At Neptune, we believe in designing furniture that stands the test of time – both in style and craftsmanship. Crafted using only the finest materials and time-honoured techniques, alongside modern engineering, every piece of furniture is made to be cherished for years to come. To help prolong the natural beauty of your timber furniture, follow our care guidelines.

Caring for your timber furniture

Timber, such as oak and tulipwood,is a living material, which gives it unique grain patterns, knots and colouring that vary from piece to piece. It also means it’ll continue to react to its environment and respond to fluctuations in temperature and humidity. As your timber furniture settles into its new home, some natural wood movement is to be expected. This is nothing to worry about and is an innate part of its character.  

Timber care tips

Movement and stability 

• Movement in the timber may happen seasonally due to changes in temperature or moisture – in winter your home has a lower humidity and in summer moisture will increase. 
• To help reduce the amount of movement, do not place furniture near to any heat sources (such as radiators or heaters) or in excessive areas of moisture (such as air conditioning units).  
• Any leaves or extendable parts also need time to adapt to their new home and stabilise. Ideally you should have tables fully extended for at least 2 weeks in their new position. 

Sunlight and heat 

• Direct sunlight can cause fading and drying out of the wood. To prevent uneven colour changes, rotate your furniture or extend leaves regularly. 
• Timber furniture is not heat resistant, you should always use insulated placemats for protection when putting hot dishes or mugs on any surface.  
• Consider leaving a gap of about 25mm between walls and the back of your furniture, this allows air flow which keeps the temperature stable and prolongs the life of the timber.  

IsoGuard®protection
IsoGuard® is our revolutionary timber protection treatment that provides robust, long-lasting durabilitywithout masking the timber’s natural qualities. The oil-based finish bonds with the wood at a cellular level, penetrating beneath the surface rather than simply coating it.All our unpainted timber furniture, both indoor and outdoor, comes protected with IsoGuard®.  

IsoGuard®care tips

Everyday care

• IsoGuard® is designed to repel water and other spillages, but it will only do so for around four hours. Be sure to wipe up surface liquid as soon as possible to avoid leaving a stain.  
• Simply dust our oak furniture with a dry e-cloth and remove marks with a damp one as needed.  
• For a deeper clean, our Surface Soap is specially designed to care for the IsoGuard® finish, apply once a week for general upkeep. Avoid using standard furniture cleaners and polishes as these may harm the finish.   
• If you notice any dryness on your oak furniture, our Eco Refresh Spray acts as a moisturiser and keeps timber nourished. We recommend using it every 3-6 months.  

Spot cleaning for stains

Tannin marks occur when damp metals or ceramics, such as mugs or flower pots,come into contact with timber, leaving behind black stains. Our Tannin Spot Remover is specifically formulated to lift these stains from the surface and restore your furniture to its original beauty.

On going maintenance 

• Neptune timber furniture is protected with IsoGuard® for long-lasting durability. While it doesn’t always require refreshing, well-loved furniture may show signs of wear over time. In these cases, we recommend refreshing the finish every couple of years with our Treatment Oil.  
• Our timber furniture comes in a choice of different finishes, so when purchasing our Treatment Oil make sure you select the same shade for a seamless result.  

IsoGuard® Care Kit

Our IsoGuard® Care Kit includes everything you need to maintain your furniture. It contains IsoGuard® Surface Soap for regular upkeep, along with targeted cleaners to remove grease stains and water marks. We’ve also included a microfibre e-cloth for easy application. Available in both interior and exterior versions, our kit is designed to keep your timber furniture in the best condition.  

Important: IsoGuard® oils are flammable, so always place used cloths and pads in water immediately after use, before disposing of them.  

Applying IsoGuard®: 

1. Sand the surface of the furniture all over. We suggest using 150-180 grit sandpaper.  
2. Use a sanding pad to rub the oil into the wood grain in all directions.   
3. Finish by rubbing in the direction of the grain.   
4. Leave the oil on the wood for 5-10 minutes.   
5. Remove the excess oil using a clean e-cloth.   
6. The furniture will be completely dry and ready for use after 24 hours, but it won’t be fully cured for two weeks.   

