Caring for Your Solid Wood Furniture: A Guide to Lasting Beauty

At Life by the Pond, every piece is crafted from 100% solid wood—designed not only to serve a purpose, but to live with you, age with you, and tell its own story over time. Like any natural material, wood responds to its environment, and with the right care, it will remain beautiful for generations.

This guide walks you through the most important aspect of maintaining your piece: proper hydration using the right type of oil.

Why Solid Wood Needs Care

Solid wood is alive in a sense—it breathes, expands, and contracts depending on humidity and temperature. Over time, without proper care, it can become dry, dull, or more prone to minor surface wear.

The goal of maintenance is simple: keep the wood nourished, protected, and clean—without altering its natural character.

The Most Important Rule: Use Moisturizing Oil Only

To maintain your piece, always use a moisturizing oil specifically intended for finished furniture.

This is not optional—it’s essential.

Moisturizing oil helps to:

• Replenish natural oils within the wood

• Maintain a rich, even tone

• Prevent drying and surface dullness

• Enhance the depth and warmth of the grain

  
  

What NOT to Use (This Matters)

Not all oils are the same, and using the wrong one can damage your piece.

Avoid:

• Finishing oils (such as tung oil or linseed oil): These are meant for raw wood and can interfere with your piece’s existing finish.

• Cutting board oils (food-grade mineral oils): These are designed for unfinished surfaces and do not provide the right type of nourishment for furniture.

• Any oil that cures, hardens, or builds a film: Your piece is already properly finished—additional layers are unnecessary and can cause uneven results.

Stick to moisturizing oil only—this ensures you’re caring for the wood without altering its original craftsmanship.

How to Apply Moisturizing Oil

Caring for your piece is simple and only takes a few minutes:

1. Ensure the surface is clean and dry

2. Apply a small amount of moisturizing oil to a soft cloth

3. Gently rub it into the wood, following the grain

4. Allow it to absorb for a few minutes

5. Buff lightly with a clean, dry cloth

That’s it. No heavy application, no buildup—just nourishment.

How Often Should You Oil?

This depends on your environment, but a good rule of thumb is:

• Every 2–3 months in drier conditions

• Every 3–4 months in more stable environments

If the wood begins to look slightly dull or dry, that’s your cue—it’s time.

Daily Care & Cleaning

For everyday maintenance:

• Use a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth to wipe surfaces

• Avoid harsh chemicals or all-purpose cleaners

• Clean spills promptly to prevent moisture absorption

Simple, gentle cleaning goes a long way.

A Final Note on Craftsmanship

Each piece from Life by the Pond is made from carefully selected lumber, meaning no two pieces will ever be identical. Grain patterns, tones, and subtle variations are part of what makes your furniture unique.

Caring for it properly ensures that this natural beauty continues to develop over time—deepening in character rather than fading.

In Summary

• Use moisturizing oil only

• Avoid finishing oils and cutting board oils

• Clean gently and regularly

• Nourish the wood periodically

With just a bit of care, your piece will remain as timeless as the day it was made—if not more.

If you ever have questions about caring for your furniture, we’re always here to help. Your piece is an investment in quality, and it deserves to be treated that way.