Sideboard "Suar", approx. 118 x 74 x 43 cm made from a solid Suar wood log

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. Because these surfaces are constructed differently, it is important to know how to treat each sideboard optimally.

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 gives the material its beauty but can cause problems if the environment is wrong.

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 Values Are Ideal 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 will still work but within a normal, non-critical scope. Anything significantly warmer, colder, or drier causes unnecessary stress to the wood.

How to 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. That 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 openness is exactly 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 reapply 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.

This is how you ideally proceed with 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 soak in 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 to 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 harsh 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 keep the following points 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 Location Is Ideal 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 inside 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-facing side).
• Fireplaces and radiators: Cause uneven heating and dryness. Uneven tensions often lead to cracks.
• Underfloor heating: Allows very warm air to rise directly underneath 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 radiators.
• Avoid using underfloor heating directly beneath your sideboard.
• Use coasters, placemats, and felt pads 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 on location. This way, you will enjoy your solid wood sideboard for a long time – whether it is waxed, oiled, or lacquered.