Care & Maintenance Guide

Thank you for choosing Steel Wood Avenue. Our furniture is individually handmade from premium materials, including rustic reclaimed timber and local mild steel. Because our pieces retain their natural character, a little bit of regular love and attention will ensure your furniture ages beautifully and lasts a lifetime.

Follow this guide to help your new pieces adapt to your home.



1. Settling In: Acclimatisation

Our timber is carefully dried to a moisture content of approximately 10% before crafting. When it first enters your home, it needs time to adapt to your indoor climate.

  • Expect Minor Movement: Wood is a natural, living material. As it adjusts to your home’s temperature and humidity, you may notice tiny cracks (shakes) opening or closing slightly. This is completely normal and a beautiful part of owning solid wood furniture.
  • Keep Your Distance: During the first few weeks, avoid placing your furniture directly next to active heat sources, such as radiators, roaring log burners, or directly over underfloor heating vents. Sudden, intense heat can dry the wood too quickly, leading to warping or splitting.
  • Indoor Use Only: Unless explicitly stated in writing, our pieces are strictly designed for indoor environments. They are not suitable for outdoor use, high-humidity bathrooms, or wet rooms.



2. Daily Cleaning & Protection

To keep your timber surfaces looking pristine, follow these simple daily habits:

  • Spills: Wipe up liquids immediately. Reclaimed wood is porous, and standing water, red wine, or coffee can leave marks if left to sit. Use a soft, damp cloth, and dry the surface thoroughly afterwards.
  • Cleaning Products: Never use harsh chemical sprays, bleach, multi-purpose kitchen cleaners, or abrasive scouring pads. These will strip away the natural wax or lacquer finish. Instead, use a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with warm water and a drop of mild dish soap.
  • Heat & Moisture Protection: Always use coasters for drinks and placemats or trivets for hot plates and pans. Placing a scorching hot mug or pot directly onto the wood can melt the protective wax and leave permanent white rings.
  • Sunlight Exposure: Be aware that direct, prolonged sunlight can naturally change the colour and tone of your wood over time. Consider rotating decorative items or table runners occasionally to avoid uneven sun-bleached patches.



3. Long-Term Timber Maintenance

Our rustic boards are finished to highlight their authentic grain, knots, and unique history. To maintain that rich, deep lustre, the timber will need refreshing over time.

  • Re-Varnishing (For Varnish-Finished Items): We recommend treating your wood with a high-quality furniture varnish every 3 to 6 months, depending on usage.
  • How to Apply: Apply a thin layer of wax in the direction of the wood grain using a soft cloth. Let it dry for 10–15 minutes, then buff vigorously with a clean cotton cloth to achieve a beautiful, smooth sheen.
  • Scratches & Scuffs: One of the best things about rustic furniture is how easy it is to fix! Minor scratches or dry spots can easily be hidden by applying a small amount of tinted furniture wax directly over the mark.


 

4. Metalwork Care (Industrial Steel Bases & Brackets)

Our industrial steel components are meticulously cut, drilled, welded, and cleaned by hand to give your furniture its signature industrial weight and stability.

  • Raw Steel: If you purchased raw, untreated steel components, they are designed to showcase natural industrial variations, weld marks, and a rustic aesthetic. Wipe them with a dry, lint-free cloth. Avoid water, as untreated steel can develop a natural surface patina over time if exposed to moisture.
  • Powder-Coated / Clear-Lacquered Steel: These finishes are highly durable and protected against moisture. Clean them simply by wiping down with a damp cloth and drying immediately.
  • Avoid Scratches: Be careful not to knock heavy or sharp metallic objects against powder-coated steel, as this can chip the protective coating.



5. Safety First

  • Wall Tethering: For the safety of your household, all shelving units, cabinets, and chests of drawers should be securely fixed to a wall to prevent accidental tipping.
  • Weight Distribution: Always place heavier items on the lowest shelves or bottom drawers to ensure the piece stays securely grounded and stable.
  • No Climbing: Never allow children to climb, sit, or hang from shelving units or tables.

