Furniture Care & Maintenance Guide

At JLD Fine Woodworking, your furniture is built to last generations. Every piece we make is handcrafted using premium hardwood and carefully finished with high-quality hard wax oils, such as Rubio Monocoat, Osmo, or Fiddes. These finishes protect the wood while enhancing its natural beauty, but regular care and attention will help your furniture remain in exceptional condition for years to come.

Understanding Your Finish: Hard Wax Oils

Hard wax oils penetrate the wood’s surface, providing protection from daily use while allowing the wood to breathe. This finish emphasises the natural grain, colour, and character of the wood.

Benefits:

Beautiful, natural matte or satin finish
Easy maintenance and repair
Resistant to common stains and spills
Enhances the wood’s natural character

General Care & Cleaning

Routine Dusting & Cleaning

Regularly dust your furniture with a soft, lint-free cloth.
To clean, wipe gently with a soft cloth slightly dampened with water, followed immediately by a dry cloth.
Avoid harsh cleaning chemicals, polishes, waxes, or abrasive materials.

Spillages & Stains

Immediately wipe up any spills (e.g. wine, coffee, oils) with a dry or lightly dampened cloth.
If stains persist, lightly clean the affected area with a cloth dampened with mild soap and water, then dry thoroughly.
Do not allow water or liquids to sit on the furniture for prolonged periods.

Long-Term Maintenance

Rejuvenation & Re-application

Over time, your furniture may benefit from a simple refresh of the hard wax oil finish:

Typically, reapplication is recommended every 1–3 years, depending on use.
Apply a thin, even coat of your specific oil (Rubio, Osmo, or Fiddes) following the product manufacturer’s instructions.
Always ensure the surface is thoroughly cleaned, dry, and dust-free before application.

We are happy to offer specific advice for your particular piece and can guide you through this process, or recommend trusted professionals if you prefer.

Environmental Care: Temperature & Humidity

Wood naturally expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. While our construction methods allow for natural movement, minimising extremes is best:

Keep your furniture away from direct heat sources (e.g. radiators, fireplaces).
Maintain stable indoor humidity and room temperature.
Avoid excessive or prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, as UV rays can fade and alter the colour of natural wood over time.

Protection & Everyday Care Tips

Use felt pads or protective feet under heavy objects to avoid scratches.
Always use coasters, mats, or trivets beneath glasses, hot plates, or other items.
Avoid covering furniture with plastic or non-breathable materials, which can trap moisture.
For tables, periodically rotate centrepieces or décor to ensure even exposure and ageing.

Common Issues & Solutions

Minor Scratches & Marks

Minor scratches can often be gently buffed out using a fine abrasive pad or sandpaper (320–400 grit). Follow by applying a small amount of matching hard wax oil to restore finish uniformity.

Water Rings & White Spots

These can usually be remedied by lightly sanding the area and reapplying a thin coat of hard wax oil.

Please contact us before attempting any significant repairs, we're always happy to provide personalised guidance.

Craftsman’s Promise (Lifetime Warranty)

Your furniture comes with our Craftsman’s Promise, a lifetime warranty covering any defects in materials or workmanship. Should an issue arise, we are committed to repairing or replacing your piece at no charge.

This warranty does not cover natural wear and tear, accidental damage, misuse, or environmental damage, but we are always here to help advise on maintenance or repairs as necessary.

For full warranty details, visit:
jldfinewoodworking.co.uk/warranty

Need Additional Support?

If you have any questions or require further assistance caring for your furniture, please don’t hesitate to get in touch, we’d love to help.