Questions You May Have About Teak
What kind of wood is teak (Tectona grandis)?
Are all hardwoods as durable as teak?
Where does your teak come from?
How do I preserve teak’s original honey/brown color?
Do I need to store my furniture over the winter?
How is your furniture constructed?
Are there different grades of teak?
What kind of wood is teak (Tectona grandis)?
Known in some circles as the ‘Prince of Hardwoods’, or the ‘Rich Man’s Wood’, Teak is a close grained hardwood with high natural oil and rubber content. It is one of the hardest, strongest and most durable of all timbers, highly resistant to rotting and almost impervious to the effects of sun, rain, frost or snow. These characteristics combine to make it the ideal timber for all outdoor applications. It has been the number one choice of boat builders for centuries.
Are all hardwoods as durable as teak?
Many other hardwoods are used for outdoor furniture and, in fact, a lot are even marked as “teak substitutes”. This is a deception. There is no substitute for teak and no other hardwood will perform to the same high standard as teak furniture in outdoor conditions.
Where does your teak come from?
We use Javanese teak in the manufacture of our furniture. The first plantations on the island of Java were planted by the Dutch, who were the colonial power at the time, in the mid 1800′s, making them some of the oldest teak farms in the world. These plantations are now owned by the Indonesian government agency Perum Perhutani, who is responsible for the control of these teak farms. They allow the felling of only a limited number of trees each year and the reforestation of these farms.
How does teak weather?
When you receive your teak furniture it will be in its natural state which is a honey / brown color and can often appear to be polished. The polished appearance comes from oil occurring naturally in the wood. The oil on the surface will evaporate after a few days outdoors. It is the oil that remains below the surface that gives the wood its durability. Left to age naturally outside the furniture will turn a handsome silver gray color. This process will take approximately 9-12 months depending on the amount of ultraviolet light and the rain the teak is exposed to. Teak is a natural material and as such, fine cracks in the end grain of components may appear and then disappear with changes in atmospheric conditions. Such fine cracks are normal, especially in heavier components, like arms and legs, and will not affect the life or durability of your furniture.
Should I oil my teak?
Treating your furniture with oil will not extend the life of your furniture. It is purely cosmetic. In fact, we do not recommend oiling as it results in unnecessary maintenance.
How do I preserve teak’s original honey/brown color?
If you want to preserve the color of your teak furniture, a teak sealer is recommended. Teak sealers are usually solvent based with water like viscosity, ultraviolet light and moisture protection. A variety of shades are available if you want other than the natural color. Sealers are easy to apply and are generally applied every 6-12 months. If you choose to use a sealer we recommend you visit a marine store and purchase specialty teak products as used on boats.
How do I clean my furniture?
Teak requires very little maintenance apart from the occasional scrub with a mild solution of soapy water or a diluted mixture of Simple Green® and water to remove accumulated dirt. This is followed by a rinse with clean water. To remove grease spots, a light scrub with a degreasing agent is recommended. This is followed by a rinse with clean water. (This is why teak garden furniture is so perfect.)
If you want to remove the silver-gray patina and restore the furniture to its original color use a teak cleaner which can be purchased from a marine store.
Do I need to store my furniture over the winter?
No, teak furniture can be left outdoors uncovered all 12 months of the year, no matter where you live. If you choose to cover your teak furniture during winter, use a material that allows the wood to breathe.
Teak patio furniture can be left outdoors all year long. If you put your furniture away for the winter, do not store it in a heated room because this can dry out the wood and can cause cracks. The wood expands and contracts with changes in the weather – this is normal. Some of the joints are not glued, like the slats in the back of chairs. Some expanding and contracting of wood joints is also normal. From time to time you many need to tighten the fasteners. As the wood ages, small checks or cracks may appear on the surface, this is normal and doesn’t affect the durability of the furniture. These are not imperfections. Remember you are buying a natural product.
How is your furniture constructed?
