Sideboard "Suar", approx. 142 x 83 x 44 cm made from a solid Suar wood trunk with glass

A solid wood sideboard is not an off-the-shelf piece of furniture. It is a piece of nature that comes to your home – and that is exactly why it needs special attention. Here we explain in detail and step by step how to care for your sideboard, position it correctly, and protect it long-term from damage such as cracks, warping, or stains.

The following instructions apply to waxed, oiled, sealed (e.g. Teak-Shield) and lacquered surfaces. Especially because these surfaces are constructed differently, it is important to know how to optimally treat each sideboard.

Why Does Solid Wood Need Care at All?

How does wood react in your home?
Solid wood is alive – even after processing. This means: it absorbs moisture, releases it, and reacts to temperature fluctuations. This is exactly what makes the material beautiful, but it can also lead to problems in the wrong environment.

Wood is particularly sensitive to:

• too dry air
• too high or direct heat
• strong temperature fluctuations
• intense sunlight

You might know it from grandma’s old wooden doors: in summer they stuck, in winter they closed more easily. This basic principle also applies to your solid wood sideboard, just in a more elegant form.

What Are the Ideal Values for Your Indoor Climate?

To keep your sideboard stable in the long term, we recommend as balanced an indoor climate as possible:

• Room temperature: approximately 18–22 °C
• Humidity: approximately 45–60 %

Within this range, the wood still works but within a normal, non-critical scope. Anything significantly warmer, colder, or drier leads to unnecessary stress in the wood.

How Do You Properly Care for Oiled, Waxed, or Sealed Surfaces?

What Does an "Open-Pored" Surface Mean for Your Daily Life?
Oiled, waxed, or sealed surfaces are open-pored. This means:

• The wood can continue to absorb and release moisture.
• The surface feels warm, natural, and lively.
• Small damages can often be repaired by yourself with proper care.

This very openness is the reason why you need to be a bit more attentive in care than with a fully sealed lacquer surface.

How Do You Clean Oiled or Waxed Surfaces in Everyday Life?
Daily and regular cleaning is uncomplicated if you follow a few basic rules:

• Wipe the sideboard with a soft cotton cloth.
• Use a slightly damp, never dripping wet cloth.
• Remove dust regularly to prevent fine scratches caused by dirt particles.
• Immediately absorb spilled liquids so nothing can penetrate the wood.
• Do not use caustic or acidic cleaning agents.

Which Cleaners Should You Definitely Avoid?

• Microfiber cloths with coarse, abrasive texture
• Abrasive cleaners and scouring pads
• Glass cleaners or cleaners containing alcohol
• Cleaners with solvents or strong surfactants
• "All-purpose cleaners" that strongly degrease fats and oils

How Often Do You Need to Re-Care – and How Do You Proceed?
Depending on use, we recommend re-oiling or re-waxing your sideboard approximately every 6–18 months. If the sideboard is used very intensively, a shorter interval may be advisable.

Here is the ideal procedure for re-care:

1. Thoroughly clean the sideboard surface from dust and dirt and let it dry completely.
2. Apply a suitable wood oil or furniture wax thinly and evenly with a soft cloth.
3. Let the care product penetrate for a few minutes.
4. Carefully remove excess oil or wax with a fresh cotton cloth.
5. Let the surface dry well for several hours, ideally overnight.

How Do You Properly Care for a Lacquered Solid Wood Sideboard?

A lacquered surface is very easy to care for in everyday life if you observe these points:

• Use a soft, slightly damp cloth for cleaning.
• Wipe afterwards with a dry cloth to avoid water spots.
• Avoid sharp cleaning agents, solvents, or abrasive products.

What Should You Keep in Mind with a Lacquered Sideboard?
Lacquer offers good protection – but not against everything. Especially the following points should be kept in mind:

• Never place hot objects on the sideboard without a coaster.
• Do not drag heavy or rough objects across the surface; lift them instead.
• Do not use sharp objects on the surface without protection.

What Is the Ideal Location for Your Solid Wood Sideboard?

Where Should Your Sideboard Definitely Not Be Placed?
Your new sideboard prefers a somewhat calmer environment. A new environment can stress the wood – especially if there are temperature differences on and in the solid wood panel. In all these places, the wood is exposed to strong climate fluctuations:

• Direct sunlight: Heats the surface strongly, dries it out, and can promote cracks (e.g. conservatory, south side).
• Fireplaces and radiators: Cause uneven heating and dryness. Uneven tensions often lead to cracks.
• Underfloor heating: Allows very warm air to rise directly to the underside and creates tensions that can cause cracks.
• Dry winter air: Removes moisture and causes the wood to shrink.

How do you best protect your sideboard permanently?

• Keep the humidity level between 45–60 %.
• Avoid direct sunlight on the sideboard surface.
• Do not place the sideboard directly next to a fireplace, stove, or strong heaters.
• Avoid using underfloor heating directly beneath your sideboard.
• Use coasters, placemats, and felt gliders in everyday use.
• Regularly care for the surface with suitable products.

We won’t leave you alone!
Even with the best care, wood remains a natural product. If you discover cracks, stains, or other damages, just contact us. We will help you with recommendations for care products, repair kits, and tips for the location. This way, you can enjoy your solid wood sideboard for a long time – whether it is waxed, oiled, or lacquered.