Caring for your solid-wood furniture through the seasons

Care & Maintenance · Apr 2026 · 4 min

Caring for your solid-wood furniture through the seasons

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Kathmandu's monsoon and dry season are hard on wood, a few simple habits will keep your furniture looking its best for decades.

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Solid wood is a living material. It expands slightly in the monsoon humidity and contracts in the dry winter months. This is not a defect, it is the nature of real timber, and if you understand it, you can work with it rather than against it.

Our seasonal care checklist

  • Pre-monsoon (May–June): Apply a thin coat of furniture wax or oil to all exposed surfaces. This creates a barrier against moisture absorption.
  • Monsoon (July–September): Keep windows near wooden furniture slightly open to allow air circulation. Avoid placing pieces directly against exterior walls where condensation can form.
  • Post-monsoon (October–November): Wipe down surfaces with a dry cloth to remove any surface moisture. Check joints for any movement and contact us if you notice gaps widening.
  • Dry season (December–March): A room humidifier near large pieces helps prevent excessive contraction and surface cracking, especially in walnut.

For daily cleaning, a slightly damp cloth is all you need. Avoid harsh detergents and never use standing water on wood surfaces. Oil finishes can be refreshed at home once a year; lacquered pieces should be brought to the workshop for a professional top-up every three to five years.

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