Does wood furniture need to be stored in climate control?

We’ll start with an obvious one: leaving antique wooden furniture exposed to the elements can wreak havoc on its structure. Whether it’s an antique piano or a family heirloom dresser, antique wooden furniture should always be stored in climate-controlled storage units.

Can wood furniture be stored in the cold?

Cold weather and fluctuating temperatures are particularly bad for wood furniture. The wood material contains a certain amount of water, making it pliable. This leads wooden furniture to expand when hot and contract when cold. After enough expansions and contractions, your furniture can start warping.

How do you store things in an unfinished basement?

How to store things in a unfinished basement. If your basement is unfinished: Install shelving units so you can keep items you’re storing in the basement off the floor. Furniture: Place foldable items stacked neatly against a wall so they’re accessible but retrievable.

Does wood contract or expand in cold?

Wood can expand in colder temperatures and it can also contract in colder temperatures. Wood doesn´t directly contract or expand because of the surrounding temperatures but because of its internal humidity level. The higher the humidity level of the wood the more it expands and vice versa.

How do I store wood in my basement?

Here are a few key points to keep in mind when storing scrap wood in your basement, garage or storage unit.

Store Unseasoned Wood Outdoors.
Keep Kiln-Dried Lumber Indoors.
Support Boards Every 16 to 18 Inches.
Don’t Stack Too Much Lumber on One Shelf.
If Storing Lumber Vertically, Make Sure It’s Supported and Elevated.

How do you store tools in a damp basement?

Metal tools left hanging a damp basement are just asking for rust. When storing tools in the open, first protect them with a coat of machine oil to repel moisture. Otherwise, keep your wrenches, hammers, and drivers locked up in the toolbox where they’ll be protected from the elements.

What do you need to know about antique armoires?

Essentially, antique armoires are tall wardrobe or cabinet pieces with usually one or two tall doors on hinges. The interior may be fitted with rods or bars for hanging clothes, small drawers or shelves. An antique armoire may have mirrored doors, glass doors or wooden doors.

What’s the best way to clean an antique armoire?

I always start by using a mild cleanser like Murphy’s Oil Soap and water (or the Murphy’s spray cleaner for ease) to remove grime and dirt. Then, I typically use Howard’s Restor-a-Finish (available in multiple colors) with a rag or 0000 grade steel wool to bring out the color of the wood and minimize any scratches or water damage.

Why are armoires often called knock down wardrobes?

Many of these antique armoires are often called “knock-down” wardrobes. Simply put, these pieces could be easily disassembled and reassembled. This helped these monstrously large wardrobes fit up narrow staircases and winding hallways during the Victorian era.

When did the first antique wardrobe come out?

Later, 20th century antique armoires often copied these trends, making early turn of the century armoires just as beautiful as some of their older counterparts. In America, antique Victorian wardrobes of all styles, woods and sizes came out between the 1850’s and 1910’s. Many of these antique armoires are often called “knock-down” wardrobes.

What kind of doors are in an antique wardrobe?

The interior may be fitted with rods or bars for hanging clothes, small drawers or shelves. An antique armoire may have mirrored doors, glass doors or wooden doors. Before closets were built into rooms, a solid wood free-standing wardrobe or “armoire” (French for Wardrobe) was standard for storing clothes.