 

Have Questions? If your furniture reacts unexpectedly to your home environment, or if you need advice on which wax brand best matches your current finish, drop us an email, we are always here to help!

Shelves with Brackets (Solid Wall)

Please note: Fixings are supplied with our steel-bracketed shelves. These fixings are strictly suitable for solid walls only.

Installation Steps

  1. Mark the Wall: Hold your steel brackets in position and mark out where you want them to sit. Use a spirit level to ensure your markings are perfectly straight.
  2. Drill the Holes: Drill into your solid wall deep enough to fully accept the wall plugs, using a 7mm drill bit.
  3. Insert Wall Plugs: Push the supplied wall plugs into the drilled holes. Gently tap them with a hammer until they sit flush with the wall surface.
  4. Secure the Brackets: Line your steel brackets up with the wall plugs. Use a screwdriver or drill to screw the provided fixings firmly into position.
  5. Mount the Shelf: Place your timber shelf on top of the brackets. For maximum stability, secure the shelf by driving screws upward through the pre-drilled holes in the brackets.

Important Disclaimer:
We cannot accept responsibility for incorrect installations or any damage caused to your property during the installation process. Please note that returns are not accepted for items that have already been installed.

Shelves with Brackets (Plasterboard Wall)

Please note: Fixings are supplied with our steel-bracketed shelves. We provide the ultimate hardware solution designed strictly for 6-13mm plasterboard walls.

Installation Steps

  1. Mark the Wall: Hold your steel brackets in position and mark out where you want them to sit. Use a spirit level to ensure your markings are perfectly straight.
  2. Drill the Holes: Drill a 10mm diameter hole into the plasterboard. The barrel of the anchor should fit snugly—do not make the hole too large, or the head of the sleeve will lose support.
  3. Insert the Anchor: Clear any dust and debris from the hole, then gently tap the anchor into place (use a hammer if necessary).
  4. Engage the Teeth: Ensure the bolt and barrel sit tight against the wall surface, making sure the teeth in the collar bite into the plasterboard to hold it firmly in place.
  5. Expand the Sleeve: Use a screwdriver to turn the bolt. Push hard against the bolt head as you turn to keep the teeth engaged. Turn until the sleeve expands and tightens securely against the inside of the wall. Do not let the anchor spin, or the teeth will rip the plasterboard and weaken the hold.
  6. Remove the Screw: Once the anchor is completely tight and secure, remove the screw from the barrel so you can position your bracket.
  7. Secure the Brackets: Line your steel brackets up with the expanded anchors and use a screwdriver or drill to screw the fixings firmly into position.
  8. Mount the Shelf: Place your timber shelf on top of the brackets. For maximum stability, secure the shelf by driving screws upward through the pre-drilled holes in the brackets.

Important Disclaimer:
We cannot accept responsibility for incorrect installations or any damage caused to your property during the installation process. Please note that returns are not accepted for items that have already been installed.

Floating Shelves (Solid Wall)

Please note: These premium floating shelf brackets are manufactured to high standards by Häfele. They are strictly suitable for masonry (solid) walls or stud walls where the timber studs can be located. They are not suitable for mounting solely into plasterboard. Two brackets can support a maximum weight capacity of up to 35kg (including the weight of the shelf itself).

