Oak Care Guide
Everyday care for solid and reclaimed oak furniture: cleaning, protecting the finish, and managing wood movement in South African homes.
The Character of Oak
Oak is a hard, open-grained timber that wears well over decades. Much of our oak furniture is built for everyday use: dining tables in our Château Collection, reclaimed oak in the Karoo Collection, and our Made by Block & Chisel pieces finished in our Cape Town workshop. Reclaimed oak already carries nail holes, saw marks and small checks from its first life. These are part of the piece.
01
Everyday Care
- Dust weekly with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth, working along the grain.
- Wipe spills immediately with a well-wrung cloth, then dry the surface.
- Use coasters, placemats and trivets. Heat and moisture leave white rings, especially on waxed finishes.
- Lift objects rather than sliding them, and add felt pads under lamps and décor.
02
Care by finish
- Waxed finishes: re-wax once or twice a year with a good furniture wax, applied thinly and buffed with a soft cloth.
- Oiled finishes: re-oil when the surface looks dry or water no longer beads, typically every 6–12 months for dining tables.
- Lacquered or painted finishes: a damp cloth is all you need. Don't wax lacquer, as it builds up and smears.
03
Wood movement
Solid wood expands and contracts as humidity changes. Small seasonal gaps, slight shifts in table leaves or fine surface checks are normal, particularly in the first year in a new home.
- Highveld winters are very dry, so keep oak well away from heaters, fireplaces and underfloor heating vents.
- Cape winters are damp. Good airflow helps, and pieces shouldn't be pushed tight against cold exterior walls.
- Rotate décor and rugs now and then. Sunlight gradually lightens or deepens oak, and objects left in one place leave outlines.
Add warmth and character with oak
Frequently Asked Questions
On waxed or oiled oak, most light rings fade over a day or two. For persistent marks, contact us before trying home remedies. The right fix depends on the finish.
Fine surface checks from seasonal movement are a natural characteristic of solid and reclaimed wood. Structural splits are not. If you're unsure, send us a photo.
Yes. Oak is made for it. Placemats and quick spill clean-ups are the main habits that keep the surface in good shape.
- Silicone-based polish sprays, which build up and make future refinishing difficult.
- Wet cloths, steam cleaners and all-purpose cleaners.
- Leaving iron or steel objects on a damp surface. Oak is high in tannins, which react with iron and leave dark stains.
- Direct heat from hot pots, hairdryers or radiators.