Caring for solid timber
Solid timber is a living material. Looked after, a Goldenwood piece will outlast the room it was made for. This guide covers the day-to-day, the seasonal, and what to avoid.
Day to day
- Wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth — water only is best. If the piece feels grubby, a drop of mild pH-neutral soap in a bowl of water, then wipe dry straight away.
- Lift, don't drag. Felt pads under lamps, decanters, and ceramics help avoid ring marks.
- Use coasters for cold drinks and trivets for anything warm.
- Wipe spills as soon as you see them, before liquid finds the grain.
Seasonally
Timber expands and contracts with the seasons. In a Sydney winter your piece may shrink very slightly across the grain; in a humid January it may swell. This is normal and not a fault.
If you are running ducted heating or air conditioning hard, try to avoid pointing the vents directly at the piece. Aim for indoor humidity between roughly 40% and 60%.
Two-pack polyurethane finishes
Most pieces leave the workshop in a two-pack polyurethane finish, and every kitchen, vanity and built-in does. It needs no oiling or polishing: wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth and, if needed, a drop of mild soap. Avoid solvents and abrasive sponges.
If your piece has an oiled finish
We will tell you at handover if a piece was finished in oil. A light re-oil every 12–18 months, or sooner on a heavily-used dining tabletop, keeps the surface even and water-resistant:
- Wipe the surface clean and let it dry.
- Apply a small amount of the same finish oil on a lint-free cloth, in the direction of the grain.
- Leave for 10 minutes, then buff off any excess with a clean cloth.
- Let the piece sit unused for 24 hours before normal use.
Important: oil-soaked cloths can self-combust if balled up and left in a bin. Lay them flat outside until dry, or wet them down before disposal.
Things to avoid
- Direct, prolonged sunlight — it bleaches timber over years.
- Plastic placemats and tablecloths left on the surface for long stretches — they can trap moisture.
- Bleach, ammonia, methylated spirits, silicone sprays, household furniture polishes, or anything with a citrus solvent.
- Hot pots or pans straight from the cooktop without a trivet.
- Outdoor use unless the piece was specifically designed and finished for it.
Marks, scratches, and rings
Light marks on a two-pack finish usually lift with a damp cloth. Deeper scratches, chips or water rings can often be repaired and refinished, usually best done by us. Send a photo and we'll tell you whether it is a small job or a workshop job.
Moving the piece
Lift, do not drag, and lift from the lowest sturdy point — not from a tabletop overhang or a drawer front. For anything over about 25 kilograms, two people. Pack with quilted blankets, not bubble wrap against the timber.
Hardware
If a hinge gets noisy, a drop of clear sewing-machine oil on the pivot will quiet it down. If a drawer runner starts to drag, it is usually under warranty — see /warranty.
Questions
We're happy to talk through specific care for a particular piece. Email admin@goldenwoodfurniture.com.au with your order number and a photo.
Questions about this policy? Email admin@goldenwoodfurniture.com.au or call +61 2 9609 7533.