Urgent - Any issues moving wooden furniture to Singapore

[CanadatoSingapore]

If someone could urgently help me I would be very appreciative. We have heard that we shouldn't take any wood furniture from Canada to Singapore because it will swell and get destroyed, not to mention drawers won't open. Is this true? Please help....Movers are coming tomorrow for an estimate and I need to tell them if we are taking our wooden bedroom suite etc.

Thanks

[whatalark]

well, i moved a wooden hutch to Singapore along with a dining table and a complete bedroom set.

The hutch and dining table are not happy about it. The drawers in the hutch wouldn't open anymore cos humidity caused them to swell up and pout. The wood also started growing mold. Same with the dining table. The finish on these two pieces is, of course, ruined. The chairs to the dining table are unspeakable. The brocade upholstery rotted and the stuffing is now exposed. I could cry but I won't. Sentiment over stuff seems so misplaced after watching 9/11 and the London blasts.

The bedroom stuff is okay because the wood was treated to withstand humidity. It appears to be nigh-waterproof.

If you don't plan on living in one of those condos with controlled interior humidity (such as the one I am now staying in) don't bring your untreated wooden furniture.

[k1w1]

I have heard that anything wooden should not be transported by sea freight, as it is likely to swell. Even if this doesn't pose a problem when you come out, it could be a major pain when you return and the wood splits. I'd leave the wooden stuff at home.

[dot dot dot]

We moved our complete wooden furniture inventory first from Singapore to The Netherlands and then 2 years later back to SIngapore, no problems so far, except for a few cracks here and there, which were being repaired in a very professional way by local carpenters here.

I would absolutely advise you to ship you wooden furniture if you like it to be taken with you.

ps. there was also additional non-tropical wooden furniture being shipped only from The Netherlands to Singapore, so both with tropical hardwood from this SE asia region as the european woods there were no distinctive differences.

Eric

[whatalark]

this may or may not be relevant: my hutch and dining set are made of maple, I believe

[ksl]

Actually it all depends on the kind of wood the furniture is made of. If I am not mistaken, Singapore furniture is always made from hard wood, which can be transported to Europe, normally the wood would crack with climate change. It is not a good idea, to bring furniture that is not treated for Asian markets, the results are like you mention swelling and distortion.

Ideally you need a second opinion from a specialist, which is worth while for expensive gear.

If it's a 50/50 cannot decide, why not just bring it, you can always through it away.

[dot dot dot]

Our furniture is made of teak, elmwood, rosewood, oak, pinewood, rotan and various others. Of course it also has to do woth craftmanship and the quality of the wood used. Not all elmowwod is the same, neither is teak etc. Good quality furniture will have not much problems, it is well dried / preserved before they used it to make furniture. Agree therefore with ksl to have a professional to check it before you move.

But even if there is cracks, you will be amazed how well they can repair here in Singapore, the carpenters did an incredible good job in our case.

Eric

[Guest]

furniture is inexpensive here in Singapore. the saving you will make in not having to pay for your move will help you subsidise your purchases in singapore. if however you need to bring some of your furniture bring only those made of wood not the particle boards stuff and plywood stuff those that are made of solid wood would still be better and if you can find out from the manufacturers if the treatment given to the wooden furniture is something that would prevent it from getting whatever in a country like singapore with high humidity. If you cant get an answer then dont bring the furniture. You will enjoy shopping in singapore and will make good friends with many people you will need to know

[Carpe Diem]

I also would advise to buy your furniture here, for the reasons explained above. Please note that there are many people doing the same, hence a lot of garage sales. Potential good deals!

[Robin Hood]

If you wish to feel more at home, it is better you ship everything to Singapore. Singapore is a free port and you don't have to pay customs duties.