Oak furniture can be a beautiful addition to any home. It can bring a sense of luxury and make a room feel immediately warmer. Oak wood furniture is known for its durability and strength, but in order for it to last the test of time, it must be well taken care of. There are some things it needs to be vigorously protected from, otherwise you may find your beautiful furniture splitting or rotting. It also depends on whether you keep your furniture inside or outside of the home. Here are some tips to protect your investment.

Outdoor Furniture

Oak furniture exposed to the elements can be disastrous if it is not taken care of properly. You should first treat your garden furniture with an oil-based stain. This should make it waterproof as well as protect it from intense wind, snow, rain and the sun. Untreated oak wood only needs regular conditioning with a cloth soaked in lemon oil, not water. Do not use linseed oil as it can cause mildew.

The position of your garden furniture is the key to its lifespan. If water drips from drainpipes or trees, try not to place it directly under these.
Also, try to keep it out of direct sunlight as it can result in the wood cracking and its colour fading. This also applies to indoor furniture if there is excessive sunlight streaming in through your windows.

Indoor Furniture

Indoor oak requires the same care and attention as its outdoor counterparts.
Again, do not use a damp cloth to clean it, only linseed oil to remove dust and dirt. To prevent the wood from cracking or for stains or damage caused by any infestations that may occur, treat it with an oil or wax. Beeswax is the best wax to use and the furniture should only need cleaning every few months thereafter. As the furniture gets older, it shouldn’t need cleaning as often.

These simple tips should ensure that your oak wood furnishings will last for a very long time and continue to look as good as it did when you first brought it home.