How do I fit a modern mattress?

Many older frames require custom mattress sizing or internal slatted adjustments to accommodate standard dimensions securely. Speak with your dealer regarding internal measurements before ordering. Traditional rails often sit lower or narrower than contemporary divan bases, meaning careful placement of modern supports is essential for stability.

Are tester beds difficult to assemble?

Four poster structures use interlocking timber joints and heavy wooden pegs rather than modern metal screws. Patience and two people are required to balance the tester canopy onto the vertical posts. Marking each component during a dry run prevents misalignment of the original tenons and protects the aged timber from unnecessary stress.

How do I care for antique oak?

Feed the timber periodically with a traditional beeswax polish to maintain the natural lustre and protect the dry grain. Avoid placing heavy frames near direct heat sources or radiators. Sudden temperature changes cause historic oak to split or warp, so maintaining a stable room climate preserves the structural integrity.

How do I date an oak frame?

Examine the tool marks left on the timber boards, such as pit-saw striations on seventeenth-century pieces versus later mechanical milling. Joinery methods, hardware types, and the style of chip-carving offer further clues to the decade of manufacture. Original surface patination and wear patterns around touchpoints also help distinguish genuine early period construction from twentieth-century revival pieces.