KIDO Desk Natural Wood Care Guide
For a long life with natural wood
The tabletops of the KIDO Desk are made from carefully selected single-slab natural wood. Natural wood gains character the more you use it, developing a look that is uniquely yours. This guide explains how to care for natural wood to keep it beautiful and enjoy it for years to come.
Important safety information is provided in the “Safety Instructions”. Be sure to read them together with this guide.
Understanding Natural Wood
Natural wood is a “living” material
Even after it becomes a product, natural wood continues to “breathe” in response to changes in temperature and humidity. As a result, it repeatedly expands and contracts slightly.
This is not a defect but a natural characteristic of real wood. The following changes are natural and nothing to worry about.
- Slight warping due to seasonal or environmental changes
- Minor cracks (checks) due to drying
- Changes in color over time (natural aging)
- Wood grain patterns and color variations that differ from slab to slab
Finish Types and Differences in Care
The tabletops of the KIDO Desk have either an oil finish or a urethane finish. Care methods differ depending on the finish, so check which finish your desk has before caring for it.
How to check the finish: The finish is stated on the specification sheet or delivery note from your order. If judging by touch, an oil finish keeps the slightly rough texture of the wood, while a urethane finish feels like a smooth, slick film. If you are unsure, please contact us.
| Oil finish | Urethane finish | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Soft, natural feel of real wood | Smooth, slick feel |
| Daily care | Dry cloth or well-wrung damp cloth | Simply wipe with a soft cloth |
| Periodic maintenance | Apply oil every 6–12 months | Not required |
| Scratch repair | Repairable with sandpaper and oil | Difficult to repair |
| Water resistance | Low (liquids soak in easily) | High (resistant to water and stains) |
| Aging | Develops character with use: the pleasure of “nurturing” the wood | Changes slowly because it is protected by the coating |
Daily Care
Daily care for oil finish
- Wipe gently along the wood grain with a dry, soft cloth.
- For heavy dirt, wipe with a well-wrung damp cloth, then wipe off the moisture with a dry cloth.
- If you spill a drink or other liquid, wipe it up immediately. An oil finish absorbs moisture easily, and leaving liquid on the surface can cause stains.
Avoid:
- Wiping with a soaking-wet cloth
- Using alcohol or chemical detergents
- Using abrasive cleaners
Daily care for urethane finish
- Simply wiping with a soft cloth is enough.
- If you spill a drink, a light wipe is all that is needed.
Avoid:
- Using abrasive cleaners (they scratch the finish)
- Using solvents such as thinner, benzine, or alcohol
- Scrubbing with scrub brushes or steel wool
Periodic Maintenance for Oil Finish
An oil finish protects the wood by letting oil soak into its surface. Because the oil gradually wears away with daily use, reapply it periodically to maintain the protection.
Guideline: about once every 6–12 months (depends on use and environment)
For detailed oil maintenance procedures, the types of oil to use, and how to repair scratches, see our maintenance page (Japanese).
Cloths soaked with oil can ignite spontaneously. Immediately after use, soak them in water and dispose of them in a sealable bag while still soaked in water. Do not leave them crumpled up or let them dry out.
Tips for a Long-Lasting Tabletop
Tip 1: Avoid direct sunlight
- If the desk is placed near a window, block direct sunlight with curtains or blinds.
- Prolonged direct sunlight can cause discoloration and warping.
Tip 2: Avoid direct air from air conditioners
- Place the desk where air from air conditioners or heaters does not blow directly onto the tabletop.
- Rapid drying can cause cracks and warping.
Tip 3: Maintain a suitable indoor environment
- This product is for indoor use only. Do not use it outdoors, such as on a balcony or terrace.
- The recommended environment is room temperature: 10–40°C (50–104°F) and humidity: 20–80% (non-condensing).
- Take particular care to avoid excessive dryness in winter. Using a humidifier is effective.
- Conversely, also take care to avoid excessive humidity during humid seasons.
Tip 4: Use a desk mat and coasters
- Use coasters for hot drinks. Never place hot pots or pans directly on the tabletop (this can cause burn marks or discoloration).
- A desk mat is recommended for long periods of writing.
- However, there is no need to cover the entire tabletop with a mat, so you can enjoy the texture of the natural wood. Use one as you prefer.
Tip 5: Distribute heavy objects evenly on the tabletop
- Do not concentrate heavy objects (such as monitor arms) in one spot on the tabletop; distribute them as evenly as possible.
- Uneven loads not only accelerate warping of the tabletop, but also affect the motor load during height adjustment and the sensitivity of the collision detection function (PIEZO), which may cause unintended stops or reversals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. A crack has appeared in the tabletop. Is it defective?
A. No, it is not a defect. Natural wood expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity, so minor cracks can occur as a natural characteristic of real wood. Review the installation environment (avoid direct sunlight and direct air from air conditioners, keep indoor humidity at a moderate level). If there is no improvement, please contact us.
Q. The tabletop seems to be warping.
A. Slight warping is a characteristic of natural wood. It can occur with sudden environmental changes (moving house, change of seasons, etc.). Once the environment stabilizes, it may return to normal on its own. If the warping is significant, please contact us.
Q. What oil is used for the oil finish?
A. For the type of oil to use, see our maintenance page (Japanese). If you use a commercially available furniture oil, test it first on an inconspicuous area.
Q. The urethane-finished tabletop has been scratched.
A. Scratches in a urethane finish can be difficult to repair yourself. Shallow scratches are not very noticeable, but if they bother you, please contact us.
Q. The color of the tabletop is changing.
A. Natural wood gradually changes color when exposed to UV light and air (natural aging). This is part of the unique character of natural wood, not deterioration.
For other questions, see also the “FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions).”
Things to Avoid
To avoid damaging the tabletop, do not do the following.
| Do not | Reason |
|---|---|
| Place hot pots or pans directly on the tabletop | Causes burn marks or discoloration |
| Wipe with alcohol, thinner, or benzine | Damages the finish |
| Use bleach or chlorine-based detergents | Causes discoloration or peeling of the finish |
| Scrub with steel wool or scrub brushes | Scratches the surface |
| Leave a soaking-wet cloth on the surface for a long time | Causes water stains or swelling |
| Use a utility knife directly on the tabletop | Causes deep cuts |
| Concentrate heavy objects in one spot | Accelerates warping |
Caring for the Desk Panel (DPI1C)
Clean the desk panel together with the tabletops.
- Wipe with a soft, damp cloth.
- Do not spray cleaning agents directly on it. Liquid getting inside can cause a malfunction.
- Do not use bleach or chlorine-based detergents.
- Do not use hand sanitizer gel to clean the desk panel.
- Do not use cleaning agents outside the pH range of 6 to 8.
Disposal
This product contains electronic components. Separate the electrical parts (control boxes, desk panels, lifting columns, cables) from the wooden parts and dispose of them in accordance with the laws and rules of your area.
Enjoying Natural Wood
Even within the same species, every slab of natural wood has its own grain and color. Your desk is a one-of-a-kind single slab.
Character that deepens with use, a look that subtly changes with the seasons: a natural wood desk grows with your work and life over time and becomes truly one of a kind.
By following the care in this guide, you can enjoy the beauty and function of natural wood for many years.
The contents of this document are subject to change without notice for product improvement. Check the official website for the latest version.