There are three major types of hardwood garden furniture. These include Iroko, Jarrah (Eucalyptus) and Teak. Hardwood garden furniture needs special care and maintenance in order to maintain its form and function for a longer period of time. When left untreated, it can, after a few months, weather to a somewhat soft, silver-grey look. Although some people prefer this rather weathered look, it is recommended to apply teak oil or timber treatment to keep your hardwood garden furniture looking as good as new as well as to slow down its weathering process.
There are a lot of hardwood garden furniture treatment products available in the market today that come in different shades. Treated wood can give off a bright, glossy color depending on the kind of oil used and the type of wood. Cleaning hardwood garden furniture, whether treated or not, is fairly simple – you can just wipe or scrub it down occasionally with warm water and mild detergent or timber cleaner and you are good to go. However, be sure that the wood is completely dry and clean before treating. Frequent, light timber treatment applications may be needed following the initial treatment to retain its finish.
Storage can also be a problem especially in harsher climates. It is recommended to keep your hardwood garden furniture in extreme seasons to maintain its peak condition. However, if you do not have enough space to store your furniture, you may want to purchase a specialist garden furniture cover instead. This can protect your wooden garden furniture against the harsh elements of the sun, wind and water. Make sure that the cover fits your furniture correctly in order to get the right coverage. Doing so can keep your hardwood garden furniture in excellent condition.
Another common problem in hardwood garden furniture is weathering. The furniture’s exposure to natural elements such as the sun, water and wind can cause the wood’s natural oils and minerals to evaporate, thus weathering occurs. Cracks and splits are more likely to appear within a few weeks or months, depending on the climate. This is normal in close grain hardwood like oak.
Keep in mind that hardwood garden furniture is very sensitive to harsh climate and can easily discolor, so you may want to store them or cover it up when not in use. Also, observe proper cleaning instructions as well.
Hardwood garden furniture can be a great addition to your home. By taking good care of it, you can be sure to enjoy its beauty and function for many years to come.
