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How to protect wooden furniture in storage
Wood reacts to the air around it. It swells with damp and shrinks when it dries, and it can crack or change shape if it sits in the wrong place.
So protecting it starts with the place, and then the way you wrap it. It does not need special equipment, just a clear order of work.
These steps protect your wooden furniture in storage.
Choose the place first
Wood likes a dry place, away from direct sunlight and from sources of heat. Avoid places where water leaks in or damp gathers.
Clean it and dry it
Wipe the piece with a soft cloth, dry or slightly damp, then leave it until it is completely dry. Avoid strong cleaners and too much water on wood. If the finish suits polish or wax, apply it before storage, following the maker's instructions.
Start with a layer of cloth
Plastic film touching wood for a long time can trap damp, and it can leave a mark on some finishes. Start with a blanket or a cotton sheet, then wrap stretch film around the outside to keep the dust off.
Protect corners and edges
Corners are the first thing to get scratched. Put pieces of cardboard or foam on them before wrapping.
Take drawers out and wrap them separately, or hold them shut with a tape that leaves no mark on the wood.
Put drawer keys, hinges and screws in one bag, and tape the bag to the piece itself.
Take care with glass and marble tops
If your table has a glass or marble top that comes off, lift it off and wrap it separately in a thick layer of cardboard. Store it standing on its edge, never lying flat under anything.
Lift it off the floor
Rest the legs on a pallet or boards, and do not put heavy things on wooden surfaces. Leave a gap between pieces so air can move.
If a piece is heavy, do not drag it across the floor. Lift it with two people or more.
Check on it now and then
If storage goes on for a long time, open the cover now and then and check that the piece is dry and free of damp and smells.
Common mistakes
- Wrapping damp wood straight in plastic
- Storing it next to a window that gets the sun
- Putting heavy things on top of tables
- Leaving drawers open and unwrapped
To have wooden furniture wrapped and stored in Riyadh, contact us or message us on WhatsApp.