Whiskey barrel furniture is a popular style, but if you've ever wondered how to care for it, we're here to help! Whiskey barrels were originally used for aging whiskey in Scotland and Ireland, where the climate is cool and damp. The wooden staves kept the whiskey from over-aging too quickly, while also allowing it to take on some of the flavor of the oak itself over time. Today, these barrels are often repurposed into beautiful pieces of furniture. At Wood & Barrel, we have everything you need to know about caring for your new whiskey barrel table or chairs!

As you use your whiskey barrel furniture, it's important to keep it in good condition. To do this, we recommend using a quality conditioner on a regular basis. Applying the conditioner with a soft cloth will ensure that it penetrates into the wood without causing damage or leaving behind any streaks or residue that might alter the color of your furniture, (which can happen if you use too much). When using this product regularly and properly, you'll find that after about thirty minutes, most of it has soaked through into the pores of your barrels' interior surfaces where they can work their magic!

How To: Clean

Might sound crazy, but you should clean your whiskey barrel furniture at least once a week. If you have pets or kids, you may even need to clean it more often, to keep it looking as fresh as the day you got it! How to clean it you ask…?

• Use a damp cloth to wipe down the furniture: Give it an initial wipe-down with warm water and mild soap or vinegar. Then dry with another soft towel or microfiber cloth.
• Use a soft cloth to wipe down the furniture: Next time around, try using plain old soap instead of detergent--it's easier on wood grain and won't leave any residue behind as long as you're careful not to scrub too hard! Again, dry thoroughly!

How To: Polish

• Use a soft cloth or soft cotton rag to polish the surface of the wood. This will remove any dust, dirt, and grime that may have collected on top of your whiskey barrel furniture.
• Some people prefer to use car wax instead of furniture polish for this step because waxes are meant specifically for protecting against water damage--and since barrels are made from wood and contain liquids inside them, they're particularly susceptible to cracking due to exposure from moisture in air or rain.
• Use a non-abrasive polish to bring out the shine in your whiskey barrel furniture's exterior. You can find these polishes at most hardware stores and home improvement centers, as well as online retailers like Amazon.
• Clean with soap and water if necessary; dry thoroughly before applying any type of finish.
• If you want something extra durable against elements like the sun, try liquid gold spray. It'll keep those beautiful colors bright while adding some extra protection against UV rays which can fade away over time causing discoloration.

We hope you enjoyed learning how to care and maintain your whiskey barrel furniture. It’s rather very simple and makes all the difference. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at Wood & Barrel at 860.643.9191 any time! We are happy to help!

From our family to yours, 

-The Daigle Family

Wood & Barrel  

54 Hilliard Street, Manchester, Connecticut 06040

Phone: 860.643.9191

Website: woodandbarrel.co