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Product Material & Wood InformationUpdated 2 months ago

Man-Made Materials

Recycled Plastic/Poly/Composite

  • Material Type: High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

  • Key Features:

    • Strength & Stability: HDPE is stronger and more stable than most plastics, wood, and even some metals.

    • Impact Resistant: Highly durable, designed to withstand the pressures of outdoor use.

    • Low Maintenance: No need for special care or treatments, making it ideal for long-lasting outdoor furniture.
  • Ideal Use: Best for outdoor furniture in all weather conditions, including park benches and seating exposed to frequent use and the elements, or for customers who want a product that doesn't require any maintenance to remain looking fresh over time.

  • Maintenance: Not much maintenance is needed, as these products are designed to withstand the elements. Regular cleaning can help prevent tough buildup on the product as well as potential wear from any elemental exposure.

Steel

  • Material Type: Steel, Alloy of iron and carbon
  • Key Features:
    • Durability: Steel is one of the most durable materials, offering excellent strength and resistance to physical stress, making it ideal for long-lasting furniture.

    • Corrosion Resistance: Steel can be highly resistant to rust and corrosion, making it suitable for outdoor environments.

    • Additional Protection in Powder Coating: Some steel products feature a powder coating that enhances durability.
    • Heavy Duty: Steel can withstand heavy loads and impacts, ensuring its strength even in high-traffic areas.

  • Ideal Use: Perfect for furniture exposed to the elements or requiring high strength, such as outdoor seating or frames. 
  • Maintenance: Designed for low maintenance and simply requires regular cleaning and minimal exposure to the elements for long-term use. Wiping the product down from any moisture resting on top can also help ensure rust and corrosion do not occur prematurely.

Wicker

  • Material Type: Woven natural or synthetic fibers (typically rattan or resin)
  • Key Features:
    • Durability: Wicker is lightweight yet sturdy, making it ideal for comfortable, long-lasting outdoor furniture.

    • Weather Resistance: Synthetic wicker, in particular, is resistant to fading, moisture, and mildew, ensuring it withstands various weather conditions.

    • Low Maintenance: Requires minimal upkeep, with occasional cleaning to maintain its appearance.

  • Ideal Use: Perfect for outdoor furniture, especially for seating and decorative pieces. Synthetic wicker is best for all-weather use, while natural wicker is better suited for covered or sheltered areas.
  • Maintenance: Wicker is low-maintenance and requires only regular cleaning to maintain its appearance. To prolong its life, avoid prolonged exposure to harsh elements. For synthetic wicker, wiping down any moisture can prevent premature wear.

Natural Materials

Pressure-Treated Pine

  • Material Type: Pine, Treated

  • Key Features:

    • Moisture Resistance: Pressure-treated lumber is designed for environments where the wood is exposed to moisture.

    • Method of Treatment: The MCQ method is used to extend the life of the wood, and it is also kiln-dried for additional protection.

    • Finishing Options: Takes both paint and stain finishes, and we recommend adding a polyurethane top-coat for additional protection if used outdoors in uncovered areas.

  • Ideal Use: Excellent for outdoor furniture that will be in contact with moisture, such as benches, tables, and outdoor seating in gardens or patios. Requires the most maintenance for any of our naturally wooden materials.

  • Maintenance: Pine is great for outdoor use but may require maintenance to prevent "checking." Clean regularly and re-stain every 1-2 years, and keep the furniture covered or indoors during bad weather. We recommend applying a top-coat, like polyurethane, for additional protection if left uncovered outdoors. 

Kiln-Dried Pine

  • Material Type: Pine, Kiln (Oven) Dried

  • Key Features:

    • Durability: The kiln-drying process helps prevent warping or cracking over time, ensuring long-lasting furniture.

    • Insect & Fungal Resistance: Kiln-drying removes moisture and kills insects, larvae, and mold, making it more durable for outdoor use.

    • Long-Lasting: This process enhances the wood’s strength and resistance to decay, ensuring it lasts for years.

  • Ideal Use: Kiln-dried pine is durable and resistant to warping, making it great for outdoor use. To maintain its appearance, clean regularly and re-stain every 1-2 years. For added protection, especially if left uncovered outdoors, we recommend applying a top-coat like polyurethane. 

  • Maintenance: Kiln dried pine should be sealed with a high-quality exterior paint, stain, or wood sealer to help protect it from moisture, cracking, and warping. Regular cleaning with mild soap and water can help remove dirt and prevent mildew buildup. Because pine is more susceptible to weather exposure than naturally rot-resistant woods, finishes should be inspected periodically and reapplied as needed, especially in areas with heavy sun, rain, or humidity. Using breathable furniture covers, avoiding standing water, and storing furniture under cover during harsh weather can significantly extend its lifespan and preserve its appearance.

Teak (Grade A)

  • Material Type: Teak, Hardwood

  • Key Features:

    • Exceptional Weather Resistance: Grade A teak contains a high concentration of natural oils and rubber, making it naturally resistant to moisture, rot, insects, and harsh outdoor conditions.

    • Premium Durability: Known for its incredible strength and longevity, teak is one of the most durable hardwoods available for outdoor furniture and can last for decades with proper care.

