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Natural Beauty
Willow Creek & Co. wood furniture begins with a reverence for wood. Our product design specialists determine the type of wood to be used for each collection based on the wood’s grain character, color, natural markings, and appropriateness to the design.
We select only premium materials to be crafted into fine Willow Creek & Co furniture. Inherent characteristics of wood, such as mineral streaks, color and grain variation, pin knots, pitch pockets, and other markings, add to the natural beauty of our wood furniture pieces. Because no two trees are exactly alike, each piece of furniture will have its own unique character which shines through our carefully applied finishes.
Climate Control
Did you know that freshly sawn wood is more than 50 percent water? To prepare the wood for crafting into furniture, we carefully dry the wood to reduce the moisture content to a level that allows it to acclimate to the average relative humidity in most homes.
The wood in furniture continues to exchange moisture with the air as it responds to climatic changes in your home. Like your skin, wood is porous. It responds to extremely dry air by losing moisture and shrinking a bit. For example, the halves of an extension table may part slightly, especially at the edges of the table. This will correct itself as the relative humidity rises and the wood absorbs enough moisture to expand slightly. These natural changes, however, do not affect the furniture’s quality or sturdiness.
The Ideal Environment
Wood furniture is best maintained at a temperature of between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, with a relative humidity between 35 and 40 percent. Avoid placing fine wood furniture near heat or air-conditioning outlets. Exposure to extreme temperature variations can damage any fine wood pieces, including variations caused by humidifiers, fireplaces, or space heaters.
Sticking Drawers
During humid weather, wood drawer fronts may swell and become difficult to open and close. Although we engineer the tolerances around the drawer openings to allow for normal expansion, extreme conditions may cause drawers to stick.
An easy remedy is to rub candle wax or paraffin on the drawer sides and bottom runners. However, if the humidity remains high over a long period, consider using a dehumidifier. When the air becomes drier, drawers will naturally stop sticking.
Direct Sunlight
Do not expose furniture to continuous direct sunlight. With extended exposure, ultraviolet rays can create hairline cracks in the finish or cause fading or darkening. We recommend arranging furniture away from direct sunlight and using window treatments to block the sun’s rays.
Please note that some wood species darken naturally with age. Such darkening is not considered a quality defect. This effect is particularly noticeable on light or painted finishes.
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