Characteristics of solid wood furniture

 

Solid wood is a portion of wood obtained by sectioning the trunk of a tree. From a single trunk it is possible to obtain several whole boards with which unique and inimitable furniture can be made.

Each tree in nature is unique in terms of colour, presence of knots, flaming and colour; for these reasons, it is not possible to make identical furniture from solid wood, because each piece of furniture will have some characteristic that differentiates it from the others. Furniture made of solid wood is crafted according to artisan standards where joints are made by hand and impregnating treatments are carried out according to the wood's needs, trying to leave it as natural as possible. The processes are designed to enhance the qualities of the wood and to ensure a long service life.

The uniqueness of solid wood is defined by its nature, which we wish to illustrate on this page so that you can understand all the peculiarities of the raw material.

 

 

Properties of solid wood

 

Carving:

Solid wood planks can have the presence of small holes, varying in quantity and size, known as fly holes. These holes are created by a fly producing small cracks while the plant is still alive. The mottling cannot be attributed to the presence of organisms (woodworms) and does not create damage to the wood, moreover it may not be evenly distributed in the product and may vary in size and quantity. The dark colour of the holes confirms their presence prior to the cutting of the plant and prior to the processing of the lumber; this particularity testifies to the naturalness of the solid wood.

 

Clefts and cracks:

Solid oak planks may be subject to small splits and cracks due to the natural movement of the wood. These characteristics do not compromise the quality and durability of the product, well considering that small cracks may occur even after a long time, enhancing the natural life process of solid wood.

 

Cracks and knots:

Solid wood derived from trees of European origin has the merit and peculiarities that are the presence of flaming, splits and knots. The splits and knots can be puttied or remain natural, the best solution is assessed at the time of finishing in order to enhance the uniqueness of the product. The colour of the putty changes depending on the chosen finish. The knots in the product are always variable in size and quantity. We enhance these characteristics according to the dictates of common sense and minimal forestry waste.

 

Differences in colour:

Furniture made of solid wood is characterised and formed by boards joined together in different colour tones, which together make each creation unique and unmistakable.

 

Tables with irregular edges:

The irregular edge is derived from the natural shape of the trunk's perimeter; each individual plank is unique and unrepeatable in shape and colour. The irregularities of the edge cannot be altered, resulting in ever-changing shapes with widely varying colour differences. The surface of the edge may have dark light-coloured stains that are also very evident, alternating with the presence of sapwood. All details that make a solid wood product unmistakable.

 

Mirrors and frises:

Oak may have shinier streaks called mirroring that contrast with the grain of the wood. These are pith rays, an intrinsic characteristic of oak, the visibility of which may change depending on the position in which it is observed or on the light.

 

Working with 'butterflies' and wooden nails:

Some tops are worked with 'butterfly' carvings and wooden nails. These carvings can be more or less visible. The difference depends on two very important factors. The grain of the materials used and the finish requested by the customer. Each different finish may hide or highlight the wood grain, the choice of which is entirely random. Such differences cannot be contested.

 

Tannin:

A naturally occurring polyphenolic compound also contained in oak wood. The presence of this substance can generate colour changes in the surface of solid wood tops. These are not stains or halos

 

 

Care and maintenance

 

Natural organic oil:

Oil finishes accentuate the natural shading of wood. Individual wood planks can have very pronounced colour differences, Olio Naturale Bio are 100% natural and biodegradable with a zero VOC content. They comply with European regulations concerning vapour emissions into the atmosphere, with total respect for the environment and the health of those who work. These peculiarities mean that the oil has a very long drying time and requires natural ventilation. It may occur that the product, in the first month of use, retains the smell of oil, in which case it is sufficient to ventilate the premises sporadically until complete dissolution.

 

Cleaning and maintenance of wooden surfaces:

It is advisable to clean wooden surfaces promptly; allowing dirt time to dry or absorb can significantly increase the risk of halos, stains and surface damage. Pay particular attention to cooking fat and highly coloured substances (coffee, cola, wine, vinegar, tomato juice, etc.). The wood should be cleaned simply with a damp cloth wet with water or by adding a neutral liquid detergent (10% solution), rinsing and drying following the direction of the grain. After cleaning, the surface must be dried. It is important to avoid a long stay of liquids on the surface by cleaning it as soon as possible. Over time, standing water penetrates into the recesses of the wood, altering the surface due to increased moisture. Be careful where you place jar caps or rags soaked in aggressive cleaning agents (lime removers, acids, degreasers, bleach, solvents, trichloroethylene, acetone, alcohol, etc.). Avoid any abrasive substance that may damage the integrity of the surface. Treatment with waxes or furniture polishes is absolutely not recommended on matt surfaces. Solid wood is very sensitive to light; positioning it near natural light sources will impair its colouring and stability. (Table extensions often show a different colour because they are stored indoors, while the table is normally exposed to natural light). High fluctuations in air temperature and humidity can cause cracking, rippling and micro-cracking (bristling). Our products cannot be used outdoors.

 

Wood maintenance:

For reasons of dimensional stability and well-being of the wooden components of our products, the environmental climatic conditions must be stable and gradual over time. Sudden changes in temperature and humidity must be avoided. Relative humidity levels between 50% and 60% are optimal. This ensures a sufficient moisture balance in the wood, in order to prevent any shrinkage due to drying out or expansion due to excessive moisture absorption.

We recommend the use of a care and maintenance emulsion for natural raw materials that promotes durability, waterproofing and repels dirt. We recommend the use of NAPLANA (manufacturer BIOFA)