    • Beautiful Natural Aging: Teak begins with a warm golden-brown tone and naturally weathers into an elegant silver-gray patina over time if left untreated outdoors.

  • Ideal Use: Perfect for high-end outdoor furniture, patio sets, benches, dining tables, and poolside seating where long-term durability and timeless appearance are desired.

  • Maintenance: Teak can be cleaned periodically with mild soap and water to remove dirt and buildup. To maintain its original golden color, teak oil or a teak protector may be applied occasionally. If left untreated, the wood will naturally age into a silver-gray finish without affecting its durability. For uncovered outdoor use, regular cleaning and optional protective treatments can help preserve its appearance.

Acacia

  • Material Type: Acacia, Hardwood

  • Key Features:

    • Natural Durability: Acacia is a dense hardwood known for its strength, toughness, and resistance to everyday wear, making it a reliable option for furniture.

    • Moisture Resistance: Naturally resistant to moisture and decay, acacia performs well in outdoor environments when properly maintained.

    • Rich Grain and Color Variation: Acacia features striking natural grain patterns and warm tones ranging from honey gold to deep brown, giving each piece a unique and elegant appearance.

  • Ideal Use: Excellent for indoor furniture as well as covered outdoor applications such as patio seating, dining tables, and accent pieces where both durability and visual appeal are important.

  • Maintenance: Clean regularly with a soft cloth and mild soap when necessary. To preserve the wood’s appearance and durability outdoors, reapply stain or protective oil every 1-2 years as needed. For uncovered outdoor use, we recommend using a protective top-coat to help guard against moisture, UV exposure, and weather-related wear.


Red Cedar

  • Material Type: Cedar, Softwood

  • Key Features:

    • Natural Resistance to Outdoor Elements: Naturally resistant to weather, insects, and decay due to high levels of tannin oils.

    • Aesthetic Appeal: Cedar’s natural color variations—ranging from blonde to dark brown and red—make it visually striking and create unique pieces, even with stain applied.

    • Only Stain Finishes Recommended: We do not recommend painting cedar, as this can prevent the natural oils from working as intended.
  • Ideal Use: Best for outdoor furniture that will benefit from a natural, weathered look, ideal for areas with seasonal changes. Requires some maintenance in an outdoor environment.

  • Maintenance: Cedar's natural tannin oils make it highly resistant to weather and decay, requiring less frequent maintenance. Clean every few weeks or months, and re-stain every 2-3 years. For outdoor use without coverage, we recommend applying a top-coat (like polyurethane) to protect it further. Cedar’s low-maintenance nature makes it ideal for outdoor furniture. 

Hickory

  • Material Type: Hickory, Hardwood

  • Key Features:

    • Natural Strength and Shock Resistance: Favored by many for tools and sporting equipment

    • Distinct Natural Grain: Known for its bold grain patterns and natural color variation ranging from creamy white to medium brown, hickory creates a rustic yet refined appearance.

    • Only Stain Finishes Recommended: Hickory accepts stain well and highlights the wood’s dramatic grain character. Natural or darker stain finishes are commonly used to enhance its appearance.
  • Ideal Use: Best for furniture that experiences frequent use or requires exceptional strength and longevity. Ideal for both indoor or covered outdoor applications where durability and character are desired, and less exposure to the elements.

  • Maintenance: Clean regularly with a soft cloth and mild soap when needed. Re-staining or refinishing every few years can help preserve the wood’s appearance, especially in outdoor or high-traffic environments. For outdoor use, we recommend a protective top-coat to help shield against moisture and UV exposure.

Cypress

  • Material Type: Cypress, Softwood

  • Key Features:

    • Durability: Naturally water- and rot-resistant due to the oily resin (cypressene) present in the wood.

    • Termite Resistant: The heartwood is resistant to termites, making it a good choice for outdoor environments with pesky insects.

    • Stable: The wood is resistant to cracking, splitting, or warping due to water exposure.

  • Ideal Use: Best for outdoor furniture exposed to moisture and humidity.

  • Maintenance: Cypress is highly durable and naturally resistant to water, rot, and insects, making it ideal for outdoor use. It requires minimal maintenance, but fairly often cleaning and re-sealing every 2-3 years will help maintain its appearance. For furniture exposed to the elements, a top-coat is recommended for added protection.

Oak

  • Material Type: Oak, Softwood

  • Key Features:

    • Strong and Long Lasting: Oak is a highly durable hardwood known for its strength, stability, and long service life, making it a trusted choice for quality furniture.

    • Striking Grain Patterns: Oak features a prominent, attractive grain pattern with warm natural tones ranging from light tan to rich brown, offering a timeless and versatile look.

    • Excellent Stain Compatibility: Oak absorbs stain exceptionally well, allowing for a wide range of finish options while enhancing the wood’s natural texture and grain definition.

  • Ideal Use: Ideal for both traditional and modern furniture designs, especially pieces intended for long-term indoor use.

  • Maintenance: Wipe clean regularly and avoid prolonged moisture exposure. Reapply stain or protective finishes as needed to preserve the wood and maintain its appearance. For outdoor applications without full coverage, a protective top-coat is recommended to help prevent weather-related wear.
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