What Are the Most Common Monsoon Problems for Solid Wood Furniture

The monsoons not only bring pleasant weather but also excess moisture, which can be detrimental to the home interiors. During this season, the relative humidity often exceeds 70%, and these increased moisture levels can cause the solid wood furniture to absorb the excess moisture and swell. 

Homeowners often find that the door of a wardrobe doesn’t close properly sometime in mid-August, a chair starts wobbling because the joint is loose, or a white patch appears on the coffee table. Though these may look like unrelated problems, all three situations have the same cause- excess moisture. Unlike plastic or metal, wood absorbs moisture and gradually changes its strength, shape and appearance.

If ignored, these changes will affect the lifespan of the furniture. This blog will explore the most common monsoon problems for solid wood furniture and suggest some preventive measures for furniture protection before the onset of monsoon.

Major Monsoon Problems for Solid Wood Furniture

Since wood is a natural material, it responds to changes in humidity. During the rainy season, it absorbs excess moisture, which affects the shape and finish of the furniture. Here are the most common monsoon problems faced by wooden furniture.

• Swelling and Jamming

One of the major signs of increased humidity is that the furniture is not functioning smoothly as before. Drawers may start sticking, wardrobe doors may become difficult to close, or the edges of tables may swell, and the polish of the furniture becomes dull. This is because the wood absorbs moisture from the air and expands.

• Warping and Bending

Not all wooden furniture swells evenly. It is often seen that the shelves start to sag, panels start pulling away from walls, or shutters develop curves or become lean. This is because the absorption of uneven moisture causes the panel or plank of one side to expand more than that of the other, resulting in a gradual warping or bend.

• Mould and Fungus Growth

Damp edges, lack of proper ventilation and prolonged humidity develop appropriate conditions for fungus and mold. Green mold, white patches, black spots or musty odours are the most common signs of moisture affecting the wood, especially if there is no protective finish.

• Cracks and Structural Deformation

Wood continuously expands when it absorbs moisture and shrinks when it dries. These repeated cycles of expansion and contraction can loosen the screws of a chair, weaken joints, and gradually lead to cracks in furniture.

• Peeling Lamination

Laminated furniture is often ineffective when moisture enters through unconcealed edges or damaged corners. As time passes, the laminate may disappear, and the painted surfaces can develop bubbles or may start peeling.

• Dull Finishes

Though the structure of the wooden furniture remains the same, the finish may lose its original appeal during the rainy season. Increased humidity often causes polished wooden surfaces to look dull or sticky.

• Musty Smells

Dampness is trapped inside the closed storage units like wardrobes and cupboards, which encourages the mold to grow. As a result, there is a musty odour, especially in low-grade plywood or unprocessed softwoods.

• Termites and Wood Pests

Apart from affecting the appearance of the furniture, moisture can increase the risk of parasites and mold. Woods which are moisture-softened are attractive to parasites. It will cause structural damage, which is often overlooked until it becomes severe.

5 Tips to Protect Solid Wood Furniture During Monsoon

If the drawers are sticking or if there is any mold on the surface, don’t ignore it; this can damage the entire furniture. Let’s discuss the pro-tips for seasonal furniture care.

1. Manage Proper Ventilation

Humidity increases in stagnant air. Therefore, keep the windows open to allow cross-ventilation. If the room feels damp, use a dehumidifier or AC in dry mode to reduce the excess moisture from the room.

2. Place the Furniture Away from Walls

Moisture often comes out through walls. Place the wooden furniture a few inches away from the wall to manage the airflow behind the furniture and prevent damp patches from affecting the wood surface.

3. Regular Cleaning

Moisture can hide on wooden surfaces, and it may go undetected. Therefore, wipe down furniture at least twice a week with a clean and dry cloth to wipe away moisture from the surface and prevent dust from settling on the furniture.

4. Get Dehumidifiers

For solid wood wardrobes and other storage units, silica gel sachets and camphor tablets are excellent dehumidifiers. They absorb the trapped moisture from inside and maintain the furniture quality.

5. Use Protective Finish

Apply high-quality wood polish or white mineral oil as a protective finish. These are sealants in nature and make it tough for moisture to penetrate the surface.

Conclusion

Humidity during July to September can silently damage the wooden furniture before it becomes severe. Wooden tables or cabinets may swell, drawers may get stuck or develop irritating smells, fungus may spread inside the cupboards, and expensive furniture may become dull. 

Luckily, most of these monsoon problems for wooden furniture are preventable. Managing indoor humidity, improving ventilation and using a dehumidifier can significantly prevent moisture-related damage.

Protecting furniture is not only about safeguarding the appearance but also about protecting the investment in creating a comfortable home. With the perfect humidity management strategy, one can enjoy the rain without thinking about the effects of moisture.

FAQs

1. Why does the edge of my table swell during the monsoon?

Since wood absorbs atmospheric moisture during the rainy season, it results in the expansion of the cell structure of the furniture. This results in swelling on wooden furniture.

2. Can wooden furniture be kept near a window during rainy seasons?

It is recommended to place the wooden furniture away from the window because moisture can come out through cracks. Also, place the furniture a few inches away from the wall.

3. How to prevent fungus on wooden furniture?

Maintain good airflow, wipe with a clean and dry cloth and use silica gel or camphor as moisture absorbers.

4. What type of wood is perfect for furniture to prevent moisture damage?

Teak and sheesam woods are the best types for a humid climate. Their natural oils and high density prevent moisture absorption and maintain the furniture quality.

5. Can warped wooden furniture be repaired?

If the warps are below 5 mm, it can often be repaired with humidity reduction. But if the warps are more than 1 cm, it is recommended to seek professional help.

6. What should be the favourable indoor humidity to protect solid wood furniture?

The favourable indoor humidity should be 45-55% to prevent moisture absorption. Over 65% humidity increases the risk of swelling and mold.