Guide - Solid Wood Furniture
One of the most characteristic British styles of outdoor furniture is that manufactured from tropical hardwoods such as teak or iroko. Originally developed for use in large private gardens, the most traditional of this type of furniture is still used extensively in public parks or in the grounds of hospitals or other public buildings. Over recent years there has grown up an increasing market for a lighter weight product of a similar style. The big advantage of this type of furniture is that it can be left outdoors permanently. Indeed, due to its size and weight, it is not normally suitable for movinq around other than very occasionally from one part of the garden to another.
Although originally used totally without upholstery; there has been a trend over recent years to provide cushions for use with these items. These should be removed when the furniture is not in use and stored away during the winter. Although this furniture can be left out of doors without any attention, its appearance and durability will be improved by an occasional clean down with soapy water and an application of suitable oil. Teakwood is invariably supplied untreated and left to customers to decide whether to use oil or leave to weather silver-grey. The contribution of oil to Teak's durability is thought to be insignificant.
In Scandinavian countries, softwoods are frequently used for outdoor furniture. The furniture is usually of a much lighter design than the traditional hardwood furniture. It is usually in more modern styling and is also made in styles which fold for storage. Much of this furniture is made from Pine having a natural high resin content and therefore very resistant to rot. The wood is either left in its natural colour or stained and the surface should be lightly oiled once or twice a year to help preserve the colour.
Luxurious continental style furniture is also made in solid wood usually from beech or ash and finished with a resin or varnish coating. This furniture, in appearance, is almost identical to the synthetic resin injection moulded plastic furniture. It is however not so resistant to atmospheric conditions since the outer coating is more prone to damage. It is however still very durable, very luxurious and in the higher price bracket.
What is perhaps the best known item of outdoor furniture, the traditional wooden deck chair, can still be found almost unchanged from the original version. The deck chair is moderately priced, highly portable and very easily stored. More ornate versions, including foot rests and sun shades are sometimes to be found.
Picnic tables provide a relatively inexpensne outdoor eating facility, particularly useful for barbecue enthusiasts. Some versions are made from soft woods and therefore likely to be less durable than those made in teak and iroko which are of course proportionally higher priced.
Wood furniture can be found in a wide range of styles and materials, including rustic garden furniture which is normally only available within a limited local area from a manufacturer and usually has a limited life. Some rustic garden furniture is treated with a wood preservative and finished with three coats of exterior yacht varnish which protects it from the rigours of the weather, Provided the user maintains it each year by applying another coat of varnish, it will last as long as any of the traditional hardwood furniture.
The durability and weather resistance of wooden furniture varies very widely depending upon the type of wood used, whether it has been treated to increase its durability, its exposure to the elements and the care it receives. Benches in public gardens testify to the very long life of wooden furniture but most wooden furniture will last longer if occasionally washed down with warm soapy water and given a light oiling. Regular oiling will also preserve the colour of the wood. The heavier and more robust the design of the furniture, the more likely it is to withstand very long exposure to the elements. Lighter weight furniture, particularly if folding, will obviously benefit from being stored away during the winter. Folding furniture should of course be oiled at pivot points to avoid rusting.
