plan with these products to ensure they get the longest use possible. Keeping this product out of direct sunlight will prevent fading and splitting. Clean often with a damp cloth and use a furniture silicone free furniture polish to promote longevity.
The unique reddish-brown colour of blackwood appeals to people who prefer warm, earthy colours and more traditional styles. Blackwood is a very dense material, making it extremely durable. The multiple tones through Blackwood timber allow it to blend into many styles within a home.
Simply wipe over with a damp cloth to clean up any spills. Immediately dry the service with a soft cotton cloth to remove excess moisture. Use a silicone free polish to further protect the timber. Keep out of direct sunlight.
Acacia is a very durable, long-lasting hardwood. It is popularly used in many outdoor furniture products. As it is such a hard product, it doesn't scratch or dent easily and rarely warps due to its high density. With natural antibacterial properties, acacia is a great product for families.
Acacia can be susceptible to humidity which can cause it to swell and expand. Never place interior Acacia products in direct sunlight. To clean, wipe with a damp cloth and dry with a soft cotton cloth.
Wormy Chestnut timber shows evidence of the challenges faced within the Australian climate such as drought, strong winds, fire and flood. The characteristic small holes and black features result from attacks by ambrosia beetles and pin hole borers. The strong winds in the area stunt the growth of the trees resulting in interesting grain patterns and sap lines. It varies in colour from light brown to medium brown with hues of pink. Durable and hard wearing.
When in direct sunlight, this timber can darken and yellow. This can be best protected by using a UV resistant, silicone free, furniture polish. Wipe any spills with a lint free damp cloth. If the product is scratched, timber filler sticks are effective on this product due to the features already present.
Tasmanian oak is a hardwood timber, encompassing three species that grow in the mountainous areas of Tasmania, Victoria and southeast NSW (Victorian Ash). It is a strong and stable timber that is able to be used for a number of resources. These timbers are highly resistant to damage and considerably dense thanks to a finer grain and minimal sap lines. Easily colour match these pieces as their tones are consistent and the timber has excellent staining qualities.
A dry cloth is the best way to care for this timber. A gentle, ph-neutral cleaner is useful for disinfecting the product. When in direct sunlight, this timber can darken and yellow. This can be best protected by using a UV resistant, silicone free, furniture polish.
The dark red gum of the marri tree contrasts beautifully with the yellow to pale brown heartwood, offering a very unique piece of furniture. West Australian Marri is a very dense wood making for a hard-wearing finished product. Only grown in Western Australia, this bloodwood (a tree that seeps red gum) is not often found in the market.
Its clear lacquer finish means very little maintenance is required. A dry or damp cloth is all that is needed to dust and wipe spills. Use a silicone free furniture polish to help protect the product. The product does not scratch easily but when it does, it is noticeable.
When it comes to furnishing your home with wooden furniture, you will come across two main types: Solid timber and Veneer. Solid timber refers to furniture that is constructed entirely from solid pieces of wood. Whereas veneer refers to thin slices or sheets of timber that are applied to MDF to enhance their appearance.
Knowing the differences between these materials is essential for making a well-informed decision that matches your style and functional needs. Here are the pros and cons of each to help you decide which option suits you best.
Subscribe to our newsletter to be inspired and discover our latest promotions.
