How do I hang a heavy wooden panel?

Heavy panels require secure wall fixings distributed across the structural weight of the timber. Professional installation into wall studs or masonry ensures stable support for dense hardwoods and thick oak. For fragile or historic pieces, custom metal brackets or French cleats help distribute the load evenly without damaging the original wood.

How do I clean and maintain antique wood?

Dust panels gently with a dry, soft cloth to prevent particulate accumulation in the carved crevices. Avoid liquid cleaners, oils, and silicone polishes that soften historic wax and trap moisture in the grain. Maintaining stable indoor humidity prevents the timber from shrinking or cracking over seasonal changes.

How do I tell different periods apart?

Stylistic motifs and tooling marks offer clear clues to a panel's era, such as Gothic Revival tracery, Renaissance strapwork, or Qing Dynasty dragon motifs. Examining the back of the panel reveals tool signatures, such as pit-saw marks on earlier items versus machine-cut surfaces on later pieces. Wood choice also guides dating, with dense native oaks common in early European pieces and exotic hardwoods typical of colonial and Asian trade items.