Our furniture is crafted using timeless techniques including mortise and tenon joinery, epoxy glues and solid brass & stainless steel fittings. The furniture, when finished, is sanded with extra fine sandpaper to achieve a silky-smooth finish. Our quality control is exceptional and our craftsmanship is of the highest quality.
Do you kiln dry the teak?
Yes, we do. This enables us to craft accurately. It also ensures the stability of the finished furniture in a number of environments.
Are there different grades of teak?
Most definitely. We use only the highest quality solid teak in our furniture, often referred to as grade A, super grade A or triple A grade. Lesser manufacturers can use teak veneer. A number of manufactures use B or C grade teak which is teak with imperfections, often in the form of small holes. Fillers are used to cover these imperfections then an oil or stain is used to hide the filler or cover the black or white wood or “eyes” (knots) in these inferior products. Be aware whenever you see teak with oil or stain on it. With this grade of wood, cheap glue, steel screws, external screw heads and inferior construction methods are used.
What is your warranty?
Residential Warranty:
Design Warehouse warrants to the original purchaser that our teak garden furniture is free of defects in material or workmanship. In the unlikely case there is a defect we will repair or replace the furniture. This warranty does not cover furniture that has been modified, intentionally or accidentally damaged, misused, abused or neglected, or force majeure. We are not liable for weathering, checking on the end grain, or normal wear and tear due to usage. We are not liable for improper assembly if the furniture is purchased flat-packed. We will replace and/or repair parts at no cost to the customer at the customer’s location of purchase while under warranty.
Warranties are limited to one year for residential use by the original purchaser.
Questions You May Have About Outdoor Wicker
How do I clean my outdoor wicker?
What is the cost for cushions?
What happens to my wicker over time?
What temperature range can woven furniture withstand?
What is powder-coated aluminum?
How do I care for my powder-coated aluminum?
What factors affect maintenance?
How often do I have to clean my stainless steel?
What type of cleaner should I use for my stainless steel?
How do I have furniture shipped?
What is all-weather wicker?
This remarkable material is Polyethylene-based, extruded and through-dyed (as opposed to top-dyed, which is toxic). The synthetic fibers are molded into strips and hand-woven onto our aluminum frames. Unlike PVC, our wicker is UV stabilized, weather resistant, soft to touch, highly supple and toxin-free. It is highly resistant to salt water + chlorine, lotions, food + drink stains. Our wicker is tear resistant, environmentally friendly, recyclable, pest protected, and immune to rotting. It is not heavy to handle.
How is your furniture made?
We use only Viro® www.virofiber.com fibers. We use aluminum frames for longevity and stability outdoors. Our furniture is all hand-woven to the highest manufacturing standards in Indonesia.
How do I clean my outdoor wicker?
Maintenance is minimal. If needed, use a non-foaming cleanser with water and a low setting pressure hose.
What is the cost for cushions?
At Outdoor Collections, all cushions are FREE on Deep Seating sets as shown. We use only Sunbrella® fabric and dacron wrapped Quick Dry® foam. We employ only reputable upholstery companies to produce our cushions.
What happens to my wicker over time?
Depending on the amount of use, a woven chair will generally perform very well over time (similar wear pattern to indoor, upholstered furniture).
What temperature range can woven furniture withstand?
Woven furniture can be left outside all year round and is able to easily withstand temperatures from -20° to 120°. When very cold, the weave will become stiffer than normal and when very hot, the weave will become more elastic. However, it will always revert to its normal elasticity once ambient temperatures stabilize.
What is powder-coated aluminum?
Powder coated aluminum is an aluminum based construction material that is commonly used in the manufacture of outdoor furniture. The powder coating on the aluminum helps to enhance the ability of the metal to resist corrosion and damage from the elements. This property of the material helps to make powder coated aluminum deal for outdoor furniture.
How do I care for my powder-coated aluminum?
Cleaning usually involves washing occasionally with a soft sponge and a mild soap. Many people will use an automotive spray-on wax once or twice a year. This may help keep with keeping the finish looking brand new. Do not use abrasive cleaners.
Why stainless steel?
