Solid timber moves. It takes on moisture in humid weather and gives it up in dry weather, and it does this for the life of the piece. Good joinery allows for that movement; good care keeps it small.
Keep it out of direct sun
Sustained direct sunlight fades stain unevenly and dries the surface faster than the core, which is what causes surface cracking. If a piece must sit in a sunny room, rotate anything that sits on top of it so the colour ages evenly.
Dry heat and the Highveld
In dry inland winters, indoor humidity can drop sharply. Small gaps opening at joints in winter and closing in summer are normal timber behaviour, not a defect.
Cleaning
- A barely damp cloth, then dry immediately. Standing water is the enemy.
- No silicone or wax polish on sealed surfaces — it builds a film that traps dirt.
- Lift, don't drag. Most surface damage happens when something is pushed across a top.
- Use coasters and mats on dining surfaces. Heat marks are far harder to fix than scratches.
When something does go wrong
Most surface damage in a sealed finish can be repaired rather than replaced. Send a photograph before attempting a repair yourself — the wrong product can make a re-finish much harder.
