| Q. |
"We love our new
furniture, can you tell us what kind of wood it is?" |
| A. |
These furniture pieces are made of
Mahogany (dark red Meranti variety). It is a tropical hardwood harvested under strict
government control in the managed forests of Malaysia. These controls protect the
environment and insures sustained yields. You can read more about the wood on this page. |
| Q. |
"If we leave our
furniture outside all year, how will it weather?" |
| A. |
If left untreated, in time Mahogany
will weather to a soft gray. Government tests in Malaysia have shown that even when buried
in the ground, Meranti can last up to thirty years. It is a very durable wood and
therefore is extremely insect and rot resistant. As with any unfinished wood product,
if left untreated you may notice some checking, surface cracks and raised grain as it
ages. This is normal and, to those that desire the weathered look, adds beauty and
character. |
| Q. |
"What do we need to
know before we set up and use our new furniture?" |
| A. |
Occasionally, after a rainstorm,
the wood dust residue remaining on some pieces from the manufacturing process can stain
stone or concrete patio surfaces. It is recommended that you pre-wash your furniture with
a mixture of water and 10% bleach, before placing it on stone or concrete. If you
plan to use your furniture in a shady area, you may see some mildew. When this occurs use
a stiff scrub brush to apply a 10% mixture of bleach and water, then hose down the
furniture and place in direct sun to dry thoroughly. |
| Q. |
"We want to maintain
the beauty of the natural wood tone. What should we use to finish and preserve the
furniture?" |
| A. |
We recommend the use of our own Finishing Oil. It has been specially formulated for our wood and
offers 90% UV protection. The Finishing Kit is available
straight from the factory and includes a quart of finish, two foam applicators, and a pair
of latex gloves. A yearly application is recommended or as weather conditions
indicate. Mahogany is a very dense wood and
should not be finished with products meant for softer woods. If you plan to use your
furniture strictly indoors, a polyurethane coat may be applied. However the furniture
should not be left outside if this is done. |
