Solid hardwood care

Looking after
your Kingsley
Woodwork
piece.

With the right care, solid hardwood furniture improves with age. This guide covers everything you need to keep your piece in the best possible condition.

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Before you start

Solid hardwood behaves differently from veneered or engineered alternatives. It moves with changes in humidity and temperature — that's not a flaw, it's a characteristic of this natural material. Understanding this is the foundation of caring for it well.

All Kingsley Woodwork pieces are finished with Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C unless otherwise specified. This is a penetrating oil finish — it feeds the wood rather than coating it, which means it can be repaired and refreshed over time without stripping the piece back to bare timber.

Rubio Monocoat
Oil Plus 2C.

Our preferred finish for all Kingsley Woodwork pieces. Natural, plant-based, and repairable. Here's what makes it different from other finishes.

Penetrating, not coating
Bonds with the wood fibres rather than sitting on top. The surface stays tactile and natural.
Repairable
Scratches and worn areas can be spot-repaired without refinishing the whole piece.
Plant-based
Made from natural ingredients — no harmful solvents or VOCs. Safe for use in homes with children and pets.
Matte natural look
Enhances the grain and colour of the wood without adding an artificial sheen or plastic look.
Day to day

Daily care
habits.

  • 01
    Control temperature and humidity

    Ideal conditions are 20–22°C and 40–60% relative humidity. Avoid placing furniture directly next to radiators, log burners, or in conservatories with large temperature swings. Wood moves most when conditions change rapidly — consistency matters more than the exact figures.

  • 02
    Dust regularly with a dry cloth

    Dust frequently with a soft, dry cloth to prevent build-up. Fine dust particles can act as an abrasive over time. A microfibre cloth works well — wipe with the grain rather than across it.

  • 03
    Keep out of direct sunlight

    Prolonged direct sunlight will fade and dry the wood over time. This is particularly noticeable on darker species like walnut. Use blinds or curtains to limit exposure, and rotate any decorative items placed on the surface occasionally to avoid uneven fading.

  • 04
    Use coasters, mats, and tablecloths

    Protect surfaces from heat, spills, and scratches. Hot cups and plates can leave white rings even on oiled finishes — always use a coaster or mat. Felt pads under objects that move regularly (lamps, vases) prevent surface scratching.

  • 05
    Wipe spills immediately

    Don't let liquid sit on the surface. Rubio Monocoat is water-resistant but not waterproof — prolonged exposure to moisture will eventually penetrate. Wipe spills promptly with a dry or lightly damp cloth and allow to dry naturally.

When it needs more

Cleaning
your piece
properly.

Dry clean
Everyday dusting

Dust and clean with a dry, soft, non-abrasive cloth. This should be the default — most cleaning can be handled this way without introducing any moisture to the surface.

Damp clean
Regular surface cleaning

Use a cloth dampened with clean water — not soaking wet. Wring it out thoroughly before use. Avoid doing this daily; it's for when dry cleaning isn't sufficient. Dry the surface immediately after with a clean cloth.

Deep clean
For grease, stubborn marks, and build-up

Use Rubio Monocoat Soap or Surface Care Spray. These are specifically formulated for Monocoat-finished surfaces — they remove dirt and grease without leaving a film or changing the matte finish. Don't use standard household cleaners, which can strip or dull the oil.

Important: Allow at least five days after delivery before cleaning with any liquid. The oil finish continues to cure after application and needs time to fully harden before being exposed to moisture.

The right
products for
the finish.

All products below are from the Rubio Monocoat range and are designed to work with Oil Plus 2C — the finish used on all Kingsley Woodwork pieces. Using incompatible cleaners or oils can strip or interfere with the finish.

  • Rubio Monocoat Soap

    Highly concentrated cleaner. Dilute 1:100 with water to create Surface Care Spray. Removes dirt and grease without affecting the matte finish.

    Deep clean
  • Surface Care Spray

    Ready-to-use spray for spot cleaning spills and accidents. Available pre-mixed. Ideal to keep to hand with your cleaning supplies.

    Spot clean
  • Rubio Monocoat Renew

    For periodic rejuvenation every 2–6 years. Refreshes, restores, and protects surfaces treated with Oil Plus 2C. Use when the surface feels dry or rough.

    Rejuvenation
  • Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C

    For repairs to areas of significant wear or damage. Apply sparingly to the affected area — the product is designed to bond only where the existing oil has worn away.

    Repair
Long-term care

Maintenance
& rejuvenation
schedule.

Weekly
Dry dust

Wipe down with a dry microfibre cloth. Takes thirty seconds and prevents abrasive build-up that would otherwise dull the finish over time.

Monthly
Damp wipe if needed

If the surface needs more than dusting, use a lightly dampened cloth with clean water, or use Rubio Monocoat Surface Care Spray. Follow with a dry cloth. This is enough for most household furniture.

As needed
Deep clean with Monocoat Soap

For grease, stubborn marks, or general build-up. Dilute Rubio Monocoat Soap 1:100 with water and apply with a cloth. Wipe clean and dry thoroughly.

Every 2–6 years
Rejuvenate with Rubio Monocoat Renew

When the surface begins to feel dry, rough, or the finish has visibly worn in areas of heavy use — apply Rubio Monocoat Renew to refresh and protect the surface. This extends the life of the finish significantly and avoids the need for a full re-oil.

If damaged
Spot repair with Oil Plus 2C

Scratches, dents, and worn patches can be treated with Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C applied to the affected area only. The product bonds where the existing oil has worn away — you don't need to treat the whole piece. For significant damage, contact us.

Rejuvenation frequency depends on how hard the piece is used and the conditions in your home. A dining table in daily use will need attention sooner than a bedroom piece used occasionally.

2–6 yrs typical rejuvenation cycle
Understanding the material

Wood
movement
is normal.

Solid hardwood expands and contracts with changes in humidity and temperature. This is a natural characteristic of the material — not a defect. A dining table top may be fractionally wider in summer than in winter. Drawer fronts may fit differently between seasons. This is expected behaviour.

The pieces are designed and made to accommodate this movement. Tabletops are attached using threaded inserts or similar movable fastners, rather than fixed screws, allowing the top to move without the frame resisting it. Drawer runners are fitted with seasonal movement in mind.

If you notice small gaps or cracks appearing in very dry conditions — particularly in winter when central heating is running — this is usually the wood responding to low humidity. A humidifier in the room will help. In most cases, the gap will close again when humidity increases.

What to avoid

Placing solid wood furniture next to or directly above radiators is the single most common cause of premature cracking and excessive movement. Heat dries the wood rapidly and unevenly — the surface dries faster than the core, which creates tension. If you need to place a piece near a heat source, fit a reflective radiator panel to deflect the direct heat.

Something
specific? Get
in touch.

These are general guidelines that apply to most pieces finished with Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C. If you have a specific issue — a significant scratch, a mark that won't shift, or damage that needs attention — get in touch directly and we'll advise on the best course of action.

Email: hello@kingsleywoodwork.co.uk