How to Treat Unfinished Pine Wood Furniture

Written By
Kate Carpenter
Kate Carpenter
Published: May 15, 2009
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Things You Will Need

  • Clean duster or cloth
  • Clean, damp cloth
  • Protective wood oil
  • Block furniture wax
  1. Select a location or placement for the unfinished pine furniture that is away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Unfinished pine is susceptible to cracking and shrinking when exposed to extreme heat or extreme variations of temperature and moisture. It is ideal to place your unfinished pine furniture where environmental conditions are moderate and stable.

  2. Dust the unfinished pine wood furniture with a clean duster or cloth at least every week. Regular cleaning will prevent a build up of dust and dirt from mixing with any moisture, which can embed in the grains of the pine wood or form a dingy layer, resulting in discoloration of the furniture and giving it a shabby appearance.

  3. Use a damp, almost dry, clean cloth occasionally to remove stubborn dirt and oily spots left from human contact. A bit of mild wood soap may be used for difficult spots, but first test the reaction of the soap to the unfinished pine wood on a hidden area.

  4. Apply sparingly a good quality protective wood oil with a clean cloth should the unfinished pine appear to be drying out and to protect it from future drying out. Again, first test the react of the oil with the unfinished pine wood furniture in a hidden area of the furniture to ensure the oil will not discolor or stain the piece.

  5. Use hard block furniture wax, following the packaging instructions, to protect unfinished pine, retain its natural color texture and strength and prevent natural damages and cracking.

The Drip Cap

  • Unfinished pine wood furniture--popular because it can be crafted into a variety of shapes and designs--is a soft wood that can be easily damaged if not properly cared for.
  • Apply sparingly a good quality protective wood oil with a clean cloth should the unfinished pine appear to be drying out and to protect it from future drying out.
  • Again, first test the react of the oil with the unfinished pine wood furniture in a hidden area of the furniture to ensure the oil will not discolor or stain the piece.
Kate Carpenter

Kate Carpenter is a reporter and designer based in Pocatello, Idaho. She has worked as a writer, designer and copy editor for three years, and she earned a degree in magazine editing and design from the University of Missouri in 2007.

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