| Americans who want to add a touch of hominess to | | | | furniture from time to time and make sure that there is |
| their decorating styles love to collect pine antique | | | | no unaccounted-for sawdust under the legs or in |
| furniture. There is something distinctively All-American | | | | drawers. Keeping your surfaces sealed will prevent |
| and warm about pine: after all, it is affordable, beautiful, | | | | further damage. |
| and extremely wearable if properly cared for. Here | | | | -- Beware of temperature extremes |
| are some tips for how to care for your pine antique | | | | Pine, like most woods, will dry out quickly if it is placed |
| furniture. | | | | in direct sunlight, near air conditioning and heating vents, |
| First of all, it's important to know that pine is soft, and | | | | or too close to ovens and furnaces. Glue joints may |
| therefore it is more susceptible to dings and scratches. | | | | become loosened, causing furniture to fall apart as well. |
| With the right kind of stain, however, these defects | | | | -- Humidity control |
| serve to add to the charm of your piece, so don't | | | | If you have a lot of antiques, it is best to keep the |
| worry too much about small scratches. | | | | humidity levels well-regulated in your home. Just as |
| Tips | | | | dryness will take a toll on your antique furniture, so will |
| -- Monitor it regularly for insects | | | | humidity. Rot and mold growth are common if proper |
| Because pine is so soft, it is more susceptible to | | | | precautions are not taken: so don't forget to use the |
| damage from boring insects. Make sure to check your | | | | dehumidifier during the soggiest months of the year. |