The problem? The lack of moisture!
Proper care for solid wood furniture is critical. The reason for this is humidity... moisture content... water, the all-necessary elxir of life for all.
When humidity drops below 30 to 35%, solid wood furniture beings to dry out, shrink and be prone to splitting. There are two key ways to prevent moisture loss...
1. The best way is to use a humidifier... preferably a warm air humidifier which doesn’t grow mold and present other potential health hazards as with cold water humidifiers.
Not only will your skin benefit the added moisture, so will your furniture, offering you a lifetime of beauty and wood health. Many furnaces have built in humidifiers today and while many people believe that it is enough, unfortunately it is not, especially when it’s extremely cold or you have solid wood furniture in your home.
2. Another way to infuse moisture into your fine wood furniture is to apply a coat of natural oil (such as Tung (MinWax or other), lemon or orange oil) once a month. Wipe on a heavy coat, let it sit for 10 or 15 minutes and then wipe off the excess. Check it the following day for seepage and wipe again if necessary. The furniture will drink up the oil and replace lost moisture making it less prone to splitting and cracking. 
Prevention! By following these few, inexpensive treatments, you will never have a humidity problem with your furniture. Working with wood is a warmly rewarding task you'll likely really enjoy.Thanks for visiting,
Carolyn Clarke
the Furniture Rejuvenator
604-885-8885
