How to care for teak or suar furniture

Solid wood furniture requires almost no maintenance — that’s actually one of the reasons for choosing it. But the few simple steps it does require make all the difference between a room that loses its lustre and one that becomes more beautiful with age. Here is the routine we recommend for teak and suar, the two types of wood used in our workshops.

For day-to-day care, a soft, dry cloth is sufficient. For smudges, use a slightly damp cloth and wipe straight away. Avoid commercial dusting sprays: most contain silicones which build up on oiled wood and make future re-oiling more difficult. Also keep the piece away from radiators and direct sunlight, which dry out the wood fibres and dull the colour.

The annual task: feeding the wood

Once or twice a year, treat the wood with a thin coat of indoor wood oil (linseed oil or natural hard oil). On a clean, dry surface, apply the oil with a lint-free cloth in the direction of the grain, leave it to soak in for about twenty minutes, then carefully wipe off any excess. The next day, a gentle polish will bring out the satin finish. That’s all — ten minutes that make it look years younger.

‘Oiled wood does not protect itself from the passage of time: it learns to age alongside it.’

That’s the great advantage of the oil finish we use: unlike a varnish, it doesn’t form a film that flakes off. A scratch, a worn area? A very light sanding with a fine-grit sandpaper, a touch of oil, and the surface is as good as new — just in that spot, without having to redo the whole thing. The piece of furniture is never ‘ruined’: it can be repaired, time and time again.

Teak, which is naturally rich in oil, is very forgiving; suar, with its more distinctive grain, thrives on this annual ritual. In both cases, the rule is the same: few products, simple steps, and regularity. This is how an occasional piece, almost without realising it, becomes an heirloom.

What to avoid

Never use an abrasive sponge, undiluted vinegar or ammonia-based cleaners: these will strip the finish and leave the wood looking grey. Don’t place hot cups or ice-cold glasses directly on the tabletop — condensation and heat will leave marks (that’s exactly why our teak coasters exist). And if any liquid spills, wipe it up straight away rather than letting it soak in.

One final word on the small cracks that may appear during dry spells: these are a natural part of solid wood, which reacts to the humidity levels in your home. They usually close up on their own. This is the hallmark of a living material — not a fault.