Maintenance & Care
Find information about maintenance of Kai Kristiansen & Friends furniture and care of various materials such as wood, textiles, leather and more.
Furniture from Kai Kristiansen & Friends is designed and manufactured to last for generations. To ensure the greatest possible enjoyment from your furniture and the longest lifespan, it is important that it is properly looked after. When solid wood furniture is correctly maintained and exposed to daylight, over the years the wood will acquire a beautiful patina. As wood is a living natural product, color variations and knots as well as lines in the finished furniture may occur.
Solid wood is a living material that is affected by daylight, temperature and humidity. The ideal relative humidity for solid wood tables is between 30% and 60%.
You can read about the materials we use here
WOODEN FURNITURE
Normal cleaning and maintenance of wooden furniture – all surface treatments
Wood is a living and natural material and, therefore, should always be cleaned as gently as possible. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth ensures that the furniture always looks nice and patinates beautifully. In principle, all types of furniture, with the exception of tabletops, do not need to be re-treated. Never apply harsh cleaning agents when cleaning the furniture.
Wood and daylight
The color of the wood matures as the furniture is exposed to daylight. The biggest change in the color most often occurs at the beginning of the furniture’s life. Vases, placemats, ornaments or throws can leave darkened areas on the wood’s surface if they are put in the same place for a longer period. It is, therefore, a good idea to leave the larger wooden surfaces uncovered for the first few months the furniture is being used. To avoid marks from ornaments and the furniture drying out, solid wood furniture should not be placed in direct sunlight.
Wood and water
Solid wood furniture cannot withstand water or other liquids in large quantities. If liquid is spilled on the furniture, it should be wiped up immediately to avoid damage and discoloration of the wood. Greater amounts of water can cause cracks in the wood and warp the furniture. Minor stains or water spots should also be removed immediately as they can leave marks on the surface which will subsequently be difficult to remove later.
Wood and humidity
Humidity has a great influence on solid wood furniture. Wood breathes and works and adapts naturally to the environment it is in. Solid wood furniture should not be put in a room where the humidity fluctuates greatly as larger fluctuations in humidity can cause cracks in the wood and contribute to loosening the joints.
Solid wood furniture should not be placed close to heat sources such as radiators and wood stoves or stored in unheated rooms.
Wood and appearance
Wood is a natural material and, therefore, no two pieces will be alike. Minor knobs, visible growth marks and color variations are a part of the wood’s natural look. The parts in the individual piece of furniture are always assembled according to color shade and structure, so that the piece of furniture looks beautiful and complete. There can be variations in color shades and texture from one piece of furniture to another.
Kai Kristiansen & Friends produces tabletops made of glued slats of solid wood. The individual tabletop is made up of a varied number of slats depending on the table’s size and shape. Gluing the slats makes it possible to arrange the wood according to color and structure, thereby giving the table a balanced and harmonious appearance.
TABLE TOPS WITH VENEER
The core material of a veneered tabletop is wood fiberboard to which a thin layer of veneer is glued on both sides. This construction means that veneered tabletops are not affected by changes in humidity to the same degree as tabletops in solid wood. The thickness of the veneer varies according to the type of wood but is typically about 0.5mm thick. The veneer strips on a table are always cut from the same trunk which makes the table look harmonious and uniform.
Normal cleaning and maintenance – oiled tabletops with veneer
General daily cleaning is done with a soft cloth soaked in warm water. Avoid using detergents or chemicals.
Oil treatment – veneered tabletops
Veneered tabletops can be retreated in the same way as solid wood tabletops. We recommend that you oil your tabletop regularly, all depending on the location and use. As the veneer is relatively thin, great care must be taken when using abrasive sponges and sandpaper.
Special consideration
Despite the veneer on the individual table being cut from the same trunk, there may be color variations in the individual veneered panel. Minor knots, marked veins and color variations are a part of the wood’s natural appearance.
As daylight matures the color of the wood, it is important to be careful about permanently placing various objects on the tabletop, e.g., dishes, vases and candlestick holders that can cause unwanted color differences during the maturing which will subsequently be difficult to even out.
Never use abrasive cleaners, steel wool or polish on furniture with veneer.
Do not place hot or damp objects directly on the tabletop.
