Hardwood Garden Furniture Tropical hardwood from managed sources is perfect for use as garden furniture, it’s main qualities are durability and stability under varying climactic conditions. The behaviour of Hardwood Tropical Hardwood if left outdoors will gradually weather to a silver grey colour, This would probably take about 9 months depending on the amount of sun and rain it has been subjected to. Small cracks (known as checking) may appear, this is a characteristic of all hardwood timbers and will not affect the strength or durability of the furniture. This is due to changes in the seasons and the wood releasing or drawing moisture from the atmosphere, checking is not to be considered as a defect. Wood and Moisture All wood in growing trees contains considerable quantities of water, commonly called sap. Most of this water should be removed in order to obtain satisfactory service from the wood in use. All wood gains or loses moisture in an attempt to reach a state of balance with the condition under which it is stored or used. The amount of mositure in is spoken of as its "moisture content" timber used in our furniture is kiln dried so as to minimise the swelling and contracting of the furniture. Hardwood Furniture Care Tropical hardwoods should be treated with preservative such as teak oil to extend the life of your furniture. It is preferable to apply the oil before any weathering takes place. Ensure that the furniture is dry and free of dust and apply one light coat of oil with a clean cloth or brush, wiping off any excess oil. Teak oil should not be applied over accumulated dirt as the the result will be dark and the furniture will eventually blacken. If necessary, remove previous oil or dirt by vigorous scrubbing or using a pressure hose. The pressure hose should be held at a distance of 6 to 8 feet away, set at about 1000psi (approximately 70 bar). Marks from spills on a tabletop, especially if they contain fat, should be avoided where possible, as they are difficult to remove. Any such marks will eventually be washed out by the elements. However this process may be accelerated by allowing the stain to soak into any absorbent Material applied to it for a time under pressure and then rubbing with sandpaper in the direction of the grain.