A Guide to Caring For Your Furniture

At Lock & Mortice, our solid wood furniture is crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail, adhering to the highest standards of design and manufacturing. We understand that your furniture is an investment meant to last for generations, and proper care is essential to preserve its beauty and integrity.

The guidelines below will enable you to cherish and enjoy your furniture for years to come, knowing that it will age gracefully, reflecting the passage of time and the memories created within your home.

Understanding Solid Wood

  • The Basics

    Solid wood is a natural material, characterized by variations in color, grain patterns, and occasional knots, reflecting the unique characteristics of each tree. Embracing these natural variations adds to the charm and authenticity of your furniture. As a hygroscopic material, wood responds to its environment by absorbing and expelling moisture, which may cause slight dimensional changes over time.

  • Environmental Considerations

    Maintaining stable environmental conditions is vital for the long-term well-being of your furniture. We recommend maintaining a room temperature between 18°C to 24°C (64°F to 75°F) and a relative humidity of 50-60%. During dry winter months, ensure the humidity does not drop below 40% to prevent excessive drying of the wood. Exposure to direct sunlight and certain artificial light sources may cause gradual color changes in the wood.

  • Avoidance of Heat Sources

    To prevent dehydration and minimize the risk of cracks in the wood, it's crucial to avoid placing your furniture near or directly under heat sources such as infrared heaters or fireplaces.

Care and Maintenance

  • Preventative Care

    Clean spills and stains promptly to prevent permanent marks.

    Regularly wipe down the entire surface of the furniture to maintain its appearance evenly.

    Rotate the piece periodically to ensure uniform exposure to light and wear.

  • Everyday Maintenance

    Use a well-wrung cloth dampened with clean water, mild dish soap, or chemical-free natural cleaners for daily cleaning.

    Avoid harsh chemicals or furniture polishes, as they may damage the finish.

    Refrain from placing hot items directly on the wood surface to prevent heat damage.

    Be mindful of potential staining agents such as candle wax and certain spices.

  • Repair and Refinishing

    In case of major stains or damage, avoid scrubbing the affected area, as it may worsen the problem.

    Consult us directly for specialized cleaning methods tailored to your specific issue.

    For spills such as wax, allow it to cool before gently removing and employing appropriate cleaning techniques.

    If refinishing is necessary, seek assistance from a qualified professional to ensure optimal results. See below for more information on our refinishing services.

Refinishing Services

Solid wood possesses a unique quality — it matures elegantly over time, developing a captivating patina that tells the story of its journey. Unlike many materials, solid wood offers the rare advantage of effortless refinishing. At Lock & Mortice, we've diligently crafted a system to ensure our customers can easily rejuvenate their furniture should the patina not align with their evolving aesthetic preferences.

Repair & Refinishing Process

STEP 1
Share your details and a few photographs of your Lock & Mortice piece, and we'll promptly assess the refinishing required. While minor touch-ups can be completed on-site, more extensive restoration may necessitate transportation to our workshop.

Consult our service map to discover the regions covered by our program. If you reside beyond these areas, we encourage you to reach out to us for recommendations on trusted refinishing partners or expert guidance on DIY techniques.

STEP 2
We will reach out to you to book a date/time for the L&M refinishing team to show up and complete the restoration or transport of your piece to/from our workshop.

STEP 3
Rest easy and enjoy the inherent flexibility that sets solid wood furniture apart. Unlike veneers or other wood imitations, solid wood furniture can be refinished numerous times throughout its lifetime. As soon as the refinishing process is over, you can resume use.

We take pride in crafting designs that stand the test of time, fostering enduring relationships with our clientele, which is why we only offer refinishing services for L&M pieces that we know will withstand the refinishing process. Thank you for entrusting us with your furniture; let's embark on this journey together, creating spaces that resonate with your personal style and narrative.

Request Repair & Refinishing

Repair & Refinishing FAQ's

How do I get a quote for a repair/refinishing?

Send us as much information about your original project as possible to service@lockandmortice.com (project name and date, designer if applicable, invoice number) as well as your address and phone number.

Send us images of the existing item, making note of any dents or scratches and someone from the team will be in touch with an estimate or additional questions if necessary.

What does the on-site repair/refinishing process look like?

Once a quote has been approved, we'll schedule a time for our refinishing team to come to your home. Depending on the zone you're in, availability will vary. Our team will arrive at the appointed time and depending on the planned work will unload the necessary tools. Please ensure that access to the space is clear as some of the tools are fairly large.

How do I prepare for the refinishing process?

Move away all chairs and take everything off the table. Wipe down all surfaces with a damp cloth, ensuring there is no residue on the surface, sides, or base.

How much time is required for on-site refinishing?

Depending on the size of the piece and the level of wear, you can expect the process to take between 1–3 hours. A simple repair or restoration coat will take about an hour, but if the top needs to be sanded completely you can expect a longer time.

Will there be a mess in my home?

We use dustless sanders with HEPA filers. All finishes are zero VOC but may produce a mild smell during the application process. This will dissipate very quickly but some people may be more sensitive to the smell and adequate ventilation is important.

How noisy is the on-site refinishing process?

The sanders have a similar decibel level to a vacuum cleaner.

How soon will I be able to use my piece again?

You can start using the piece again as soon as we're finished. Because we use a UV finish, it's fully cured as soon as it's done.

Will you refinish the whole piece or just the top?

That's totally up to you and will depend on the condition of your furniture and your budget. Most tables just need the top surface and edges repaired, but this may create some colour variation between the top and the base. (See the information about colour below).

Will my table be the same colour again?

Solid wood changes colour with age and use, so your table may have changed over time. When we refinish it, it will return closer to its original colour.

Do you refinish furniture that isn't Lock and Mortice?

Not at this time.