Furniture with a live edge may add significant value to your house. These wood goods are unique since they aren’t mass-produced like conventional home furnishings are. It’s always a good idea to know how to take care of natural wood goods since, like any other, they may get damaged if not given the right care.
These are things that are worth repurchasing since they are both works of art and useful décor. We at Pathway Tables believe that it is crucial that you learn about these furnishings and how to maintain them.
Here are seven tips to help you maintain the excellent appearance of your live edge furniture like a live edge walnut table once you take it to your home.
Check the Humidity in Your Ambient Room
When working with a single piece of wood, humidity counts. Typically, mass-produced furniture, such as Ikea furniture, is made of engineered wood. It is often wood planks that have been glued together and laminated; it isn’t actually one piece of wood. Since there is no true wood grain to expand or shrink in response to variations in humidity, the live edge tables remain unchanged.
Wood that is less than 30% humidified may shrink and split. More than 50% might cause your furniture to sag or possibly develop mold. HVAC systems that are in good working order are among the simplest ways to maintain the right moisture levels. For more precise readings, you could also choose to use an electronic humidity meter, though that is probably overkill.
Avoid Using Harsh Cleaning Supplies
We understand that cleaning your furniture is crucial, but regular-use, harsh cleaning solutions in bottles won’t work. Avoid using such products, including those that claim to be wood surface cleansers. Instead, use a gentle microfiber cloth to dry dust your live edge dining table. Regular cleaning of the surface helps avoid scratches by removing debris from it.
After that, dab a moist towel with a tiny bit of gentle detergent. For best results, dry it right after with a fresh towel to avoid streaks. You can also use oil-based wood butter to protect your furniture. As a general rule, everything that contains the term “natural” should be all right. Since our tables are treated with natural oil solutions like Odies Oil, Rubio Monocoat, or Osmo, stay away from polyurethane products of any kind.
Never Apply Lacquer Coatings Repeatedly
The industry standard for finishing raw wood furniture is usually clear lacquer. It not only provides years of protection, but it also dries thoroughly. These protective coatings start to deteriorate over time. A homeowner’s initial inclination is frequently to add extra lacquer, but this is not the best course of action.
You would have to make sure that the entire previous product was thoroughly removed before applying another coat of lacquer. If you don’t, you’re just covering the initial sealed layer with additional.
It also entails sanding, lacquering, letting the live edge table dry, and maintaining cleanliness. Use natural oil-based treatments instead to prevent scratches on the wood.
Keep Them Out of Bathrooms
The organic finish is so popular that many people desire it throughout their entire house. That does not imply, however, that live edge wood sinks are the greatest option. These furniture pieces are frequently perfect for use as stools, tables, chairs, and other practical objects. Even while some people like using them as kitchen and bathroom sinks, they do need a lot of maintenance.
When there is constant water flow, these surfaces must be dried off right away. That may easily get damaged, especially while you’re attempting to clean or prepare food. Rather, look for furniture that is more appropriate for environments with greater humidity. Where water runs, you might find that fake wood works best.
Shifting of Epoxy is Normal
Applying epoxy solution is one of the trickiest parts of making live edge coffee tables out of raw wood. Regretfully, maintaining the layers together requires this stage in the procedure. Epoxy has been seen to gradually elevate from its initial location over time. Even though it happens frequently, a lot of furniture owners are scared when they see it.
Reputable woodworkers know to incorporate this into the design. Minor changes can be caused by variations in temperature, pressure, and humidity, as we know. There’s no need to worry until the shifting has resulted in significant cracks.
Conclusion
To sum up, taking good care of your valuable live edge tables involves more than just routine upkeep; it involves a dedication to maintaining their inherent charm and unique character for many years to come. You can make sure that your live edge tables continue to be gorgeous focal pieces in your room according to the advice provided in this guide, which covers everything from routine cleaning and protection against environmental elements to careful handling and infrequent refinishing.