Oak furniture goes through a "seasoning" process for the first four years. But it is the first six nine months that will really make the most noticeable difference. During this time, oil the wood frequently with any Danish or Teak oil. Apply it in the evening and let it dry over night. The oil can also be used to remove any water marks that might occur. Also during the first year, oak has natural tannin that can seep out and stain the furniture. If this happens, use bleach to remove it. But only leave the bleach on until the stain is gone. Then rinse it well and apply oil to the surface. If you are uncomfortable using bleach on your wood, an alternative is wood reviver.

Ongoing care after the initial "seasoning" period is simple. Avoid extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. Extreme temperatures will dry the wood and direct sunlight will fade it. Although spray-on polishes can be used, wax polish is better.

Over the years, it's likely that you will experience some mishaps with your furniture. Oakfield Cabinet makers recommend a few tricks to mend these mishaps:

1. Moisture rings, water marks and heat marks can be treated by wiping margarine or butter into the effected area. Leave it over night and wipe it clean in the morning. Sometimes, a stain might be too stubborn for butter. Make a paste out of cigarette ash and olive oil. Massage the paste into the stain and leave it until the stain is gone. Then wipe it off and polish the area.
2. Dents can be repaired with moist heat. Put a few drops of water in the dent and let it soak in for about a minute. Then place a cotton cloth over the dent and iron over the dent with a fabric iron on medium heat. The moist heat will cause the wood to expand back into its original shape.
3. Scratches can usually be filled in with wax crayon or even eye liner as long as it's a close color match. Just rub it into the crack with a soft cloth.
4. Burn marks can be removed with toothpaste or a paste made from powdered pumice and vegetable oil. Just rub it into the effected grain and wipe it off.

If you follow these simple rules in taking care of your wood furniture, it will look wonderful for years. It will probably outlast you.

Learn more about this author, Jacci DiCarlo.
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