WOOD
Wood is a living material and therefore affected by the environment. We use waste materials from the production of furniture and interior mouldings for our wood products. Due to its high content of tannic acid, oak is a very durable wood species even in outdoor environments.
Our oak furniture is surface treated with Sherwin-Williams oils, specially developed for our outdoor products. The wooden boards are oiled in two steps before they leave the factory; first with a layer of outdoor oil to protect against fungus and mould, and then with a layer of water repellent hardwax oil with a faint white finish. Unlike surfaces treated with traditional varnishes, the oil does not result in a coat of paint that can crack and flake. Furniture treated with our oils is protected by a deeply penetrating oil film that eventually disappears without peeling, which in turn makes it easier for you to maintain the product.
Oak that is not cared for gets black stains after a while. These occur quite quickly in outdoor environments and may initially be perceived as being almost completely black. In environments with high levels of metal pollutants in the air, the process is accelerated and the oak may already have extensive stains after as little as a month. The stains fade gradually and after a couple of seasons the oak turns grey taking on the appearance of teak.
CARE ADVICE
Maintenance can never completely prevent stains from occurring, but wood that is not cared for becomes blacker and greys faster. Smaller cracks usually occur as oak has a busy grain pattern. These cracks have a marginal effect on the material’s strength and service life. One recommendation is to check the surface once or twice a year and to take maintenance steps as soon as possible, where these are deemed necessary. The need for maintenance varies greatly depending on the surfaces’ exposure to sun, water and mechanical abrasion. Particular attention should be paid to horizontal surfaces, as these are more exposed to the weather.
Wash the wood surface at regular intervals. In the first instance, you should use ordinary detergent with a brush and water. Black mould infestations can be treated with a solution consisting of 1 part Chlorine and 2 parts water. Other suitable treatment products are available in stores, but it is important to rinse clean with water after treatment. Cleaning with high-pressure washers should be avoided as you risk pressing moisture into the wood where cracks and nail heads are present. Soap should also be avoided as it is difficult to rinse.
To extend the life of wooden boards, they should be kept dry in winter.
How to oil your furniture:
- Wash the surface with a mild cleaning product and rinse well.
- Let the construction dry out thoroughly so that no dampness is left.
- Sand away any grey wood.
- Lightly sand the intact surfaces that will be oiled again.
- Treat with non-film forming oil for outdoor use. Follow the instruction on the packaging carefully.
The above recommendations serve as a guide for surface treatment. Spare parts can be purchased separately through us or our dealers.
