Cutting Boards

  Organic solid wood products will consistently balance themselves with their local environmental conditions. To avoid excessive warping or cracking issues, maintain an environment at or around  70º Fahrenheit with relative humidity between 40% to 50%. Proper ventilation and air current is recommended for all solid wood products. Any adjustment to room temperature should be made gradually. Drastic changes to environmental conditions are extremely stressing to wood in general. Excess heat and dryness can cause potential cracking and/or splitting. Using a humidifier is a great tool to protect your solid wood investment. Product should be kept away from direct heat sources such a fireplace, in floor heating, etc. 

 Solid wood will expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes. This movement is normal and appears as “checking” (small surface cracks) and does not affect the structural integrity of this piece. Wood and lacquers will naturally darken (or amber) over time. To help minimize this effect, furniture should not be exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time. If direct sunlight cannot be avoided, it is recommended to rotate the piece(s) periodically to even exposure. The beauty of furniture care is that it helps to protect your investment. Fine furniture is an important purchase. Proper care will help maintain your furniture’s finish and ensure that it looks great year after year.  

 Many common problems in furniture care are caused by the elements.  If you are aware of these troublemakers, the resulting damage can easily be avoided. Sunlight’s ultraviolet rays can damage wood finishes.  Arrange furniture out of direct sunlight; use sun screening drapes during intense sunlight hours; rotate furniture in place and in room arrangements. Liquid spills will damage furniture if not removed promptly.  Use coasters under beverage glasses and saucers under cups and flower pots.  If a spill occurs, immediately blot it gently without rubbing the surface. Heat creates a chemical change in the furniture finish which can result in a white spot.  Use protective pads under hot dishes, utensils or cooking appliances. High humidity causes wood to swell. Low humidity causes wood to lose moisture and shrink. Small checking in solid wood is to be expected. Extreme changes cause warping, splitting and cracking. Try to keep humidity as constant as possible. 

Be sure to use the same type of polish consistently. Your furniture will appear cloudy or streaky if oil-based and wax-based polishes are interchanged. In general, avoid using products with silicone (sand) and wax on your furniture as these agents will deposit into wood grain and require total stripping of finish to remove. Always use a fine furniture polish when dusting. Never dry dust, as it could case microscopic scratches on your furniture surface. Spray your furniture surface evenly, but not too generously.  Wipe in a back and forth motion along the same direction of the wood grain with a soft, clean cloth to clean and loosen the old polish. Then, buff until completely dry for a beautiful shine and a smudge-resistant finish.  For wood trim, spray polish on the cloth first then dust.