Installation Steps

  1. Draw a Level Line: Using a spirit level, draw a straight line on your wall matching the exact width of your shelf.
  2. Mark Hole Centres: Measure the distance from the ends of the shelf to the centres of the pre-drilled holes, then transfer these exact measurements onto your wall line.
  3. Drill the Holes: Drill a hole at least 60mm deep to fully accommodate the wall plugs. Use a 10mm masonry drill bit for solid walls, or a 10mm wood bit if you are drilling directly into timber studs.
  4. Insert Wall Plugs: Push the supplied wall plugs into the drilled holes. Lightly tap them with a hammer until they sit completely flush with your wall.
  5. Screw in Brackets: Using a 10mm spanner, screw the brackets firmly into the wall. Tip: Using the included washer vastly increases the shelf's load capacity and is highly recommended.
  6. Partial Mount: Slide the timber shelf about three-quarters (3/4) of the way onto the brackets. Leave just enough space to fit your spanner behind it for fine-tuning.
  7. Level and Adjust: The screw thread on these brackets sits slightly off-centre from the main rod. Place your spirit level on the shelf and use your 10mm spanner to rotate the brackets slightly until the shelf is perfectly level.
  8. Secure Flush to Wall: For extra security, apply a small amount of silicone or grab adhesive into the shelf holes to prevent any future loosening. Push the shelf completely flush against the wall. The fit will be tight, as the holes are designed to be just 1mm wider than the brackets!

Important Disclaimer:
We cannot accept responsibility for incorrect installations or any damage caused to your property during the installation process. Please note that returns are not accepted for items that have already been installed.

Floating Shelves (Plasterboard Wall)

Please note: We provide the ultimate hardware solution designed for mounting floating shelves into 6-13mm plasterboard walls. Each shelf is supplied with strong, adjustable concealed supports manufactured by Häfele, alongside expansion hollow anchor fixings. The rear of your shelf comes pre-drilled with a relief slot so it sits perfectly flush against your wall.

Part 1: Installing the Expansion Anchors

  1. Draw a Level Line: Using a spirit level, draw a straight line on your wall matching the exact width of your shelf.
  2. Mark Hole Centres: Measure the distance from the ends of the shelf to the centres of the pre-drilled holes, then transfer these measurements onto your wall line.
  3. Mark Anchor Points: Hold the metal brackets up against your markings and mark the exact spots where the anchor fixings need to go. Double-check with your spirit level to ensure everything remains perfectly straight.
  4. Drill the Holes: Drill a 10mm diameter hole into the plasterboard. The barrel of the anchor should fit snugly—do not make the hole too large, or the head of the sleeve will lose support.
  5. Insert the Anchor: Clear any dust and debris from the hole, then gently tap the anchor into place (use a hammer if necessary).
  6. Engage the Teeth: Ensure the bolt and barrel sit tight against the wall surface, making sure the teeth in the collar bite into the plasterboard to hold it firmly in place.
  7. Expand the Sleeve: Use a screwdriver to turn the bolt. Push hard against the bolt head as you turn to keep the teeth engaged. Turn until the sleeve expands and tightens securely against the inside of the wall. Do not let the anchor spin, or the teeth will rip the plasterboard and weaken the hold.
  8. Remove the Screw: Once the anchor is completely tight and secure, remove the screw from the barrel so you can position your brackets.

Part 2: Installing the Concealed Shelf Supports

  1. Mount the Supports: Position the concealed shelf supports over your wall anchors and screw them on lightly using the provided M5 bolts.
  2. Check Levelling: Place a spirit level across the supports to ensure they are perfectly level before tightening the bolts completely.
  3. Height Adjustment: If you need to tweak the height, you can adjust the brackets up or down using the built-in wall slots.
  4. Angle Adjustment: You can adjust the shelf angle via the supporting pin, which presses against the rear plate when turned in.
  5. Test Fit: Slide the timber shelf fully onto the brackets.
  6. Final Verification: Check that the shelf sits perfectly level. If it requires tweaking, slide the shelf back off and adjust the bracket pins or slots accordingly.

Pro-Tip for a Perfect Fit:
For extra security, apply a small amount of silicone or grab adhesive inside the shelf holes to prevent any future loosening. Slide the shelf completely flush against the wall. The fit will be tight, as the holes are designed to be just 1mm wider than the brackets!

Important Disclaimer:
We cannot accept responsibility for incorrect installations or any damage caused to your property during the installation process. Please note that returns are not accepted for items that have already been installed.

