Wood framed mirror | 64 x 3 x 90.5 cm | Vintage

Why can cracks appear in solid wood?

Wood is a living natural material that reacts to the temperature and humidity of the environment. When conditions change – dry winter air indoors or sun outdoors – wood can live and sometimes develop small cracks. This is a natural part of the nature of wood.

The thicker the piece of wood, the more likely it is to develop hairline cracks. Wooden framed mirrors or wooden decorative panels almost never crack.

Is the crack a defect or a quality defect?

No. Cracks are not a sign of poor quality, but on the contrary, an indication of genuine, solid wood material.

Design by Sasu's furniture is made from recycled teak. The furniture does not contain chipboard or artificial structures that would prevent the natural life of the wood.

Vintage by Sasu's furniture and wooden objects were made from teak wood 50-100 years ago.

Is teak suitable for both indoor and outdoor use?

Yes. Teak is one of the most durable and highly valued woods in the world. Its natural oil content makes it an excellent material for both indoor and outdoor use. Indoors, teak retains its warm, vibrant appearance. Outdoors, it patinas to a beautiful silvery gray over time if the wood is not oiled.

Do cracks affect the durability of the furniture?

The cracks are thin and superficial and do not impair the structure or lifespan of the furniture. Properly constructed solid teak furniture is made to last for decades – even in varying conditions.

Can cracks be prevented?

The aging of solid wood cannot be completely prevented, but it can be controlled.

In use we recommend:

• avoid placing furniture in the immediate vicinity of a radiator or fireplace, or in a room with underfloor heating
• keep indoor humidity at 35-45%
• maintain wooden surfaces regularly

How to care for teak furniture indoors?

The most important maintenance measure for teak furniture indoors is to maintain a constant humidity level in the room, especially during the winter season. We recommend keeping the humidity at around 35–45% using a humidifier – the wood should not be sprayed. Any small cracks are normal; they are usually aesthetic and can be repaired with wood putty during maintenance if desired.

When it comes to surface treatment, the choice is between oil and wax: oil protects the wood effectively, but darkens and changes the tone of the teak, while wax (e.g. sauna wax) changes the color very little, provides light surface protection and allows the wood to live naturally. Therefore, wax is often the best option indoors when you want to preserve the original look of teak as much as possible.

How to care for teak furniture when used outdoors?

Teak is a naturally very weather-resistant wood, and its care for outdoor use is intentionally simple. The furniture can be left untreated, allowing the teak to grey beautifully and evenly over time – this is a completely natural and valued patina. If desired, a warmer tone can be maintained by oiling, but it is worth noting that oil darkens the wood and requires regular renewal. Outdoors, oil does not prevent cracks, but slows down rapid fluctuations in humidity. Small cracks are normal and do not affect durability; they can be repaired with wood putty during maintenance if desired.

The most important thing is good placement: avoid constant standing water, ensure air circulation and let the furniture dry after rain. With proper care – or even without surface treatment – ​​solid teak can last outdoors for decades and develop a valuable patina.

Does teak furniture need to be protected from the winter?

Teak is an exceptionally durable wood. Its natural oils protect the wood from moisture, frost and temperature fluctuations. Structurally, teak furniture can also withstand winter outdoors, and frost itself does not damage it. Why is protection still a good idea? In winter, the biggest stress is not the cold, but constant moisture and freezing, standing water in the joints and snow, which prevents the wood from drying out.

Winter protection reduces the risk of cracks and surface wear, slows down patination and makes spring maintenance significantly easier.

The best way to store your furniture for the winter is to move it to a covered, airy space (shed, storage room, cold garage). If the furniture is left outside, use a breathable tarpaulin (not plastic) and make sure that no water stands on the surfaces. We also recommend raising the furniture slightly off the ground.

We have been working with Shreya Furniture from Indonesia for over ten years. The core of their business is finding old items in local rural buy-and-sell shops, which to Westerners often resemble junkyards, and renovating the items they find there. With the help of Shreya Furniture, we also occasionally have products other than old items for sale.