5 Common Problems with Wooden Furniture at La-Z-Boy (& Solutions)

Est. Reading Time: 7 Mins

Wood furniture is timeless, durable, and stylish, making it a staple in many homes. While La-Z-Boy is known for its comfortable recliners and sofas, we also carry high-quality wood furniture through brands like Kincaid, Hammary, American Drew, and Canadel Custom Dining.

Like all natural materials, wood comes with its own set of challenges. From delivery damage to watermarks, rust, mould, and dust mites, even the best-made furniture requires care.

Storm Shields, Service Department Supervisor at La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston, reassures customers, “With every problem, there is a solution.”

Interior Designer Magaly del Castillo from La-Z-Boy Cyrville also offers advice on how to maintain and protect your dining tables, coffee tables, and other wood pieces.

Key Takeaways:

• Even high-quality dining and occasional furniture may develop issues like scratches, stains, or rust.
• Delivery damages and quality control issues are rare but covered by warranty.
• Water rings are the most common enemy of wood furniture.
• Rust and mold are preventable with proper care.
• Dust mites are rare but can appear in dusty or humid homes.
• Regular cleaning and the right products help your furniture last for decades.
  
  

In this Article...

• Delivery Damage and Quality Control
• Watermarks on Wooden Furniture
• Rusty Metal Hardware
• Mould and Rotting in Wood Furniture
• Dust Mites in Wood Furniture

1. Delivery Damage and Quality Control

One of the most common problems happens before furniture even reaches your home. Scratches, dents, and unfinished stains can occur during manufacturing, while accidents during delivery may result in minor or major damage to a piece.

Storm notes, “We sell a lot of dining room furniture, and every once in a while, some products get damaged while in the delivery stage.”

Solution: These issues are usually covered under the La-Z-Boy Limited Lifetime Warranty. Canadel furniture offers similar coverage, and extended warranty plans are available for added protection. Keep in mind that rustic or distressed wood styles are designed to look imperfect, so small dents and marks are part of the furniture’s character.

2. Watermarks on Wooden Furniture

Water rings and stains are the most common problems with dining and occasional tables. A forgotten coaster or uncleaned spill can leave lasting marks, especially on distressed finishes where liquid seeps into the surface.

Magaly warns, “Any drink, including water, can leave a mark on your wooden tabletop. Even if you have the best finish out there, drinks will stain wood.”

Solution: Wipe spills immediately. For existing marks, try using a humidifier or a low-heat iron over a cloth to remove trapped moisture. Prevent stains in the future with coasters, placemats, or protective pads.

3. Rusty Metal Hardware

Dining tables with leaf extensions or accent furniture with decorative brackets often include metal parts. Over time, moisture may cause these areas to rust, making them difficult to operate or unattractive to look at.

Solution: Scrape away flakes with a wire brush and apply a rust-inhibitive primer to protect the metal. Keep hardware dry and lubricated to prevent future issues.

4. Mould and Rotting in Wood Furniture

Moisture and humidity are wood’s worst enemies. While uncommon indoors, mould or rot can develop on wood furniture if spills go uncleaned or if pieces are exposed to damp environments like basements or patios.

Storm explains, “These are very rare instances for interior wooden furniture, but they can happen to patio furniture more often.”

Solution: Store outdoor furniture during harsh weather and use a dehumidifier indoors if needed. For minor mould, clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. For bigger issues, use vinegar or vodka as natural cleaners.

5. Dust Mites in Wood Furniture

While dust mites are usually associated with fabrics, they can also appear in wood furniture in dusty or humid homes. These tiny pests may trigger allergies or asthma while also leaving residue on furniture.

Solution: Regularly dust with a microfiber or damp cloth and consider La-Z-Boy’s Wood Care Kit, which includes an anti-static cleaner and polish. If mites are present, flip your cloth often to avoid spreading them.

Storm recommends the kit, “The wood care kit isn’t included with every purchase, but it can be requested. It’s a great tool for preventing wood mites.”

What's Next?

With any furniture product, you can’t always avoid potential problems, although we try our best. But fear not; there are always solutions to these problems if they do occur. 

If you ever have a problem with La-Z-Boy wooden furniture or any furniture item we sell, do not hesitate to reach out to any of our furniture stores in Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston. Our service team can always lend a helping hand.

Additionally, our design consultants are eager to assist you in finding the ideal furniture for your home. If you are furnishing a new room, consider taking advantage of our interior design services by coming in-store or by scheduling an appointment online.

If you want to further familiarize yourself with our Dining Collection, take a look at our comprehensive Dining Room Furniture Buyer’s Guide.

Related Article:

• Tips on Environmentally Friendly Ways to Remove Old Furniture
  
  
• Canadel Dining Chairs vs. Dining Benches
  
  
• Review of the Canadel Dining Room Collection