Has your beautiful glued laminated timber furniture started to lose its original shine? Proper maintenance is key to ensuring your wooden surfaces maintain their warmth and durability for decades. Quality laminated timber adds character and value to your home but requires regular attention to prevent wear and avoid expensive repairs.
Why is regular maintenance essential?
Laminated timber consists of several joined layers of wood, making it a strong and durable material. Without proper care, however, even high-quality laminated timber can lose its beautiful appearance and protective layer.
Regular maintenance:
- Ensures moisture protection for the wood
- Maintains the material’s water resistance
- Prevents color changes and staining
- Significantly extends the furniture’s lifespan
- Prevents costly repairs in the future
Maintenance is particularly important for laminated timber countertops, which are constantly exposed to liquids, food residue, and temperature changes.
Inspecting laminated timber: what to look for?
Regular inspection helps identify problems before they become serious. We recommend checking the condition of your laminated timber at least once a quarter using the following checklist:
Checklist:
- Oil layer condition: Do a drop test – place a few drops of water on the surface. If the water remains as droplets on the surface, the protective layer is intact. If water is quickly absorbed into the wood, the surface needs re-oiling.
- Joints: Check the laminated timber joints for cracks or separation. Be especially careful with wooden wall panels and solid wood dining tables.
- Stain detection: Look for permanent stains that may indicate the surface has lost its protective layer.
- Physical damage: Check for scratches, dents, or other damage that may need repair.
- Joint silicone: If silicone has been used in the joints (especially in humid environments), check if it is still intact and fulfilling its function.
Cleaning laminated timber: correct methods and tools
Daily cleaning helps prevent dirt accumulation and damage. Use the following methods:
Recommended cleaning method:
- Prepare a solution: warm water + a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid
- Moisten a microfiber cloth (not soaking wet!)
- Wipe the surface along the wood grain
- Dry immediately with a soft, dry cloth
Suitable cleaning products:
- Natural cleaning agents without harsh chemicals
- Special wood cleaners suitable for your wood type
- Microfiber cloths that won’t scratch the surface
What to avoid:
- Abrasive cleaners that can scratch the wood
- Strong chemicals that damage wood protection
- Excessive water that can be absorbed into the wood and cause swelling
Our laminated timber products are made of high-quality materials but still require proper maintenance to preserve their quality for a long time.
Oiling and finishing: steps for successful maintenance
Regular aftercare is particularly important for oiled laminated timber surfaces to maintain water resistance.
Oiling frequency:
- Kitchen countertops and work surfaces: At least once a quarter, more frequently with intensive use
- Dining tables: 2-3 times a year
- Wall panels and other less-contacted surfaces: 1-2 times a year
Oiling process:
- Clean the surface thoroughly and allow to dry completely
- Gently sand the surface with fine sandpaper (if necessary)
- Apply natural linseed oil or special wood care oil in a thin layer
- Follow the drying times on the oil package (usually 6-24 hours)
- For hardwoods (e.g., oak), apply oil in thinner layers with 6-hour intervals
Recommended products:
- Liberon maintenance oil for oiled surfaces
- Liberon Finishing Oil especially for hardwoods
- Liberon furniture cleaner for pre-treating heavily soiled surfaces
Riverbank’s solid wood children’s beds and wooden coffee tables are also made of quality wood that requires regular maintenance to preserve their beautiful appearance.
Protecting laminated timber: prevention and safety
Preventive measures are as important as regular maintenance. Follow these recommendations to protect your laminated timber surfaces:
Temperature and moisture protection:
- Always use heat pads when placing hot items on laminated timber
- The maximum allowed temperature for direct contact is 180°C
- Dry liquid spills immediately to prevent water damage
- Avoid prolonged direct sunlight to prevent wood discoloration
What to definitely avoid:
- Don’t leave water or moisture on laminated timber for extended periods
- Don’t cut directly on laminated timber – always use a cutting board
- Don’t soak wood with water – use only a damp cloth
- Don’t place hot pans or pots directly on the work surface
Safety:
Before using new cleaning products, always test them on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure they’re compatible with your type of wood.
Common damages and their repair
Even with the best maintenance, damage can occur. Here are the most common problems and their solutions:
Scratches:
- Surface scratches: sand gently with fine sandpaper and oil
- Deeper scratches: fill with wood putty, sand, and oil
Water damage:
- Fresh stains: dry immediately and monitor for marks
- White marks left by stains: sand gently and re-oil
- More serious water damage: may require professional restoration
Loose joints:
- Slight separation: use wood glue and clamps
- More serious problem: contact a furniture specialist
Maintenance schedule and reminder
Follow this schedule to simplify laminated timber maintenance:
Daily:
- Wipe surfaces clean after use
- Remove liquid spills immediately
Weekly:
- Thorough cleaning with a mild cleaner
- Check for damage
Quarterly:
- Perform drop test to check water resistance
- Oil work surfaces (in the kitchen)
2-3 times a year:
- Oil all laminated timber surfaces
- Check joints and repair if necessary
Annually:
- Thorough inspection of all laminated timber furniture
- Restore damaged areas if necessary
Laminated timber surfaces are an investment that, with proper care, will maintain their beautiful appearance and durability for decades. Regular maintenance is not just an aesthetic issue but an economically sensible activity that extends the life of your furniture and saves money in the long run.
Riverbank OÜ offers quality laminated timber products made from high-quality materials that will last for generations with proper care. Our laminated timber products are built to last but still need your attention and care.
If you have questions or need additional help with maintaining laminated timber products, feel free to contact us at +372 509 9151. Our specialists are always ready to advise you and offer the best solutions for maintaining your laminated timber furniture.