Wood furniture is a valuable investment, especially if you’ve purchased high-quality pieces that will last for many years. However, it’s not always practical or possible to keep your furniture assembled and on display all the time. If you need to store your wood furniture, there are steps you can take to ensure it doesn’t get damaged or ruined in storage.
The major advantage of protecting wood furniture in storage is that it can prevent potential damage from occurring due to environmental changes. This includes temperature and humidity fluctuations and dirt and dust buildup in the storage space.
Proper protection can also help protect the furniture from insect infestations, mold growth, and scratching or chipping of the wood surface. You can find step-by-step instructions on how to protect wood furniture in storage in this blog article.
Step-by-step Instructions for How to Protect Wood Furniture in Storage
Step 1: Inspect Wood Furniture
Before putting any furniture into storage, thoroughly inspect it for signs of damage. Look for cracks and chips in the wood and lose joints. If you find any issues, have them professionally repaired before storing the piece away.
Step 2: Clean Wood Furniture
Carefully remove any dirt or dust from your furniture using a damp cloth. Be sure to dry the surface completely afterward, as moisture can cause damage to wood furniture over time. Use bubble wrap or plastic sheets to protect the wood from potential scratches and other damages. Make sure all furniture parts are covered, including any sharp edges or corners.
Step 3: Disassemble Wood Furniture
Take apart the furniture as much as possible. This will make it easier to move and transport and help protect individual pieces from potential damage in storage. Wherever possible, store wood furniture upright. This helps to keep the weight evenly distributed and prevent warping or deformation.
Step 4: Place Padding and Support Under Wood Furniture
Put padding between the legs of furniture pieces and on other areas that may come into contact with other surfaces, such as wood floors. Also, add support to wooden shelves or drawers in order to keep their shape while in storage. Use a natural oil, such as olive or almond oil, to protect the wood from drying out and cracking. Be sure to avoid using petroleum-based products, which can cause discoloration.
Step 5: Avoid Direct Sunlight
Exposure to direct sunlight can cause wood furniture to fade or warp over time—store wood furniture in a place where it won’t be exposed to any direct sunlight. Too much humidity can cause wood to swell and warp, while too little humidity can cause cracking. Monitor the humidity levels of your storage space regularly to ensure that they stay within an acceptable range for storing wood furniture.
Step 6: Wrap and Cover Furniture for Long-Term Storage
If you need to store wood furniture for longer, wrap it with plastic or cover it with a tarp. This will help protect it from dust and other elements that can cause damage.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your wood furniture will remain in good condition while in storage. With proper care and maintenance, you’ll be able to keep your pieces looking beautiful for years to come.
Tips for How to Protect Wood Furniture in Storage
- Clean and wax the surface of your furniture with a wax or polish product before placing it in storage. This will help protect it from dirt, dust, scratches, and water damage.
- Place furniture pieces on pallets or other sturdy surfaces when storing to protect against dampness and moisture absorption.
- Wrap each item of furniture individually in a fabric drop cloth or other protective material.
- Place an absorbent material, such as newspaper, between the furniture and the wrapping to reduce moisture absorption.
- Cover each item of furniture with plastic sheeting for extra protection against water damage and pests.
- Remove all drawers and cushion covers before placing them into storage. This will help reduce the risk of wood warping or cracking and the possibility of mold or mildew growing on the fabric.
- Place mothballs in each box or container to repel pests and keep them out of your stored furniture pieces.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your wood furniture is properly protected while stored in a safe and clean environment. Doing so will help ensure that your pieces come out looking as good as new when you take them out of storage.
How Often Should You Check on Your Wood Furniture in Storage?
Ensure your wood furniture is properly stored and protected; checking on it regularly is important. How you should check on the furniture on several factors, such as the type of storage unit, the climate where you live, and the size and condition of your furniture.
Furniture should be checked on at least once a month if stored in a climate-controlled storage facility. Check for any signs of moisture or mold and inspect any packing material to ensure it is still in good condition. If possible, open the storage unit door and let air circulate inside the unit periodically.
If you’re storing your wooden furniture outdoors, such as in a shed or garage, check on it every few weeks. Inspect for signs of decay and water damage, and ensure the furniture is covered to protect it from harsh weather conditions and pests.
If you have large pieces of furniture like armoires or china cabinets that take up a lot of space in your storage unit, move them around every now and then. This will help to avoid furniture indentations that can cause permanent damage over time.
How Can You Protect Your Wood Furniture From Pests While in Storage?
When storing your wooden furniture, it is important to keep pests away. To do this, vacuum the surfaces of your furniture before placing them into storage. This will remove any food particles that may attract insects or rodents. It is also important to ensure you don’t store food items near the furniture since pests can easily find their way to these areas.
You can also use pest repellents, such as mothballs or cedar blocks, to keep pests away from your furniture while in storage. For extra protection, you can cover the furniture with plastic sheets or tarps to prevent them from contacting any insects or rodents lurking in the area.
Finally, you should make sure that the storage environment is dry and well-ventilated. Pests are attracted to moisture, so a dry space will reduce their presence and ensure that your furniture is kept safe. Additionally, good air circulation will help keep pests away from the furniture.
Is There Any Additional Maintenance You Need to Do to Keep Your Wood Furniture in Good Condition in Storage?
Yes. In addition to proper cleaning and protection, there are additional steps you can take to ensure your wood furniture remains in good condition while in storage. First, it is important to store wood furniture at room temperature and away from direct sunlight or other sources of heat.
Sunlight can cause warping, fading, and cracking of the wood. Likewise, too much heat or cold can damage the material as well. If your storage space does not have climate control features, make sure to cover any windows with blackout curtains and use fans or dehumidifiers if needed to maintain a consistent temperature.
Second, consider adding some additional support to prevent sagging in the furniture. Place a piece of plywood between the furniture and the floor or add supports to keep items off the ground. This will help ensure that no excess moisture gets absorbed into the material and prevent sagging from occurring due to weight.
Finally, you may want to think about adding some extra padding where possible. Placing blankets or other fabric on top of the furniture can add additional protection from scratches and dust. This will also help to keep the material soft and prevent it from drying out.
Should You Use a Professional Service for Storing Your Wood Furniture in a Storage Unit?
If you are looking to store your wood furniture in a storage unit, you may wonder if using a professional service is necessary. The answer is that it depends on the type of furniture and the level of protection you want for it.
If you are storing a valuable antique piece or something that has sentimental value, then using a professional service might be the best way to ensure that your furniture is kept safe. Professional services can provide extra protection for your wood furniture, such as climate-controlled units and a variety of security options.
On the other hand, if you are storing a more common piece of furniture, using a professional service may be unnecessary.
In this case, you can still take steps to protect your furniture in storage and ensure that it remains safe while not in use. You should make sure that the unit is clean and dry before placing your furniture to reduce the risk of any damage from moisture. Additionally, you should wrap your furniture in a protective cover and bubble wrap before storing it away. This will help provide extra cushioning for the furniture and protect against scratches or dents.
Conclusion
In conclusion, protecting wood furniture in storage is an important step to ensure their longevity and to keep them looking beautiful. By cleaning and waxing your furniture before you store it and providing proper climate control, you can help ensure that your wooden furniture will be safe for years to come.
Additionally, if you use care when moving or packing up your furniture, you can avoid scratches and other damage that can occur in transit. I hope reading this post has helped you learn how to protect wood furniture in storage. Make sure the safety precautions are carried out in the order listed.
