FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where does the teak, which you use, come from?
Our source of teak is the plantations on the island of Java. The Dutch, who were the colonial power at that time, started these plantations about one hundred and fifty years ago. The plantations are now owned and managed by the Indonesian government agency Perum Perhutani, which is responsible for managing a strict policy regarding the size and quantity of trees felled each year together with annual replanting.

Why does new teak furniture sometimes have 'wild' dark or orange stripes?
These markings are perfectly normal and will disappear within a few days, following exposure to the UV spectrum in natural sunlight. These marks are commonly found following the kilning process, which is used to lower the moisture content of the timber prior to manufacture. This process reduces to a minimum the incidence of small cracks appearing in the furniture due to the changes in temperature and humidity that it encounters in an outdoor environment.

Why do occasional cracks appear on my furniture?
Teakwood is a natural material and as such fine cracks in the end grain of components, e.g. legs and arms, may appear and then disappear with changes in the weather and the consequent change in the moisture content of the wood. Such fine cracks are normal, especially in heavier components, and will not affect the life or serviceability of your furniture.

Will the metal fittings on my furniture last as long as the teak?
We only use the best marine-grade solid brass and stainless steel on our furniture. Neither of these will rust or deteriorate with age.

Does your furniture require assembly?
Some pieces are supplied fully assembled whilst others will need some assembly, in which case instructions are given inside each carton. Your retailer should be able to arrange for the assembly of your furniture, if you require it.

Do I need to store my furniture during the winter?
No, teak furniture can be left outdoors, uncovered, all year round. If you choose to cover your furniture outdoors during the winter then you should use a material that allows the wood to breathe.

Do I need to use a base if I am locating a parasol through a dining table ?
Yes, all parasols must be located in the recommended parasol base for safety reasons. We supply the ground bases..

Can we use any of your chairs with any of your tables?
Our dining chairs and tables are made to a standard that gives the correct distance between the seat and table top, which ensures you are comfortable when eating. You can confidently purchase any of our chairs with any of our tables depending on your design preference and the number of people you wish to seat.

Why are there gaps between the slats of table tops?
To allow rainwater to pass through and not settle in puddles on the table surface.

CARE OF TEAK

Properties of teak
Teak is a deciduous hardwood tree from the highlands of south-east Asia, it does not come from tropical rainforests. Teakwood has a naturally high oil content which makes it both stable and resistant to rotting when exposed to climatic extremes. For several centuries these special qualities have made teakwood the preferred choice for marine decking and construction, and is the reason that it is considered the premium timber for outdoor furniture.

The weathering process
Over a period of time in an outdoor environment untreated teak will weather to a silver grey, the length of time will vary with exposure to different climatic conditions.

Teak oiling
Treating with teak oil or other preservatives is not necessary; it will not extend the life of your furniture and is purely cosmetic. We do not recommend oiling your furniture as it creates unnecessary maintenance. However, if you wish to preserve the 'just bought' look of your furniture you should apply teak oil or wood stain when the furniture is new. Follow the manufacturer's recommended application, taking care with oil-soaked rags as they are highly combustible.

Cleaning teak
Once teakwood has weathered the color will be enhanced by an annual scrub, in the Spring, with soapy water to remove accumulated dirt. Alternatively you may use a pressure hose with a fan or multi-nozzle jet. However, great care should be used since failure to abide by recommended procedures may result in permanent damage to the furniture. Where a gauge is fitted it should be set to a pressure of 60-80 bar (900-1200 psi). A distance of 15-20cm (6-8") should be maintained between the nozzle and the surface to be cleaned. Care should be taken not to direct the water jet directly into joints.

Grease spot removal
To remove grease spots we recommend a degreasing agent and gentle scrubbing brush, rinsing off with clean water.