Month: September 2018

Restoring furniture can be a challenging project and yet, it is often well worth the effort. Older pieces will naturally suffer wear and tear over time. Hand rests, legs and similar support structures can become damaged and need to be replaced. The real question involves the types of wood which are the most appropriate as well as the benefits associated with each. Let’s take a look at three popular choices.

White Ash

White ash has been used for centuries to create household items such as doors, windows and furniture. This primarily arises from the fact that it is commonly found within forests. Another advantage is that it is quite a soft material (ranked as “4” on a hardness scale of 1 to 5). It is therefore very easy to work with and white ash can be shaped into nearly any dimension imaginable.

Beech

As beech is not a very porous wood, it is often used when elements such as patio furniture and doors will be exposed to the elements. Beech also exhibits a subdued grain, so flat pieces appear rather clean and uniform. This wood is resilient if cared for properly and it can last for decades or longer.

Mahogany

Mahogany has been highly valued within the woodworking industry for decades, and for good reason. It is quite a hard material, so it can resist situations that might cause software woods to wear or splinter. The appearance of mahogany is also very attractive; displaying a deep reddish-brown hue. The wood can easily be stained and a single coat of lacquer will protect it from damage over time. The only potential drawback is that this wood is slightly more expensive; a small price to pay if you are restoring a valuable piece of furniture.

Determining the Type of Existing Wood

It is always wise to try and match the replacement wood with existing materials. There are many online resources which will provide imagery so that you can make an accurate comparison. However, what if the door or furniture is painted? In this case, it will likely need to first be stripped without sacrificing the materials underneath. You should therefore choose a professional door stripping service in order to ensure that the quality is never sacrificed. These technicians will also be able to shed some light on the type of wood that needs to be used; saving you time and effort in the long run.

Wooden furniture offers a bespoke and organic appeal that would not be possible with other materials such as composites or metals. However, there is a slight trade-off here. Wood can become stained, worn or otherwise dirty over time. If not cleaned properly, even the most attractive piece of furniture will soon lose its visual lustre. What steps can be taken to tackle even the most challenging issues and are there any expert tips to follow during the process? If you hope to restore your furniture to its former glory, this article will come in quite handy.

Basic Preparation and Cleaning

Before the physical cleaning process begins, you will always need to remove any surface dust and debris. Use a standard vacuum cleaner with the appropriate attachment to take care of any outwardly visible materials. Then, procure a damp cloth and a bucket of warm water. While soap can be added, many professionals recommend that you add a small amount of white vinegar (approximately one cup for every two gallons of water). The vinegar will help to remove any ground-in dirt or stains while not negatively affecting the wood. However, be conservative with the amount of water utilised. Too much can result in pooling and discolourations.

Removing Old Paint

One of the problems associated with very old furniture and doors is that they may be coated with a number of paint layers. Not only does this often mask the beauty of the piece, but it can also hide intricate details such as hand-carved decorative elements. Removing this paint can be very challenging if you hope to avoid damaging the underlying wood. This is when utilising the services provided by Premium Door Stripping can prove to represent an invaluable option. These experts can address many items such as doors, furniture, fireplaces, window sashes, and benches. Jobs will be completed in a timely fashion and the associated prices are quite reasonable.

When to Leave it to the Professionals

There are intances when cleaning furniture can be accomplished with nothing more than a bit of elbow grease. However, older pieces and those coated with paint can be very difficult to address. If you are worried that you might damage the wood underneath, it is always best to consult with industry experts. They will be able to quickly determine the course of action and your beautiful furniture can be completely transformed in no time at all.