Every beautiful home begins with good wood.

Before summer sets in, wipe it clean and work a little teak oil into the grain with a soft cloth. It feeds the wood, keeps the colour deep, and prevents the fine cracks that dry heat brings.

Harsh afternoon sun fades polish and dries wood out; steady rain swells it. A small overhang, curtain or chajja goes a long way for exterior doors and windows.

A damp cloth is a friend; a soaking one is not. Blot up water and dab the surface dry. Standing moisture is what lifts polish and raises the grain.

Freshly milled timber needs a few days to get used to your home's air. Fix it in place, let it breathe, then polish — you'll get a smoother, longer-lasting finish.

Store and fit boards away from standing water. During construction, lift them onto battens so the bottom edge never wicks up moisture from a wet slab.

Bangalore's humidity finds its way in through raw edges. A coat of primer, an edge-band or sealant on the cut sides keeps boards from swelling and de-laminating over time.

Boards left standing on edge slowly bow. Stack them flat and level, and your shutters and panels will sit true when the work is done.

Use BWR or marine-grade ply for kitchens and bathrooms, MR-grade for dry rooms. The right grade in the right place is the cheapest waterproofing you'll ever buy — ask us and we'll point you to it.

Snug is strong. Forcing that last quarter-turn strips the thread in the wood and loosens the fitting for good. Firm hands, not heavy ones.

Every few months, wipe the dust from hinges, drawer channels and sliding tracks and add a single drop of light oil. Quiet, smooth movement — and they last for years.

Grit is what jams a lock. An occasional puff of dry graphite in the keyhole — not sticky oil — keeps it turning smoothly for a long time.

Bathrooms, balconies and kitchens need stainless or coated hardware. Ordinary fittings pit and stain in damp air; the right grade stays clean and firm. We stock both — just ask.