CARE AND MAINTENANCE

GENERAL

Placing outdoor furniture in shaded spaces like pergolas or under awnings enhances its lifespan. If you lack a shaded area, it's advisable to cover the furniture when left outdoors to shield it from the elements. When not in use, store the furniture in a cool, dry place. Additionally, we suggest storing cushions in a dry and secure location, such as a storage box, when not in use.

CLEANING

To maintain stainless steel frames, use a stainless steel cleaner and a dry cloth to polish exposed areas. For aluminum frames, clean them with warm soapy water and then rinse. Resin wicker can be cleaned with warm soapy water followed by a rinse with cold water; avoid using solvent cleaning products as they may discolor the rattan.

For all outdoor fabric cushion covers, do not machine wash. Regularly brush dirt off dry cushions, and for stains, lightly sponge with natural soap and lukewarm water. Use a fabric spot remover for stubborn stains, following the provided instructions. After cleaning, Scotchguard and similar products can be applied to prolong the life of your fabric.

Tables and glass can be cleaned with a standard glass cleaner; however, hot water should not be used on the table glass. Non-wood table-top surfaces should be cleaned using warm soapy water, and strong abrasive cleaners are not recommended as they could cause the product to discolor.

 

TEAK FURNITURE

About Teak

Teak is one of the most durable and stable hardwoods in the world. Our outdoor teak furniture is manufactured to the highest quality standards using only 100% FSC certified plantation teakwood. Due to its high density, Teak is extremely stable and resistant to decay even when exposed to the elements. It is not necessary to treat teak furniture with oils or protectants. Left to age naturally outside, teak will change to a soft, silver-grey colour as the pigments in the surface layer of the wood begin to fade away. To retain the golden honey colour of your recently acquired teak furniture, kindly adhere to the instructions provided below.

Light Oiling Required

Oiling teak will not necessarily prolong the life of the wood but will give added protection to your furniture. Oiling teak can prevent mildew and irregular colouring as it weathers. You will notice after the furniture has been outside for a week or so, the timber will feel slightly rougher than when it was first delivered. This is normal and is simply the surface fibres of the wood swelling and lifting as they adapt to the outdoor environment. These will eventually even out to a beautiful, uniform silver-grey weathered appearance.

The Greying Process

When left outdoors teak furniture will naturally weather to a silver-grey colour as the pigments in the surface layer of the wood begin to fade away. You will begin to notice this ‘greying’ after a few months, depending on the amount of sun and rain your furniture is exposed to. It will take around 12 months for the teak to weather completely. During the weathering process a slight ‘checking’ or roughing of the grain may occur in spots. You may even notice a few small cracks. Checking is not a structural defect, but a perfectly natural process, as the wood expands and contracts, adjusting to the elements. Water spots or other discolouration may also occur during the weathering process. These will eventually even out to a beautiful, uniform silver-grey weathered appearance.

Preserving the Golden-Honey Colour of New Teak

The ‘greying’ of teakwood is simply the sign that the oil on the surface of the wood is evaporating. If you wish to retain the golden-honey of your new teak furniture we recommend the use of a specialised teak sealant. Application of a teak sealer will not affect strength or longevity of the furniture in any way, just the appearance. Please be aware, if you decide to use a teak sealer you will be embarking on a regular maintenance programme as the sealer needs to be regularly re-applied to provide continuous protection. Your furniture must be exposed to the outdoor elements for four to six weeks before applying a teak sealer. If the furniture doesn’t become wet from rain during this time, hose with fresh water weekly to wash away any dust and natural oil. Follow the instructions provided with your teak sealer carefully for best results.

Cleaning, Care and Protection

Periodic cleaning of your teak furniture will help maintain it’s beautiful appearance, and prevent the build up of dirt and grime. The teak must be hosed with fresh water before cleaning. Do not use a high pressure washer. Clean the timber with warm soapy water and a soft bristled brush. Make sure to perform the cleaning out of direct sunlight. Teak is a very forgiving hardwood, and any scratches, scrapes and stubborn staines (like oil and red wine) can usually be removed using a light to medium grade sandpaper. Weathered teak furniture may take on some of its original colour after heavy cleaning, however, over time it will return back to its beautiful silver-grey appearance. You may chose to cover your furniture if not in use for long periods of time to help keep it clean and protected. If you choose to use protective covers, make sure to invest in breathable covers that don’t trap the humidity, and allow constant ventilation. Do not use plastic or vinyl tarp as this may degrade the timber.

 

KWILA OR MERBAU TIMBER FURNITURE

How to bleed & Maintain 

1. Place the items to be bled on a grassed area upside down. It is just as important to wet the underside as it is to wet the top especially the feet.
2. Hose the items so that they are wet and keep them wet for approximately one hour. You will notice a light brown colour in the water runoff.
3. Place items on their feet and repeat step 2. By this time, the furniture will look as if it is wringing wet.
4. As the furniture is drying, beads of water will form on the edges of the furniture. If they have a brownish appearance repeat the above process.
5. If the beads of water are clear, allow furniture to thoroughly dry then re oil.

Even though your setting may not be going to be in the weather, it is a good idea to bleed the table as this will help to prevent condensation marks from your drinks. To eradicate these marks, use 80 or 100 grit sandpaper and then re-oil or place a very wet cloth over the marks for about half an hour and then wipe out. These marks will not present a problem on well-oiled furniture. Our main reason for choosing kwila is that the timber can be left outdoors to weather with an absolute minimum of maintenance. This will cause the timber to turn a beautiful silvery grey colour but will stay nice and smooth. To maintain the natural colour of the timber: 1. If the furniture is receiving ten hours sunlight each day, then the furniture needs to be lightly hand sanded on the upper surfaces etc with 80 or 100 grit paper every two months. This process should take about 20 minutes for the average size setting. If there is less sunlight, then the length of time between coats will be greater - it is the sanding which stops the greying effect. 2. Then after dusting the furniture, apply an outdoor furniture oil, so there is a residue, with a lint free cloth. After about 20 minutes wipe the residue away, thereby allowing the timber to absorb as much oil as possible and ensuring that you have achieved an even finish. If this process is performed in the direct sunlight, then the drying time should be reduced to 10 minutes