Learn more IsoGuard® care treatments, including when to use them and how to apply each one, here. 

Caring for your painted timber furniture

Thanks to the quality of our acrylic eggshell paint, caring for our painted furniture is easy. Regular dusting with a dry e-cloth, or a damp cloth for marks is usually enough. Over time, you may need to retouch the painted finish or choose to repaint it all together.

Tips for retouching paint

For light scuffs and marks 

1. Order a sample pot of the correct paint from our collection.  
2. Sand the affected area with 320-grit sandpaper, then prepare the area using a damp e-cloth followed by a dry one.  
3. Thoroughly mix the paint and apply a thin layer using a small artist’s brush or a full brush for a larger mark.   
4. Allow to dry before applying a second coat if needed. 

For chips and dents   

If the paintwork is chipped, use wood filler once you have sanded the area. Once filled, be sure to sand again after to restore an even surface. Then, follow the same steps listed above.   

Shop paint 

Caring for your upholstered timber furniture

Our upholstered furniture begins with solid timber frames, ensuring strength and the possibility of reupholstery in years to come. Beneath the surface, each piece is upholstered by hand using serpentine or hand-tied coil springs, paired with feather- and fibre-wrapped foam cushions for exceptional comfort. Inspired by classic British upholstery, every collection showcases unique details and the finest quality fabrics, sourced from expert partners around the globe.

Upholstery care tips  

Let the timber frame settle naturally Timber responds to changes in temperature and humidity, so it’s natural for it to move slightly over time. To help minimise this, keep upholstery away from sources of heat and moisture. 

Protect from sunlight and heat 

Direct sunlight can cause fabrics to fade, while heat and moisture can affect the fabric and timber. Use curtains and blinds to reduce exposure, and keep furniture away from internal heat sources.  

Rotate cushions regularly  

Flip and rotate seat and back cushions about once a month to help maintain their shape and ensure even wear over time. 

Avoid edges and arms 

Try not to sit on the edge of seat cushions or on the arms of sofas and armchairs, as this can cause the filling and fabric to lose their shape. 

Act fast on spills 

If spills occur, clean immediately by gently blotting with a clean, soft, absorbent cloth. Avoid rubbing, which can damage the fibres. 

Read our textile care guide for information on caring for your upholstery. 

The right wood for the right purpose 

We use solid oak for indoor furniture and teak for outdoors designs, celebrating the natural warmth and texture of unpainted timber. Both materials are naturally very strong, hard-wearing, and age gracefully, taking on a rich, heritage feel over time.   

For our customisable painted furniture, we choose to use solid tulipwood. Its smooth, knot-free grain provides an unrivalled surface for painting, ensuring deep, even coverage. We also use hardwood plywood, bringing excellent strength and stability, which takes paint beautifully and enhances the durability of our cabinetry.   

Oak in the bathroom 

Due to the high-grade of oak we source and the robust protection of our IsoGuard® finish, our oak furniture is perfectly suited for use in the bathroom. As well as following the general timber care guidance, take extra care to dry up any spills as soon as possible to avoid the moisture seeping into the timber.   

Oak flooring  

We have two engineered oak flooring collections, Marton and Savernake. 

• Marton is finished with IsoGuard® as well as a UV cured topcoat to protect against discolouration.  
• Savernake has a four-step finishing process which involves brushing, smoking and staining the boards before applying a UV cured topcoat.  

Both collections come in a selection of shades, with natural variations in grain and tone that will develop a beautiful patina over time. 

Keeping oak flooring clean 

• Vacuum with a brush attachment or sweep regularly to remove loose grit and dirt.   
• Clean with our IsoGuard® Surface Soap or another pH neutral cleaner.   
• Keep mats by outdoor entrances to prevent dirt being brought in.   
• Lift and carry furniture when moving it, rather than dragging it across the floor. 

Timber in the garden 

Visit our garden care guide for information on caring for timber in an outdoor setting.