NATURAL CRACK VS. UNNATURAL CRACK

It’s important to be able to differentiate between a crack produced by unnatural sources and one that is the natural reaction of a living, breathing slab of natural wood to its surroundings and aging. 

Small cracks, surface cracks, long thin cracks, and movement around knots are completely normal and are likely to develop over a lifetime of use. We do not see these “imperfections”, as, well, imperfections; they are a part of what makes your piece unique and beautiful.

TO HELP AVOID NATURAL CRACKS for as long as possible, apply wood-specific mineral oil to the table’s surface once every 3 months. This will help retain the natural moisture content of the wood and will help prevent cracks from developing. While this may prevent cracks from happening, it is not a cure-all and you should not rely on solely this. 

To keep your table looking its best year after year, follow these simple steps:

DUST regularly using a lint-free microfiber cloth. Dust build-up on wooden furniture can lead to scratches. PLEASE NOTE: dry dusting is not recommended, as it may scratch your piece. 

CLEAN your table using either wood oil or a soft cloth dipped in a mild soap solution without alcohol or perfumes. PLEASE NOTE: any liquid spills MUST be cleaned immediately; blot them using a clean, highly absorbent cloth. 

OIL your table with mineral based oil (our scratch remover above is a great option) every few months and even a little more during the dryer winter months to help retain the natural moisture content of the wood and this will help prevent cracks from developing. 

AVOID high heat areas. Do not place your piece in high-heat areas or near radiators. Our pieces are made of natural wood; if exposed to extreme temperature changes, they can potentially warp and/or split. If positioned next to a window, please avoid direct sunlight or have a curtain to minimize the exposure. 

BE AWARE of humidity levels. In general, wood furniture is sensitive to extremes in humidity. To ensure your piece’s longevity, try to keep your room’s humidity level between 40 and 45%. If humidity levels drop below this, your piece may crack. If humidity levels move above 45%, your piece may swell.