Treatment and Maintenance Advice

Good-quality wooden garden furniture is designed to live outdoors, but the right setup and a little sensible care will keep it looking its best for longer. The advice below explains what to do when your furniture arrives and how to care for each of our timber ranges.

Before positioning your furniture

• Choose a firm, level surface. Patios, paving and other well-drained surfaces are ideal. If placing furniture on grass or soil, move it occasionally and avoid leaving the feet in persistently wet or waterlogged ground.
• Allow air to circulate. Avoid pressing timber tightly against damp walls, dense planting or areas where fallen leaves collect.
• Check the position. Make sure swings and moving products have enough clear space around them and that furniture is stable before use.
• Do not permanently cover damp furniture. Trapped condensation can encourage mould and discolouration. If using a cover, choose a breathable, correctly sized one and allow the timber to dry first.

Heritage Tanalised furniture

Our Heritage Tanalised range is manufactured from FSC-certified Swedish Redwood and pressure treated with Tanalith E. The preservative is driven deep into the timber to protect it against fungal decay and wood-destroying insects, supporting our 20-year rot-free guarantee.

No annual preservative treatment is required to maintain the rot protection. However, “no maintenance” does not mean the furniture will remain visually unchanged. Natural timber will gradually weather and may turn silver-grey. This is normal and does not mean the protection has failed.

If you prefer to retain or change the colour, allow new pressure-treated timber to weather and dry before applying a suitable breathable exterior wood finish. Always follow the coating manufacturer’s instructions and test a small, hidden area first. Avoid film-forming products that may trap moisture or begin to peel.

Classic Redwood furniture

Our Classic Redwood range has an oak-brown, oil-based preservative finish and is covered by a 10-year rot-free guarantee. To maintain the colour and help the timber repel water, we recommend applying a suitable treatment oil approximately once a year.

1. Choose a dry spell and make sure the furniture is completely dry.
2. Brush away loose dirt and clean the surface if required.
3. Allow it to dry fully after cleaning.
4. Apply the oil thinly and evenly with a clean cloth or brush, following the product instructions.
5. Wipe away excess product and allow it to cure before using the furniture or replacing cushions.

Areas exposed to strong sun, driving rain or coastal conditions may need attention sooner. A quick water-beading test is useful: if water soaks in rather than forming droplets on the surface, it may be time to reapply treatment.

Routine cleaning

Remove leaves, bird mess, food spills and other debris before they become established. For general cleaning, use warm water, a mild soap and a soft brush or cloth. Work with the grain, rinse lightly and allow the furniture to dry naturally.

Avoid pressure washers, harsh bleach, abrasive cleaners and aggressive scrubbing. These can damage the surface fibres, strip finishes and force water into joints. Do not soak the timber unnecessarily.

Small patches of surface mould or algae can occur where furniture remains shaded and damp. Clean them promptly with a cleaner specifically suitable for exterior timber, following its instructions and testing first in an inconspicuous area.

Natural timber movement

Wood responds to changes in temperature and moisture. Small surface checks, fine cracks, slight movement, grain variation, knots and changes in colour are natural characteristics of solid timber. They do not normally affect strength or indicate rot.

As the furniture settles, periodically check accessible screws, bolts and fittings. Tighten only where necessary—do not overtighten, as this can damage the timber or fittings. Contact us before attempting structural repairs or altering the product.

Cushions and soft furnishings

• Follow the care label supplied with your cushions.
• Unless specifically described as suitable for permanent outdoor storage, bring cushions indoors during prolonged rain and over winter.
• Never store cushions while damp; allow them to dry fully first.
• Clean spills promptly and avoid placing wet cushions onto recently treated timber.

Winter and severe-weather care

Our outdoor furniture can remain outside throughout the year. You do not need to move Heritage Tanalised furniture indoors to preserve its pressure-treatment protection. Keeping the furniture clean, well ventilated and away from standing water is still good practice.

Secure lightweight accessories, parasols and removable items before high winds. Close and store parasols when they are not in use. After storms, check swings, arbours and roofed products for displaced felt, loose fittings or impact damage from fallen branches.

Do not allow heavy snow or debris to build up on roofs, canopies or furniture. Remove it carefully without damaging the timber or roofing material.

Arbours, swings, bars and roofed products

Check roof felt and fixings periodically, especially after severe weather. Keep roof edges and drainage routes clear of leaves and debris. Do not climb or stand on furniture roofs, swing frames, tables or benches.

Place swings on stable, level ground with clear space around the moving seat. Before use, check that chains, hooks, bolts and suspension points are secure and show no signs of damage or excessive wear.

Quick care summary

• Heritage Tanalised: no annual preservative treatment required for rot protection; clean as needed and allow it to weather naturally.
• Classic Redwood: clean as needed and apply suitable treatment oil approximately annually to maintain colour and water repellency.
• All furniture: use a stable, well-drained position, avoid trapped moisture, remove debris and check fittings periodically.
• Cushions and parasols: keep dry and store safely during poor weather and over winter.

Need advice?

If you are unsure which range you own, which treatment to use or whether a change in the timber is normal, please contact us before applying a product. A few clear photographs will usually help us advise you quickly.

Contact Detailed Outdoor Living or browse our furniture treatment products.

This guidance is general. Always follow the specific instructions supplied with your furniture, treatment product, cushions or accessories. Guarantee terms and exclusions continue to apply.