Stainless Steel is selected because of its inherent corrosion resistance, workability and its attractive appearance. Regular maintenance and cleaning of all types of stainless steel is required to keep these attractive attributes. Stainless steel must be kept clean for a long material life.
What factors affect maintenance?
Selection of the correct type of stainless steel for the environment is a necessary prerequisite. Swimming pool and beachfront areas generally require higher grade #316 stainless steel.
Dirty, smoggy or industrial environments will require more frequent cleaning programs as will high humidity marine environments.
Strong bleaches and chloride based cleaners should not be used on #304 stainless steel. To keep the original appearance stainless steel must be cleaned when it looks dirty.
How often do I have to clean my stainless steel?
For outdoor use, clean every 6-12 months (or when necessary). Treat it like your car… !
What type of cleaner should I use for my stainless steel?
For routine cleaning ph neutral soap and water is sufficient applied with a sponge or cloth.
Fingerprints are best removed using ’3M stainless steel cleaner’.
Stains and discoloration generally require the use of a scotch brite pad to brighten the material and then the application of a cleaner such as ’3M stainless steel cleaner’ to help protect the stainless steel.
How do I have furniture shipped?
From Auckland we can ship anywhere in New Zealand, Australia and the Islands. Larger commercial quantities can be shipped from our factories in Indonesia. Please email or call for a quote ++64 9 377-7710 or sales@outdoorcollections.co.nz.
What is your guarantee?
RESIDENTIAL WARRANTY
We warrant the Viro®, Batyline®, powder-coated aluminum and stainless steel sold to the original owner, for one year (12 months) of normal residential use. This warranty does not apply to damage resulting from improper or neglect in cleaning, improper maintenance, misuse and negligence.
DISCLAIMER
Wicker dye batches vary from time to time. Every endeavor is made to match our exclusive colors, however there can be some color variances between products.
Questions You May Have About Indoor Reclaimed Teak
What happens during the ‘reclaiming’ process?
Can any of your indoor chairs be used outside?
How do I clean my indoor tables?
What are my indoor furniture color options?
Can I use my reclaimed teak table outdoors?
What is reclaimed Teak?
Reclaimed Teak means it was harvested and milled decades ago, crafted into either furniture, housing, or flooring, then re-crafted again into new furniture. All our solid teak has been reclaimed from central Java, Indonesia. All pieces in our indoor range, as with out outdoor range, are made of high quality solid teak – not teak-veneered.
What happens during the ‘reclaiming’ process?
The old teak wood is cleaned to remove old finishes, varnishes and oils, dirt and particles as well as all old hardware. Craftsmen then plane and sand each piece of wood to restore the grain and color. This is then crafted into a usable size for the styles being created. The wood is then kin-dried (when necessary) in our computerized ovens to obtain the optimum moisture content. The wood is then sanded and finished, ready for construction.
How are your tables made?
Our tables, chairs and buffets are made in central Java, Indonesia. We use the same facilities as we do for our outdoor ranges. Our craftsmen there build with the same attention that is required for outdoor furniture. We use coated brass & zinc screws and epoxy glues, and then finished to the desired distressed look. Finally, a patina finish is wiped on with a final wax coating. Each piece is individual – no two pieces are the exactly same.
How do you build your chairs?
Our chairs are woven and constructed at our main manufacturing plant as our outdoor wicker in Java Indonesia. Again, attention to detail is of prime importance and workmanship is of the highest standards. We have adopted the Lloyd Loom method in our construction of chairs by using a weave of twisted paper and wire, on a solid Mindi wood frame, resulting in clean, simple, and chic designs. Mindi wood is grown in Plantations across Indonesia and is a White Cedar wood. It was brought to the country by the Dutch and is therefore not an indigenous wood and was renamed Mindi wood by the Indonesians. Our indoor wicker is not for outdoor use. Some of our styles are hand-woven polyethylene fiber surrounding an aluminum framing. These chairs are ideal indoors and out.
What is Lloyd Loom?
