Timber Care

Timber furniture brings warmth and natural beauty to any space—but it also requires mindful care to preserve its character. Our guide offers expert advice on cleaning, conditioning, and protecting timber surfaces to prevent drying, cracking, or warping over time. With the right care, your timber pieces will age gracefully and last for generations.

Tips from us

Variation: As timber is a natural product, it is subject to natural and expected variation from piece to piece. We try our best to capture the exact nature and tone of the timbers in our product photos, however we cannot guarantee an exact match. Some products may come darker or lighter, within reason and tolerance.
Outdoor use: While timber is extremely durable, unfortunately most timber does not fare well when exposed to the elements. Leaving your timber furniture outdoors, even if undercover, will void your warranty. Eureka Street offer a range of furniture available for use on undercover patios. For more information, please speak with staff.
Timber must be polished and/or waxed to stay healthy. To polish the timber, apply a fine, light, silicone-free furniture oil and polish in the direction of the grain. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the label. Never use a furniture polish containing silicone. Check the label! (A well-known general-purpose pressure-pack spray advertises its suitability for furniture use, but the silicone content will quickly destroy the lacquer).
Avoid leaving wet cloths, glasses etc on lacquered surfaces, these will breakdown the lacquer.
Furniture wax is especially helpful for recycled timber furniture and should be applied every 3 to 6 months. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the tin.
Any spills should be immediately removed with a slightly damp cloth to prevent damage to the coating. Beware of porous objects like pottery vases standing for long periods on tables; water can seep through to the table and sit there unnoticed.
Timber surfaces and coatings are not heat proof. Use heat-resistant coasters and place mats.
Some hand-thrown ceramic mugs have a base like sandpaper. Place a coaster under these items.
Timber surfaces are light sensitive. Do not place in direct sunlight or leave coasters or decorative items in place for weeks at a time. Open extension tables periodically so the leaf gets a regular amount of light.
Timber products are sensitive to humidity. Take care not to place directly under heating air-conditioning ducts, or near open fires.
Timber is rich with natural oils and, in some rare cases, can mark flooring. If in doubt place a plastic barrier between the timber and the floor covering.