Care of your Bambizi furniture

Bambizi uses the best in solid hardwoods and hardwood veneers to construct your furniture, providing long lasting quality, durability and strength. Our finishes highlight the unique character in each of the timbers, such as their grain patterns, knots, colour variations and slight natural markings. We hope you enjoy the natural organic quality of Bambizi furniture and understand that no two pieces of wood are the same ensuring that each piece of furniture is individual to you.

Features of Natural Wood

Wood is a beautiful natural material with each tree having it’s own unique properties, which should not be mistaken for flaws.

Wood Shading and Grain

Each piece of timber has a unique grain pattern and colour which can result in variations of colour and shading between products and within the same product, this is a normal feature of natural wooden furniture and sets it apart from the mass produced ‘plastic replicas’.

Knots

Knots occur naturally where a branch grows from the trunk of a tree, they add interest and are selected so they will not affect your furniture’s performance.

Expansion

All timber expands and contracts naturally during seasonal changes in humidity and atmospheric temperature. Bambizi furniture is designed to take account of these changes however some movement may be visible & excessive moisture may occasionally make drawer movements a little stiff.

Sunlight and Heat

Avoid exposing your furniture to any excessive heat source for example by placing it in front of a radiator, as this can cause cracking. A minimum 45 cm clearance from the heat source is advised.

Direct sunlight will cause the colour of real wood to change, even if it has been finished and polished, and this will be particularly apparent if the furniture is placed under a window.

Never place hot dishes or cups directly onto wooden surfaces, we recommend that you use protective mats. Prolonged use of hot electrical equipment, such as televisions, or lamps may cause scorching.

The appearance of cracking  in natural wood furniture can be alarming at first, but rest assured that it’s a natural part of timber’s lifecycle. If you’re concerned you’ve received a defective product and that the cracks you see are a sign of damage, we can attest that this is not a sign of deterioration but a natural reaction to climate.

Why Does Wood Split and Crack?

·  Cracking and checking occur when the grain of timber reacts to the moisture level in the air.

·   Wood adapts itself to the environment’s moisture, temperature, and exposure to sunlight.

·   This is known as equilibrium, where natural wood will shift with the climate around it.

This can be startling to those who have never owned organic wooden products before, as they fear the item is of lesser quality, but it’s simply nature’s way of making itself at home. 

Should I Be Worried About Structural Integrity?

Not at all, unless the functionality of your furniture is affected by cracks, there are no issues associated with the natural cracking of wood. If anything  cracks are actually helpful in reinforcing structural integrity as it helps to release the tensions and pressure of shrinking or expanding wood. You can witness these changes throughout the seasons, as if your furniture is a living, breathing being.

Can I Prevent Timber Cracking?

Because this is a natural process, it cannot be stopped only slowed. Our craftsmen use chemical free, organic finishings that help to keep the woods natural integrity, embracing its virgin qualities. Therefore, cracking may occur throughout its lifespan.

‍However, if you are looking for ways to decelerate this process, we can recommend keeping your household at around 50% humidity by using a humidifier or dehumidifier. You can also avoid rooms that are excessively hot, dry, damp or that have direct sunlight throughout the day. These conditions help to prevent the possibility of natural wood cracking.

Spillages

Avoid spilling any liquids onto your furniture as they may stain or affect the finish if not immediately attended to.
Spills should be removed immediately with a dry cloth.

Cleaning Clear Finished Furniture

To maintain the appearance of your furniture we recommend regular dusting with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Always dust with the direction of the wood grain never across it. A beeswax furniture polish may also be applied twice a year but the use of any polish containing silicone is not recommended as it can lead to a build up of silicone film, which will alter the appearance of the piece. Any sticky marks may be removed with a damp cloth, followed immediately by a dry cloth to remove any moisture.

Cleaning Painted Finished Furniture

Painted finish furniture benefits from regular dusting and any sticky marks can be removed with a damp cloth. If required you can wipe the surface with a cloth dampened in a non-abrasive, warm mild detergent solution (such as washing up liquid). Wring a cloth nearly dry and work on a small section at a time, and then wipe with clean water. Dry the surface thoroughly before continuing.
Never use oil or any polish containing oil. Avoid oil treated cloths.

General Care

Take care when moving the furniture, dragging pieces across the floor may cause damage to the joints, dropping furniture onto corners or feet may also cause damage. Always lift into position and lower carefully.
Take care to prevent sharp objects coming into contact with your furniture as scratching may occur.
If your furniture becomes stained, scratched or chipped or suffers other damage we recommend you contact us or seek professional help.