Quick answer: Keep indoor humidity between about 35% and 55%, keep pieces out of long direct sun, dust with a dry cloth and wipe spills right away. Wax or oil once or twice a year. Slight seasonal swelling is normal; drawers usually ease once the air dries.
Why humidity matters
Solid wood is a natural material that takes in and releases moisture. In a humid summer it swells slightly, and in a dry winter it shrinks. That movement is normal and well-built furniture is designed to allow for it. Problems start only with extremes: a damp closed-up beach house, or a piece pushed against a heating vent.
A simple hygrometer costs little and tells you when to run a dehumidifier or air conditioner. Aim for 35 to 55 percent relative humidity indoors.
Sun, salt and sand
Strong coastal sun can lighten or darken wood over time. Rotate lamps and decor every few weeks so the finish ages evenly, and use sheer curtains on the sunniest windows. Salt air and sand are mildly abrasive, so dust with a soft dry or barely damp cloth rather than wiping grit across the surface.
Skip silicone sprays; they leave a film that attracts dust and makes refinishing harder later.
Everyday cleaning
Use coasters and trivets, wipe spills quickly and lift objects instead of dragging them. For a solid wood coffee table that sees daily use, a cloth slightly dampened with water and a drop of mild soap is enough, followed by a dry cloth. Never leave standing water on the surface.
Felt pads under vases and lamps prevent the fine scratches that build up over time.
Oiling and waxing
Most pieces benefit from fresh paste wax or furniture oil once or twice a year — more often on tabletops and bar surfaces, less on shelves. Apply a thin coat, let it sit for the time on the label and buff with a clean cloth. A floating wine shelf or bookshelf mostly needs dusting and an occasional light wax.
Test any product on a hidden spot first so you know how it changes the tone.
Sticky drawers and small fixes
In the muggiest weeks a drawer may feel tight. Run the air conditioner or a dehumidifier for a few days and it will usually ease. Rubbing a little paraffin or beeswax along the runners helps too. Light scratches can be hidden with a matching wax stick or a touch of oil.
If a piece arrives damaged or something seems wrong, email us with photos and we will help you sort it out.
Closing up a vacation home
If your home sits empty for weeks at a time, plan for the air. Leave the air conditioner on a moderate setting or run a dehumidifier on a timer so humidity stays in a safe range. Pull furniture a few inches away from exterior walls, which can be damp, and leave closet and cabinet doors slightly open for air flow.
Cover pieces with breathable cotton sheets rather than plastic, which traps moisture against the wood.
A simple seasonal routine
In spring, dust everything, check for any loose hardware and give tabletops a fresh coat of wax. In summer, keep an eye on humidity and sun. In fall, wax again and move pieces away from heating vents before you turn the heat on. In winter, watch for very dry air and use a humidifier if needed.
That's all it takes. A few minutes each season keeps solid wood looking good for many years.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for solid wood to move?
Yes — slight seasonal swelling and shrinking is natural.
What humidity is best for wood furniture?
About 35–55% relative humidity indoors.
How often should I wax wood furniture?
Once or twice a year for most pieces; tabletops may need more.
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