A Step-By-Step Guide for Wooden Furniture Storage
Though wood furniture looks great in the home, caring for this temperamental material can be a pain. Wood is easily damaged, and this harm is intensified when stored out of sight. This step-by-step guide will make sure your wooden furniture storage is safe and reliable.
1. Treat before storing. Wooden furniture tends to dry out when stored for long periods of time. This is especially prevalent when the storage area—whether you choose a unit, a basement, or a garage—is not climate-controlled. This dryness makes the furniture more susceptible to cracks. To prevent this, apply a coat of furniture polish before storing.
2. Choose an appropriate storage venue. When storing wooden furniture, climate-control counts. Temperature fluctuations cause wood to expand and contract, which can impact the piece’s look or durability. Additionally, humid conditions promote mold and mildew growth, which causes wood to rot. A climate-controlled storage unit is your best defense against this type of damage. If you’re planning to store at home, consider purchasing a humidifier, dehumidifier, or humidistat.
3. Disassemble whatever you can. If your furniture can be taken apart, do so. This saves storage space and allows you to better protect individual parts (for example, you might be able to wrap more fragile pieces).
4. Keep it covered. An affordable furniture cover can prevent scratches and other surface-level damage. However, plastic covers can trap humidity, resulting in condensation. This causes the wood to swell or accumulate mold. Instead, choose a cloth furniture cover or moving blankets.
5. Consider a raised platform. If you choose a storage environment susceptible to flooding, your furniture may be at risk. You can prevent this damage by placing your furniture on top of planks or blocks.
Online Resources for Wooden Furniture Storage
Though the above list is fairly comprehensive, you may have a few lingering questions. These online resources are carefully curated to address whatever concerns may arise when preparing for wooden furniture storage: