As with all natural wood products, color and grain will vary on each piece of our handcrafted furniture. When placed outside, the natural oils inherent in Teak will mix with the outdoor moisture thus causing an aging from its original honey-brown color to a silvery-gray patina. This is normal and with some care the wood can easily be restored to its natural state if that is the look that is desired. The slow, natural aging permits the wood to develop its own character and blend nicely into its environment. Teak is a durable, sustainable, aesthetically pleasing, water and insect resistant hardwood. The natural characteristics of Teak give it many advantages for outdoor furniture. It is a very dense and grained wood that help it to resist warping, decaying, expanding and contracting.
Cleaning & Maintenance for Outdoor Furniture:
In order to maintain a uniform coloration we recommend regular hosing/cleaning of your furniture. At the minimum you should give it a detailed cleaning twice a year to remove surface dust, any unwanted discoloration and natural build-up. However depending on the environment more cleaning may be required. By inspecting your furniture regularly for signs of weathering and wear you can determine if more maintenance is required.To remove environmental build-up it is best to wet the furniture thoroughly and then apply a mild cleanser with a Scotch Brite® pad, sponge or soft brush to gently clean the surface of the wood. Always rub with the grain and rinse thoroughly with clean water. Be sure to allow the wood to fully dry before applying any oil or wood enhancing products. Never use bleach, brass brushes, a pressure washer or steel wool on Teak furniture. These items can damage or discolor the wood surface.
Since Teak is naturally rich with oil, often new or young Teak wood will experience oil surfacing which appears as a watermark or irregular pattern discoloration. This is normal in the maturing process and can be easily removed with gentle cleansing as stated above.
The environment where the wood furniture is located plays a great role in how quickly the aging process takes. In sunny, windy and/or salty locations the process will be more rapid. As the Teak begins to weather, the wood fibers may lift creating a rough or course surface. Light sanding can be done to smooth the surface by using 320 - 400 grit sandpaper. Be sure to sand with the grain of the wood.
If it is intended for your Teak furniture to remain in its original state it is recommended that you apply a high-quality oil at least once or twice per year to maintain the beautiful light brown color. Before applying any oil, the wood must be completely clean and dry in order to prevent mildewing. Follow instructions noted above for cleaning. By using an oil specifically made for Teak wood you will be able to minimize the patina effect that naturally occurs over time. Any sanding should be done prior to applying oil. Be sure to eliminate all dust from any surfaces that were sanded. Follow the manufacturers product instructions for applying the oil.
For heavy stains or soiling light sanding should be done as noted above. If this does not effectively remove the stain we recommend the use of a specially formulated Teak cleaner. Follow the manufacturers recommended instructions.
Cleaning & Maintenance for Indoor Furniture:
Maintenance for indoor furniture is minimal. Simple dusting with a soft cloth or vacuuming is all that is required routinely. It is important to be aware that the appearance of unfinished Teak will oxidize and darken over time with normal usage. Any unfinished Teak areas that have regular contact with natural oils from the skin will darken as well.
STAINLESS STEEL / ALUMINUM / POWDER-COATING
Stainless steel is an alloy of low carbon steel and chromium. It naturally resists corrosion due to the significant amounts of chromium and phosphorous. It does require occasional maintenance in order to maintain its finish. Although oxidation is rare, when it does occur it is generally non-corrosive and can be easily removed.
Aluminum is a strong metal that is light-weight, pliable, and does not easily corrode or tarnish.
Powder-coating is usually applied to an aluminum sub-straight and is a process that provides a protective and heavy-duty finish. Polymer granules are mixed with pigments and other powder ingredients and then heated in an extruder. The extruded mixture is rolled flat, cooled and broken into small pieces that are milled to a fine powder and then sprayed onto the sub-straight with an electrostatic gun. The gun passes an electrostatic charge onto the powder that is grounded, consequently attracting the coating into every crevice on the sub-straight. After heating, the powder melts to form a hard, seamless coating.
Cleaning & Maintenance:
Care and maintenance is straightforward under normal circumstances. To avoid tarnishing, a simple washing with a non-abrasive, mild cleanser using a soft cloth or sponge to apply will usually be enough. Be sure to rinse and polish with a soft, dry towel or chamois. If the cloth is dropped on the ground discontinue its use until it can be washed properly to remove any dust or debris that could cause scratches to the metal or coated finish. Always fold the towel or chamois at least twice when polishing to help minimize the gap between your fingers, which results in a more consistent look. Never use abrasive or harsh solvents on any metal surface. As with wood, metal has a natural direction. By polishing against that grain you will obtain a cloudy and undesirable look.Powder-coated surfaces should not be dragged across the ground, as this will likely scrape the coating off the sub-straight, eventually causing discoloration.
