Essentials of Furniture Care

Our furniture is designed to be resilient and to cope with practically any environmental extremity. The level and kind of care that a piece of furniture requires depends on what it is made from. There are some steps that you can take to ensure your furniture lasts as long as you need it to.

Wood

Wood needs close attention once or twice a year. With regular maintenance, your furniture will age beautifully.

  • Wipe your furniture down with a damp cloth on a regular basis. Apply a thin, even layer of good-quality wax polish every 6-12 months.
  • Avoid using sprays and polishes, especially if they contain silicone as this can cause a sticky layer to form on top of the surface.
  • Wood can be damaged by liquid so spillages should be cleared immediately. Never scrub at your furniture to remove stains.
  • If you wish to preserve the patina of your wooden outdoor furniture, apply two coats of an appropriate oil.

Acacia

Acacia is a beautiful, cost-saving alternative for outdoor furniture. Light in colour, with a comparable look to its more expensive cousin, teak, it takes paint well or can be stained and left natural. Acacia outdoor furniture requires annual care as it lacks protective oils.

Timber furniture will naturally turn a silvery grey colour as it ages. Some people desire this look; alternatively, oil your timber regularly to keep the tones alive and vibrant.

Restoring Timber Furniture
For timber outdoor furniture that has gone silvery grey, gently sand until the original colour is revealed, then coat with a furniture oil with water, fungi, and mould-resistant properties.

NOTE: DO NOT APPLY OIL TO ANY GFRC COMPONENT AS IT MAY STAIN.
TIP: Protect your furniture with vinyl covers at night. During winter, you may want to bring the wooden pieces indoors for storage.
TIP: Keep your wood furniture free of standing water. Don’t let chairs fill with water during rainstorms.

Metal

Metal furniture is hardy, durable and long-lasting. However, with improper care it becomes susceptible to oxidisation.

  • Always clean metal furniture with a damp cloth or sponge. For tougher stains and marks, use non-detergent soap.
  • To reduce the risk of oxidisation, never use abrasive scrubbers. Avoid covering metal furniture with a plastic tablecloth as this can trap moisture and humidity. Cover scratches and nicks with touch-up paint or another appropriate substance.
  • Oxidisation on aluminium furniture should be treated with a mixture of white vinegar and water

GFRC

GFRC-Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete is an extremely durable material. With proper care, it will last a lifetime.

  • To clean your GFRC product, use warm water and a soft cloth. For stubborn stains, use a mild household cleaner or liquid soap (containing no abrasive, chlorine /bleach or ammonium).
  • If products containing antibacterial or disinfectant agents are used, always test an inconspicuous area first.
  • Always remove cleaning agent residue with clean water and rinse immediately before drying.
  • Spills should be cleaned as soon as possible, within 12 hours. Water ‘spotting’ may occur, but generally disappears with evaporation.
  • Setting a hot object directly on the surface may weaken or discolour the sealer, so always use trivets under hot pots and pans. Use cutting boards and place felt or rubber pads on the bottom of all heavy or rough objects that remain on the surface for a long duration, such as small appliances.
  • Cover your outside table to assist in the longevity of the sealant and the original finish.
  • It is recommended that you reseal your GFRC table top after 36 months if exposed to weather.
  • Use a good quality natural finish sealant, following manufacturer’s instructions.
NOTE: Our concrete has inherent variations in shading and colour as well as in the casting process, making each table unique; no two are exactly alike – but that is the beauty of it! Concrete may exhibit spots, hairline cracks and scratches due to exposure to the elements and usage. THESE ARE NOT CONSIDERED DEFECTS.

The concrete has been lightly sealed to provide some protection against staining. Although the concrete may mark, this elegantly adds to the uniqueness and character of the table. Stains must still be avoided.