Timber Policy Statement
At Great Garden Products we pride ourselves on the care of the environment. As such we strive to ensure that all our materials are sourced and manufactured in an environmentally sound way. For our furniture we only use legal wood from well managed forest and we are able to track all of the wood used, from the forest through the saw milling process, and further into furniture production and delivery via the COC (Chain of Custody) system.
Furthermore we recognise that the principles of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) are the best way to ensure the effectiveness of forest management and now 75% of all our hardwood furniture are certified to comply and we are aiming to achieve full compliance within the near future.
How to care for your garden furniture
Teak (Tectura Grandis) is a unique and very durable timber with a natural high contents of teak oil which protects against absorption of water and helps the surfaces to stay clean. Teak wood does minimal maintenance; normally cleaning with soap and water is sufficient. However as time goes by the sun bleaches the original brownish colour and a silver grey surface will occur. To retain the original colour we recommend to use Teak Sealer oil (1L for £10.00) on a regular basis which should be done before the furniture has weathered When using teak oil never apply over accumulated dirt or grime as this will discolour your furniture and may turn it black. To clean your furniture wash with warm soapy water and a stiff , scrubbing brush or carefully use a jet wash. When dry your furniture may need sanding lightly with fine sand paper (always sand with the direction of the grain and not across it). Before applying any wood treatment, ensure that the furniture is thoroughly clean, dry and free from dust. Using a brush or soft cloth apply one coat of oil at the time and wipe off any surplus oil. We offer a teak maintenance set for £20.00 and a suitable wood cleaner for £10.
Hardwood
To maintain the appearance, please treat the surface of this wood with hardwood oil (Hardwood sealer oil, 1l for £10.00). New furniture in particular should be treated as soon as possible. Before applying any wood treatment, ensure that the furniture is thoroughly clean, dry and free from dust. Using a brush or soft cloth apply one coat of oil at the time and wipe of any surplus oil. If the timber is exposed to rain, the surface fibres of the timber will raise slightly and may give a rough texture. This is normal and light sanding with fine sand paper will bring back the smooth surface. Once this has been done oil the timber to regain its colour. We recommend this treatment to be repeated once a year before taking the furniture into the garden.
Hardwood
Storage during winter
Timber does shrink and expand according to humidity. This is natural. This furniture has been constructed for the climate we normally have during the summer. When storing this product, do not put in rooms that are centrally heated, as this will cause the timber to dry out and possibly to shrink. Cool, well-ventilated sheds are the most suitable. We wish you many happy hours with your new furniture.
Pine
Scandinavian pine is a very resistant material for outdoor use but must be treated in a suitable way. We recommend it is treated with a branded soft wood preserver, prior to assembly and that the process be repeated each year before use or if the wood appears dry. Always ensure your furniture is completely dry and free of dirt before applying and do not forget to treat the base of each leg with preserver to prevent water absorption. Being a natural product cracks may appear, particularly in the end grain, but this is a perfectly normal characteristic and will not affect the structural integrity of your furniture. Store the garden furniture in unheated, dry and well ventilated premises during winter.