MESH / SYNTHETIC FIBER
Our woven surfaces are created by using an environmentally friendly (non-toxic and recyclable), polyethylene-based fiber characterized by high flexibility and tensile strength. The extrusion process creates a synthetic fiber that is completely colored throughout, smudge-proof and resistant to temperature variations. It is extremely durable with its UV and weather resistant features making it very desirable for use on outdoor furniture. Suitable for use year-round in climates ranging from -95° to 175° Fahrenheit (-70° to 80° Celsius), this material is designed not to fade and will endure elements such as rain, salt water, chlorine, ultra-violet light, sunscreen products, mold and mildew. Although this product resists mold and mildew it is imperative to keep it clean so impurities do not accumulate and facilitate the growth of any undesirable elements.
Cleaning & Maintenance:
Caring for synthetic fibers is very easy under standard conditions. As required, spray the furniture with a hose or vacuum to remove dirt and dust. For heavier soiled areas the use of a non-abrasive, mild soap and water mixture applied with a soft cloth or sponge is suitable. It is beneficial to dry any damp areas with a clean, soft cloth or chamois.
UPHOLSTERY
Sunbrella® fabrics are used standard or COM can be specified for the cushion and pillow upholstery. As a result of continuing research and development, Sunbrella’s UV-resistant color pigments are fully blended onto high performance fibers. The fabric strength and color will not fade even in the harshest of conditions and still maintains the softness of a spun cotton. Sunbrella’s fabrics are designed to be breathable. They are water repellent but not completely waterproof. Non-corrosive, heavy-duty zippers and fasteners are used.
Cleaning & Maintenance:
The best way to keep Sunbrella® fabrics looking pristine is to clean them as needed. Rinse dust and dirt regularly and wipe spills as soon as they happen or spot clean shortly after the stain occurs. Allowing dirt and food to accumulate in the fabric will require more frequent and vigorous cleanings.For general or light cleaning remove loose dirt/dust. A mild soap and water mixture can be rubbed on the stain using a sponge or soft bristle brush. Allow the cleaning solution to soak into the fabric. Rinse thoroughly taking care to remove all of the soap residue. Allow the fabric to air dry completely.
Mildew will not grow on Sunbrella® fabric unless there is food, dirt or other organic matter on it. Bleach and other mildew removers do not effect Sunbrella® fabric so cleaning mildew is easy if it becomes necessary. Never steam or expose Sunbrella® fabric to excessive heat such as gas or electric dryers.
For heavy or stubborn stains and mildew prepare a solution of 8 oz of bleach and 2 oz of mild soap per gallon of water. Spray on the surface and allow to soak into the fabric. Scrub vigorously with a soft bristle brush or clean sponge/towel. Rinse thoroughly taking care to remove all of the soap residue. Allow the fabric to air dry completely. When using this method it is important to remove the cushion from the furniture or if removal is not possible you should protect the areas around the cushion so the bleach does not discolor the other materials.
For seasonal storage clean and air-dry the cushions prior to putting in a clean, well-ventilated location.Over time water repellency should be refreshed by using 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™. Refer to the packaging for application instructions.
Teak is rich with natural oils and often these oils cause staining on adjacent fabrics being used for cushions or pillows. Any fabric that is stained by Teak oil can be cleaned with a mild soap and water combination or a eucalyptus-based cleaner. This is a natural occurrence and cannot be prevented.
For COM fabrics please visit the manufacturers website for care and maintenance instructions.
CUSHIONS & PILLOWS
Dry-fast foam and outdoor Polyfill foam is used for the cushion and pillow stuffing.
Care & Maintenance:
To extend the life of the cushions store them in a dry area when not in use. If pillows and/or cushions become saturated with water, squeeze the excess water out of the cushion, unzip the cushion and stand it on end in a well-ventilated, clean area to aid in quicker drying.Cushions should never sit in water or be exposed to water for a prolonged period of time. To prevent mold and/or mildew growth and foam deterioration always remove cushions from furniture structure when wet. In order to preserve the life of the cushions and fabric it is best to store indoors when not in use and during bad weather.
For any further questions or concerns please contact your local representative.