Wood Furniture Care & Warranty

By Brian James, owner of Madera Furniture Company · Updated October 2026

Everyday care

  • Dust with a soft, dry cloth

  • Clean with a soft cloth lightly dampened with water, then dry right away

  • Wipe up spills promptly; never let water stand on the surface

  • Use coasters under glasses and trivets under anything hot

  • Use felt pads under objects that may scratch

  • Move lamps and décor now and then so sunlight doesn't leave outlines

  • Lift pieces to move them; never drag them

  • Avoid silicone polishes, ammonia or other harsh household cleaners

Our finish

We choose the finish for each piece based on how it will be used, and we’ll let you know which one is on on your piece.

  • Water-based clear coatings (Target Coatings EM2000, Gemini EVO): a durable layer on the surface that resists everyday spills and wear. Prolonged moisture or heat can still mark it. Damage is best repaired by us rather than at home.

  • Hardwax oil (Osmo): soaks into the wood for a natural, low-sheen feel. It needs an occasional refresh, and small marks can often be spot-repaired. We can walk you through it or take care of it for you.

New finishes keep curing for a few weeks after delivery, so go gently on the surface at first and wipe up spills right away. For anything beyond everyday care, contact us before attempting a repair.

Light and color

All wood changes color over time, especially in direct sunlight. How it changes depends on the species, and the page for your wood covers what to expect. This gradual change is part of the material's character, not a defect.

Natural variation

Every board is unique. The grain and color of your finished piece will differ from samples, photos and renderings, and that variation is part of what makes solid wood beautiful.

Our warranty

Every Madera piece carries a limited lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty covers the original buyer and is not transferable.

The warranty does not cover:

  • Normal wear and tear

  • Misuse, accidents or damage from moving or alterations

  • Repairs or refinishing done by anyone other than Madera

  • Outdoor use

  • Damage from improper cleaning products, such as silicone polishes, ammonia or harsh household cleaners

  • Damage from excess sun exposure

  • Damage from excess moisture or standing water

  • Damage from excess heat

  • Normal seasonal wood movement and natural color change

Making a claim

If you have a concern about your piece, give us a call. You'll find our number at the bottom of every page. We'll come take a look and fix it.

The full warranty terms are part of your customer agreement and apply to projects with deposits submitted on or after October 24, 2026.

Frequently asked questions

How do I clean wood furniture?

Dust with a soft, dry cloth, and clean with a cloth lightly dampened with water, then dry it right away. Avoid silicone polishes, ammonia and harsh household cleaners.

Can water marks on wood furniture be repaired?

Often, yes. Contact us first; depending on the finish, we can walk you through a spot repair or take care of it for you.

Does sunlight change the color of wood furniture?

Yes. All wood changes color over time, especially in direct sunlight, and how it changes depends on the species.

How long does a new wood finish take to cure?

New finishes keep curing for a few weeks after delivery, so go gently on the surface at first and wipe up spills right away.

What does the Madera warranty cover?

Every Madera piece carries a limited lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship for the original buyer. It is not transferable.

Is seasonal wood movement covered by the warranty?

No. Normal seasonal wood movement and natural color change are characteristics of solid wood, not defects, so they are not covered.

Related: Wood Movement