Vermont Woods Studios

A few tips on humidity and climate control:

Wood Furniture Moves in Response to Changes in Humidity

When wood is part of a living tree, water moves up the trunk, from the ground and through the pores and fibers of the wood, as it travels out to the leaves.

After a tree is cut and sawn into lumber, water continues to move back and forth through the wood fibers until the wood’s moisture level reaches equilibrium with its environment.

The job of woodworkers is to design and build furniture with a thorough understanding of the characteristics of wood movement. But in spite of their advanced knowledge and skills, no woodworker is able to create wood furniture that is completely unresponsive to temperature and humidity in your home.

So here are a few climate control tips from our Furniture Care section to ensure that your wood furniture will remain beautiful and structurally sound for generations of enjoyment.

Climate Control Tips

• Keep your home around 70°F-72°F with a relative humidity of about 50-55%
• This often requires a humidifier in winter and an air conditioner in summer
• Place your furniture away from heat sources such as radiators, heat runs or fireplaces
• Store table leaves as close as possible to the table so they adjust to the same humidity conditions
• Use a dehumidifier during wet, rainy times and in damp rooms to remove excess moisture from the air
• For wood furniture with an oil finish, re-oil it frequently to create and maintain a patina.
• A rule of thumb is to oil your furniture:
  
  • Immediately upon receipt
  • Once/week during the first month
  • Once/month during the first year
  • Once or twice/year after that
  
  

Normally if you’re comfortable with the temperature and humidity in your home, your wood furniture will be comfortable as well. It’s designed to be durable and to accommodate normal changes in climate so most homeowners need not worry.

Relax and enjoy it. Given reasonably good care your wood furniture will last for generations.