Slim Shelves & Mantels (Solid Wall)

Please Note: These heavy-duty keyhole fixings are supplied with our slimmer shelves (10cm deep or less). They come pre-routed and fixed into the back of the timber so your shelf sits completely flush against the wall. The supplied wall plugs and screws are strictly suitable for brick or masonry walls only.

Installation Steps

  1. Draw a Level Line: Using a spirit level, draw a straight line on your wall matching the exact width of your shelf.
  2. Mark Hole Centres: Measure the distance from the ends of the shelf to the exact centre of each keyhole bracket, then transfer these measurements onto your wall line.
  3. Drill the Holes: Use a 7mm masonry drill bit to drill holes at least 65mm deep to fully accommodate the wall plugs.
  4. Insert Wall Plugs: Push the supplied wall plugs into the drilled holes. Gently tap them with a hammer until they sit completely flush with your wall.
  5. Drive the Screws: Using a PZ2 drill bit or screwdriver, drive the screws into the wall plugs, leaving the screw heads protruding by approximately ¼ of an inch (approx. 6mm).
  6. Mount and Adjust: Slot the shelf's keyhole brackets onto the protruding screw heads. If the fit is too loose or too tight, adjust how far the screws are driven into the wall. When fitted correctly, the shelf will sit tight and flush against the wall.
  7. Check Levelling: Place a spirit level on top of the shelf. If it needs a minor tweak, you can make slight levelling adjustments by gently tapping the relevant screw slightly with a hammer.
  8. Final Secure: Once you are happy with the position, we recommend applying a small amount of silicone or grab adhesive to the back of the shelf before sliding it into place for the final time. Note: This is an extra precaution and is not strictly necessary.

Important Disclaimer:
We cannot accept responsibility for incorrect installations or any damage caused to your property during the installation process. Please note that returns are not accepted for items that have already been installed.

Slim Shelves & Mantels (Plasterboard Wall)

Please note: These heavy-duty keyhole fixings are supplied with our slimmer shelves (10cm deep or less). They come pre-routed and fixed into the back of the timber so your shelf sits completely flush against the wall. We provide the ultimate hardware solution designed strictly for 6-13mm plasterboard walls.

Installation Steps

  1. Draw a Level Line: Using a spirit level, draw a straight line on your wall matching the exact width of your shelf.
  2. Mark Hole Centres: Measure the distance from the ends of the shelf to the exact centre of each keyhole bracket, then transfer these measurements onto your wall line.
  3. Drill the Holes: Drill a 10mm diameter hole into the plasterboard. The barrel of the anchor should fit snugly—do not make the hole too large, or the head of the sleeve will lose support.
  4. Insert the Anchor: Clear any dust and debris from the hole, then gently tap the anchor into place (use a hammer if necessary).
  5. Engage the Teeth: Ensure the bolt and barrel sit tight against the wall surface, making sure the teeth in the collar bite into the plasterboard to hold it firmly in place.
  6. Expand the Sleeve: Use a screwdriver to turn the bolt. Push hard against the bolt head as you turn to keep the teeth engaged. Turn until the sleeve expands and tightens securely against the inside of the wall. Do not let the anchor spin, or the teeth will rip the plasterboard and weaken the hold.
  7. Set Protrusion Depth: Turn the bolt until the anchor is good and tight, leaving the screw heads protruding from the wall by approximately ¼ of an inch (approx. 6mm).
  8. Mount and Adjust: Slot the shelf's keyhole brackets onto the protruding screw heads. If the fit is too loose or too tight, adjust how far the screws are driven. When fitted correctly, the shelf will sit tight and flush against the wall.
  9. Check Levelling: Place a spirit level on top of the shelf to check its level. Minor adjustments can be fine-tuned by turning the screws tighter.
  10. Final Secure: Once you are happy with the position, we recommend applying a small amount of silicone or grab adhesive to the back of the shelf before sliding it into place for the final time. Note: This is an extra precaution and is not strictly necessary.

Important Disclaimer:
We cannot accept responsibility for incorrect installations or any damage caused to your property during the installation process. Please note that returns are not accepted for items that have already been installed.