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A. Outdoor furniture needs cleaning, and needs regular cleaning from all the atmospheric dirt in the air. Worst affected areas are usually tops of tables and tops of arms. In some cases the black is caused by over oiling which promotes fungal growth.
In the first instance apply ARTC (Timber Cleaner) or soapy water and scrub with a non-metallic scourer. If the black does not come off, use a medium grade sand paper on the worst affected areas. After the above leave to dry for 48 hours, and later re-apply treatments.
A. Iroko/Teak like all hardwoods lose their minerals/salts and as they evaporate cracks will appear on the end grain (tops of chairs/end of tables/end of arms). This is normal. Sometimes the crack will open quite wide, especially in hot weather. They will close when it rains or is cooler. This cracking will not affect the stability of the furniture and in most cases occurs within the first few months and gets no worse.
Treatment can help reduce cracking as the oils in Teak Oil replace some of that lost through evaporation.
A. This can usually be repaired at our workshop. Please take back to your stockist (if possible) or contact your local centre from whom you purchased the table and explain the problem. We will pick up from centre, repair and return. If not repairable we will replace with refurbished top (from our refurb stock) which is as close to the original as possible. Only after this has occurred will we exchange old for new. (Note:-Uneven surfaces (floor/patio) cause warping)
A. F.S.C. means Forestry Stewardship Council which is a body which oversees the wood resources of countries all across the world. It is a voluntary organisation and it issues certificates to those countries it knows its wood is from sustainable source. Our Pine & Karri is 100% FSC. Iroko, Teak & Mahogany is from Ghana, West Africa which is committed to phasing out wood supplies from poorly managed forests. The long term economic growth through controlled use of their natural resources encourages better forestry and prevents farmers cutting down main forests for short term gain.
A. All our products have joints which have built in tolerances for “movement”. Wood is a natural product and expands/contracts with water content or when it dries out. This will not affect the strength or durability of the product.
A. Alexander Rose cushions are made using water resistant acrylic, so our cushions may be left out during a shower or overnight without worry. Our cushions are not totally waterproof so long term exposure to water is not recommended.
A. We make our cushions from marine acrylic and our canopies from canvas. Whilst we make every attempt to match the colour, differences are to be expected.
A. Wherever possible Alexander Rose will replace or repair goods, which due to faulty materials or manufacture do not, in our opinion, give fair or reasonable wear.
Any repairs or replacements need to be authorised by Head Office.
In most cases it is normal that a part is replaced first, then a repair and where neither are possible the complete item will be replaced.
A. Iroko: No, not necessary to treat, and if left will eventually mellow to silver/grey, then darker grey.
Mahogany: No, not necessary to treat, and if left will eventually mellow to silver/grey, then darker grey.
Teak: No, not necessary to treat, and if left will eventually mellow to soft silver.
Karri: Yes, treat annually with either sealer (ARTS) or a good quality hardwood treatment. Karri has been treated at the factory and does not need treating until the timber is exposed to the elements.
Albizzia: No, not necessary to treat, and if left will eventually mellow to silver/grey, then darker grey.
Pine: Yes, treat annually with a good quality softwood timber preservative, this is very important as wood will rot if not treated.
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