This is the name given to woven furniture who’s weaving method and fiber used was invented by Marshall Burns Lloyd nearly 100 years ago. Lloyd loom weave is made from twisted paper and wire. This method of weaving for the indoors is renowned for its longevity and durability. Again, it is not for outdoor use.
Can any of your indoor chairs be used outside?
Yes! We constructed some of our styles in a polyethylene weave with aluminum frames, which can be used in all elements. These styles complement any of our other indoor styles. We only use European through-dyed fiber made by Viro®, a reputable man-made fiber manufacturer.
How do I clean my indoor tables?
For general day to day cleaning, and to maintain the rustic indoor teak look, use a mixture of warm water and a mild soap. Be sure to use a soft cloth, as an abrasive sponge or rag might leave nicks or scratches in the wood. Wipe off the furniture with the mixture, then let it dry naturally. This not only helps to get dirt, dust and grime off, but also helps to preserve the original shade in which you bought it. Teak wood tends to darken over time naturally; however, regular cleansing helps to prevent that process from taking place. Unlike outdoor teak, indoor teak will not turn a patina gray because it is not exposed to outside environmental changes. To maintain the patina wash that has been used on your table after construction, use a furniture wax twice yearly that you will buff into the wood.
What are my indoor furniture color options?
There are products available in the marketplace to turn wood any custom color. However, we designed our indoor range to reflect the beautiful natural color of teak. This is the 2011 color for a soft, European country-look.
Can I use my reclaimed teak table outdoors?
You can leave your table outdoors if you realize the look will become more rustic. The joint and tabletop may separate over time. This, however, is the ultimate look for some customers, as they love the aged European look.
What is your guarantee?
DESIGN WAREHOUSE warrants to the original purchaser that our teak indoor furniture is free of defects in the workmanship, aside from the character in design – being a distressed look and feel. This warranty does not cover furniture that has been modified, intentionally or accidentally damaged, misused, abused or neglected, or affected by force majeure. We are not liable for weathering, checking on the end grain, or normal wear and tear due to usage. We are not liable for improper assembly if the furniture is purchased flat-packed. Warranties are limited to one year for residential use by the original purchaser.
Questions You May Have About Plasteak
Do you ship outside of Auckland?
If we purchase from your warehouse does your furniture come in kit set form?
If we purchase from Auckland, does the furniture come in kit set form?
What is Polypropylene Resin?
Also known as PP resin, Polypropylene resin is a synthetic polymer that can be used to create a wide range of products. This polymer is made from a combination of propylene and other materials that in decades past were considered to be waste material. Since the development of polypropylene resin during the middle of the 20th century, the resin has been used to make such diverse products as upholstery for car seats and home furnishings.
What is Polycarbonate Resin?
Polycarbonate resin (PC resin) is a type of thermoplastic component used in the manufacturing of certain plastics. While the specific attributes of each resin differs according to its exact composition and extraction method, each is synthesized via catalyst from monomers called hydrocarbons, in a process known as condensation polymerization. The monomers used to produce polycarbonate resin differ from other types in that they contain amino, alcohol, or carboxylic acid functional groups. The chain reaction results in a covalent bond of one carbon atom bonded to three oxygen atoms, with small water molecules being displaced to yield a final polymer of high density and impact strength. These properties make polycarbonate resin suitable for manufacturing a wide variety of products that require exceptional stress and heat resistance, like outdoor furniture exposed to extreme elements.
General Questions
Do you ship outside of Auckland?
Yes, we do ship outside of Auckland. Please contact us at 377-7710 for more shipping information. We prefer our customers to visit one of our warehouses to view our superior quality. We are manufactures and wholesalers and specialize in volume sales for both residential and commercial use.
If we purchase from your warehouse does your furniture come in kit set form?
No, our furniture is fully assembled ready to use.
If we purchase from out of Auckland, does the furniture come in kit set form?
Most models are fully assembled e.g. chairs, tables, benches, etc would normally come unassembled due to the volumetric nature of shipping them assembled.
Do you do custom production?
Yes, but only in commercial quantities. For more information please contact ++64 9 377-7710 or email sales@outdoorcollections.co.nz.