Homes in all climates and geographical locations can feature wood furniture pieces, but the way these pieces react to your temperature and weather conditions will change drastically. Humidity is one of the biggest factors in aging or damaging wood furniture because the small moisture molecules can change the look and function of your pieces without you noticing. Protecting your furniture from humidity fluctuations may seem overwhelming, especially in a humid climate, but there are actually some simple tips to help slow the effects of humidity. In this blog, we will look at how humidity affects wood and what homeowners can do to prolong the life of their furniture.
The Science Behind How Humidity Affects Wood
Since wood is a porous material that is made up of tiny particles, it can soak up moisture molecules, whether from weather or humidity. The wood used in furniture pieces often has small “open” areas, where moisture can “fill” the wood, causing it to swell or expand the grain. Similar to how the wood can expand with moisture, it can also shrink when the moisture disappears. As humidity increases or decreases, your wood pieces may expand or contract, changing in size and having a higher potential for cracking and weak points.
In short, high humidity causes wood to expand, which will lead to cupping, where the edge of a board or piece of furniture rises. This could also lead to stuck doors in the interior or exterior entrances to your home that are made of wood.
In low humidity, wood contracts, which may cause small hairline cracks or gaps between the joints.
Be Mindful Of Furniture Placement
One of the best ways to stop your furniture from getting damaged by humidity is to be strategic about your placement. Temperature, sunlight, and humidity are often all lumped together when it comes to furniture longevity, because each of them plays a role in how your piece will look throughout the years. Placing furniture at least two feet away from large windows, radiators, or other heat sources can help you avoid the damage that comes from humidity fluctuations.
It is also important to keep the furniture away from direct moisture sources. Wood furniture placed near condensing windows, in bathrooms, under air conditioning units, or next to exterior walls could trap more moisture, causing it to expand and contract frequently. Achieving a balance of airflow and low humidity around the furniture pieces will keep them looking pristine for longer.
Protective Finishes And Sealants Prevent Humidity Fluctuations
Many homeowners may not have the time or resources to find the right balance of temperature, humidity, and sunlight, which is where protective finishes can be extremely helpful. Wood furniture pieces can benefit from coatings that provide moisture resistance. Polyurethane coatings, varnish, wax treatments, or oil finishes can protect against humidity fluctuations and even liquid spills. Coatings protect the furniture from damaging moisture, but they can also improve the overall character of a wooden piece. Some finishes will enhance the grain pattern of the wood or can be tinted to help enhance the color.
Balancing Temperature And Humidity
Keeping furniture in good condition often starts with finding the right balance. While not all pieces are prone to damage, finding the right temperature and humidity balance will ensure excess moisture isn’t the cause of your furniture instability. Finding the sweet spot in your home for balanced humidity can often be done by adjusting your interior temperature. Humans and wood furniture are often most comfortable between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit, with the humidity around 35-45%. Finding this balance helps limit humidity fluctuations over many years, ensuring the piece remains in pristine condition for longer.
Homeowners may need a dehumidification system to help keep levels in the proper range, especially during different seasons when humidity levels rise significantly outside of the home. Instead of constantly checking the weather and estimated humidity levels to adjust your home conditions, setting up a smart thermostat can help keep your home at a balanced level to lower the risk of humidity fluctuations.
Clean And Maintain The Pieces Regularly
The way we treat something often results in how long it will serve our needs. Cleaning and maintenance are also important in reducing moisture damage to a wooden furniture piece. Dust, spills, and condensation that sit for too long can gradually weaken the surface or small parts of the piece. It is best to wipe up spills immediately and remove as much moisture as possible. Dusting regularly will also prevent lingering particles that can trap moisture, letting it seep into the wood. Consistent care is the best way to ensure nothing penetrates the wood surface, causing warping or discoloration.
Wood Furniture From Sugar House Furniture
Sugar House Furniture offers hundreds of furniture pieces that are crafted with character and longevity in mind. Finding a piece that complements your personal style will be easy when you choose our company because we have pieces for every room and style. Many of our pieces are coated and protected to reduce the risk of humidity fluctuations that lead to long term damage.
We are locally owned and family-operated and will always prioritize quality over quantity. All of our pieces are made of solid wood, which provides our customers with durability and a lifelong piece that can be passed to future generations. Find a solution to your home needs by visiting our showroom or checking out our listings for each room.
