Care and Maintenance

Living well with wood

At Salt & Sawdust, the work does not end when a piece leaves the workshop.

Wood is a living material. It responds to its environment, records moments through use, and develops character over time. Caring for your piece is not about preserving perfection, but about supporting the way it settles into your home and daily life.

This guide is intended to help your piece age well, quietly, naturally, and with integrity.

A note from the workshop

Thank you for welcoming a Salt & Sawdust piece into your home.

From selecting raw timber in the workshop to the final sanding and finish, each piece is made slowly and intentionally, with a specific space and use in mind. Once it leaves the workshop in the Western Cape, it begins a new chapter, shaped by your environment, routines, and everyday rituals.

Think of your piece less as furniture, and more as a functional heirloom, one that will grow more beautiful through use, not despite it.

The golden rule: environment

Wood “breathes” and reacts to changes in temperature, humidity, and light. South Africa’s climate can be particularly demanding, so placement matters.

Sunlight

Avoid prolonged exposure to direct, harsh sunlight. Over time, intense sunlight can bleach the surface, cause cracking (also known as checking), or lead to warping.

Heat

Do not position pieces directly in front of fireplaces, heaters, or air conditioners. Sudden or sustained heat can dry the timber too quickly and stress the finish.

Moisture

Keep furniture away from damp walls or consistently humid areas. Excess moisture can cause swelling, movement, or mould development.

A stable environment allows the timber to settle gradually and age evenly.

Daily care

Caring for wood does not require special products or complicated routines, just attention and consistency.

Dusting

Use a soft, lint-free cloth (microfibre works well) to remove dust regularly.

Spills

Wipe spills immediately using a slightly damp cloth. Do not allow liquids to sit on the surface, as this may cause staining or water marks.

What to avoid

Avoid all-purpose household cleaners, ammonia, or silicone-based furniture sprays. These products can strip the finish, create residue buildup, or alter the surface over time.

Protecting the surface

Thoughtful use helps preserve both function and appearance.

Heat protection

Always use coasters, placemats, or trivets under hot mugs, plates, or cookware. Direct heat can permanently mark or “cook” the finish.

Preventing scratches

Use felt pads under decorative objects such as vases, lamps, or trays. Lift items rather than dragging them across the surface.

Writing

Avoid writing directly on wooden surfaces with ballpoint pens, as pressure can leave indentations, particularly on softer timbers.

Long-term maintenance: re-oiling and waxing

If your piece has been finished with a natural oil or wax, occasional maintenance will keep it nourished and protected.

When to re-oil

If the surface begins to look dull or feels dry to the touch, it is ready for a maintenance coat.

How often

For high-use items such as dining tables, a light re-oil every 6–12 months is recommended, depending on the environment and use.

Which product to use

Use only the product specified for your piece (e.g., Rubio Monocoat, linseed oil, or wax). If you are unsure which finish was applied, please contact us before proceeding.

Natural characteristics of wood

Every piece of timber is unique.

Over time, you may notice subtle changes such as:

Gentle colour shifts (patina)
Small hairline cracks
Minor movement with seasonal changes

These are natural characteristics of solid wood and do not affect the structural integrity of your piece. They are signs of a living material responding to its environment, not defects.