Tips for Storing Wooden Furniture

People love wood for its strength and visual appeal.

But whilst it´s hardy when in daily use, furniture for storage can only retain its appeal if it's stored properly.

So here to help you is the quick Pink Storage run through of how to make sure wooden furniture survives, thrives even, whilst in storage.

Problems facing wood in storage

Wood is a natural material and as such responds to its environmen: it will expand or contract in certain conditions. This can lead to deformation ('wood warp'), cracks and splits. Veneers can lift. And the strength of wood means that often things get piled on top of wooden items in storage, which can lead to scratches and other damage.

Preventing problems

Temperature

Wood is forgiving, but a temperature maintained between 10 and 25 degrees is advisable. Changes in temperature cause wood to expand and contract with cold and heat,which in turn causes wood warp (misshapen wood).

Humidity

There is always some moisture (water vapour) in the air, with very few exceptions. Even apparently dry concrete walls release some moisture. Humidity is simply a way of measuring how much there is. The warmer the environment, the more water there tends to be in the air.

Keeping the air relatively dry will help protect wood.

Ventilation

Poor air circulation helps cause mould and mildew. These not only smell, but can damage the wood.

Cleanliness

Dirt feeds mould, and can stain furniture and damage finishes.

Mould spores surround us. They can attach to, and grow on, any organic surface,, rotting and destroying over a period of time. Excessive levels of mould are bad for human health.

Mould grows in spots of different colours, usually  grey, black, or white but also blue, green, yellow, brow. Mildew is usually white, grey, or yellow, growing in flat pattern patches that darken to black  or brown over time.

Mildew mainly grows on plants, walls, wallpaper and wood.

Cleaning before storing helps with this, but if using a soap and water type cleaner, ensure the furniture is thoroughly dry before storage.

A layer of furniture wax or polish can not only help clean the item, it can provide a protective layer against dust, dirt and even against some low level moisture.

Dismantling Furniture (especially if it's heavy)

Dismantling furniture makes it easier to move, saves storage space, and makes protecting each part of the furniture easier. Make sure that any screws etc are taped in a labelled bag to the underside to make reassembly a smoother process

Dismantling can also help stop people putting things on top of the furniture, the way that they tend to balance things on tables and the like.

Protect Wooden Furniture

Avoid using plastic coverings. Plastic degrades and can stick to wood and polished surfaces. It will also trap any moisture.

Fabric covers such as moving blankets or sheets offer better protection long term, and allow the wood to ´breathe´.  (Ensure they are clean and dry before use.) Packing tape is great for holding these in place.

Moisture can seep up through concrete floors, so avoid putting wood on concrete floors. Stand on pallets or on shelving wherever possible, even on blocks or tarpaulins.

And don´t forget that all important clean and that applying a coat of furniture polish or wax will really help.

Don´t forget: Label, Inspect

Be sure to label furniture so that it's obvious what each stored item is.

Plan to inspect the furniture regularly for damage, mould or mildew. Dealt with quickly, they are less likely to damage the furniture.

Storing Wooden Furniture

Make sure your storage area is dry and well ventilated (as above), and that the wood is out of direct sunlight.

Plan where to put things, and put sturdier, heavy items at the bottom. Always allow room around the items for air circulation.

Pink Storage offers dry, secure container storage (20´x 8´- 160 square feet) across South Wales and the North East, boasting raised floors, security measures, and drive-up access. They are waterproof, featuring specially designed insulated roofs as well as airflow vents.