General information
Part of the beauty of reclaimed wood and rustic wood furniture is its lived-in look. As is the nature of the timber, it will have knocks, bumps and other features which we believe adds to a unique character and modern rustic charm.
As reclaimed wood and rustic wood is a natural, living material, the appearance of the wood and exact colour/finish may vary from the photos shown.
Part of its charm is that it develops over time. This means that surface splits/spreading may start to appear with the natural movement of the wood when it adjusts to a new environment. Knots will vary in size and location, each piece of furniture may have varying indentations and imperfections including different grains, holes and indentations. Colour variations can also be expected due to different batches of natural reclaimed and rustic wood. These distinctive qualities give the bespoke range a unique feel, as no two pieces will be exactly the same.
While we make every effort to ensure our product sizes are accurate, as this product is bespoke and handmade, there may be minor discrepancies due to the handcrafted nature of the manufacture process. All measurements provided have an accepted tolerance of +/- 3cm.
For further information about the wood, colours and finishes, please see here and also the Colours & Finishes and Character & Features sections on the product pages.
Acclimatising your indoor furniture upon delivery
A key tip is to ensure your new indoor furniture is given time to acclimatise and not placed in direct sunlight or next to a hot radiator. If the furniture is near a radiator, it’s advisable to keep this on low or off for several weeks whilst the furniture settles. As reclaimed wood and rustic wood is a natural material, excessive heat can cause the wood to split, crack or warp.
We will be unable to replace furniture that has any such issues resulting from direct sun or heat damage.
Usage & cleaning
Rings from cups and mugs and red wine spills are a common occurrence on furniture, even with protective/lacquered finishes, if left on the furniture for too long. We recommend using coasters and placemats for protection – making sure to wipe up any spills quickly to prevent staining.
Cleaning your furniture from time to time will protect it from any stains forming. An old cotton T-shirt or lint-free dishtowel works well to remove any dirt or crumbs. Wet the cloth very lightly, wring out so it’s only just damp, wipe and dry!
Furniture polish is not recommended. These products will likely damage the finish of the furniture, build up a residue and actually attract dust. A hard wax oil can be used as an alternative to furniture polish, to help both nourish and polish the furniture plus add further water resistance.
For wax finishes, an appropriate wax, such as Fiddes Supreme Wax Polish, can also be used to help clean and nourish the furniture.
For lacquer or equivalent finishes and more stubborn stains, our Bespoke Furniture After Care pack is a great option. This contains a wood surface cleaner which will also help nourish and the maintain the finish of your furniture.
Do not use acetone, solvents, bleaching agents or silicon born products on your furniture.
Waxed/unlacquered finishes
Waxed/unlacquered finish reclaimed wood and rustic wood furniture is finished with a coating of Fiddes furniture wax. From time to time it’s worthwhile reapplying another layer to keep building up protection. It will also help with any chips or colour loss. Alternatively, a hard wax oil can be used. Both will condition the wood, keeping it looking as good as new!
Lacquered or equivalent finishes
Our lacquered finish reclaimed wood and rustic wood furniture is finished with a lacquer or similar protective coating for extra durability and water resistance. From time to time, a hard wax oil can be used to buff the table. This can be applied with a cloth, left to harden, then gently buffed. This will condition the wood and help maintain water resistance, keeping it looking as good as new!
If required, the lacquer can also be topped up from time to time to repair or replenish the coating. Our Bespoke Furniture After Care Added Protection pack, which includes top up lacquer/oil, is a great option.
To ensure the steel stays looking perfect, the standard bases are all finished with a clear matt lacquer coating. We advise ensuring any water/moisture is immediately wiped from the steel to avoid penetration of the lacquer which can result in stains/rusting.
Outdoor reclaimed/rustic furniture
Our outdoor reclaimed/rustic furniture is finished with a stain and outdoor lacquer/varnish/oil.
The frames are powder coated for extra durability and weather protection.
For cleaning guidance, please follow the instructions above. In addition the frames can be cleaned gently with warm, lightly soapy water and then fully dried.
We would advise covering the furniture when not in use, to help protect it from the elements for maximum longevity, particularly if always kept outdoors. You may also wish to store indoors during the winter months, to help further preserve the furniture.
When needed to add further protection and to nourish the outdoor furniture, any suitable outdoor wood oil such as Ronseal or Osmo can be used.
Other information
To fully refinish your indoor or outdoor furniture or if you want to change its appearance, varnish and wax removers will take off the old finish. The top can then be sanded with a fine grade paper before a new finish is applied.
For indoor furniture, either a wood stain and indoor lacquer/varnish or a furniture wax or oil can be applied. Fiddes have a good range of suitable products.
For outdoor furniture, a wood stain and outdoor lacquer/varnish/oil can be applied. Ronseal and Osmo have a good range of suitable products.
A local joiner or carpenter may be able to assist you if preferred.
