Furniture, wooden objects and basketry

Furniture and wooden objects, as well as basketry and objects made of plant materials, have existed for several thousand years. Many of these objects can be found in private homes as well as museums. Since they can be damaged by light, humidity, water, pests and improper storage and handling, it is important to ensure specific care is taken to preserve these objects. The following resources provide information and advice on how to care for furniture, wooden objects and basketry.

Preventive conservation guidelines for collections

• Caring for basketry and plant materials

Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) Notes

• N6/2 Care of Basketry (1988)
• N6/3 Care of Canoes, Kayaks and Umiaks (1989)
• N6/7 Totem Poles Displayed Indoors (2008)
• N6/8 Totem Poles Displayed Outside (2008)
• N7/1 Care and Cleaning of Unfinished Wood (2016)
• N7/2 Care of Furniture Finishes (2017)

Technical Bulletins

• TB 4 The Care of Musical Instruments in Canadian Collections (1982)

Other CCI resources on this topic

• Basic care – Furniture and objects made of wood
• Basic care – Wooden masks

Related CCI resources

• Agents of deterioration
• Basic requirements of preventive conservation
• Handling heritage objects

External links

• Storage Supports for Basket Collections (PDF format) (Conserve O Gram 5/1, 1993)
• Cleaning Wood Furniture (PDF format) (Conserve O Gram 7/1, 1993)
• Waxing Furniture and Wooden Objects (PDF format) (Conserve O Gram 7/2, 1993)
• Protecting Wood with Preservatives and Water Repellants (PDF format) (Conserve O Gram 7/3, 1993)
• Upholstered Furniture: Agents of Deterioration (PDF format) (Conserve O Gram 7/4, 1993)
• Silicone in Furniture Waxes and Polishes (PDF format) (Conserve O Gram 7/6, 1993)
• Emergency Treatment for Water-Soaked Furniture and Wooden Objects (PDF format) (Conserve O Gram 7/7, 1993)
• Biological Deterioration & Damage to Furniture & Wooden Objects (Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute)