Care of your Highwood Product
Care of your Highwood Furniture Product
Wood is a material that will give you a lifetime of use, and we pride ourselves in a high quality manufacturing process that does justice to the high quality natural and sustainable materials that we use.
It is also a material that lends itself well to simple methods for rejuvenation for when the inevitable signs of use start to show. We believe that our products are there to be used - so enjoy, use as intended, and rest easy in the knowledge that the impact of that use is sustainable, good for the environment, and good for your health.
There are some key points to bear in mind when taking care of your item:
Avoid excess moisture
Gentle cleaning approaches are key
If (usually only after significant use) you notice your item requires some rejuvenation it is possible to lightly sand and refinish. Depending on the item we would recommend an oil/wax such as osmo, or beeswax finish.
Wooden Chopping Boards, and other kitchen items
Wooden chopping boards have been used for centuries, they are an environmentally friendly and beautiful addition to your kitchen.
Wood is an hygienic choice, with natural properties that neutralise bacteria. Wood also has self healing properties that mean it is more hard wearing than plastic alternatives, which can quickly develop cuts and damage that can harbour bacteria. Wood has the added benefit of not adding any microplastics to your food during food preparation.
We finish our boards with osmo oil, which is a food safe, while adding some protection to the wood and helps prevent staining. If you find that your wooden board requires refreshing it can be lightly sanded back, and then retreated with osmo oil or equivalent. We have care packages available on request.
Wood movement and changes when you get your item home
Wood is a natural material and it will continue to move and change in relation to the environment that it lives. Wood will be most stable in a dry and unchanging environment. Taking this into account is an important part of our design process; to allow for this movement and maintain its structure and design of our furniture pieces. However, you may find that when a piece of furniture settles into your home that there are changes. This is most likely with larger pieces or if your home is particularly dry. If this does occur please make contact and we will take necessary steps to correct.
Replenishing the finish on your Highwood furniture or other wooden item
Almost exclusively we finish our items using an oil and/or wax finish. The following advice applies to this type of finish. For wood with other types of finish (e.g. varnish) a different process will be required.
If using an oil wax finish such as Osmo: Dip a clean rag into the oil wax and apply a thin coat evenly, working it in small circles. With another clean rag wipe along the grain to remove any excess.
Surface damage can be lightly sanded to refresh your item.
For newly sanded back surfaces 2-3 coats are required. Leave overnight before applying each coat.
For refreshing used surfaces, one coat may be enough. Ensure that the surface is clean and dry before application. How often you refresh depends on the usage and wear. Most items will only need refreshed once a year, heavier used items may require more.
Be aware that before the used rag is dry, there is a very small risk of spontaneous combustion. For this reason ensure that you lay the rag flat to dry fully before you dispose of it in your household waste. We use scraps from old t-shirts as disposable rags for this purpose.
Highwood Furniture Guarantee
Our products are built to last, and come with a lifetime guarantee of materials and build quality. Even in the event of accidental damage or superficial wear and tear please get in touch, we will offer advice on the best steps to take to maximise the longevity of your item.