If you are considering purchasing Imported Rosewood furniture there are a few points you should be considering that will influence your decision.

You should check that the wood is Kiln-dried prior to manufacture and that the drying process is carefully monitored to ensure the moisture content of the finished product.

The moisture content should be 6-7% and is only achieved by the use of automatic Kilns over a period of 22 days.

If this is not carefully monitored your furniture will suffer as a result with contraction and splitting.

It is preferable to purchase furniture that is produced in a managed factory as I am sure you have heard of the Chinese woodworkers toiling by the side of the road for a pittance.

Chinese Rosewood, although a hardwood, is Lacquered using a "natural" lacquer from China and care is needed in the after-care of your furniture and it is preferable NOT to use the modern aerosol spray polish as this could do more harm than good.

A good quality Linseed oil based product or better still, if you can get it, "Old English Oil" should be used although this is not readily available in the UK and is a product of the USA. Check with your supplier if you are not sure of the product you intend to use.

This should be applied sparingly over the surface along the grain of the wood with a very soft cloth and left for a few minutes to soak in and then polished thoroughly with a dry soft cloth.

This process will give your furniture a finish to be proud of and enhance the warm glow associated with Rosewood.

It is important not to allow hot surfaces to come into contact with your furniture for long periods of time as this will mark the surface.

Enjoy your Rosewood furniture.