The Furniture Shack: Outdoor Furniture Materials and Care Guide

Welcome to The Furniture Shack’s guide on outdoor furniture materials and their care instructions. This blog aims to provide you with all the information you need to maintain and extend the life of your outdoor furniture, ensuring it remains beautiful and functional for years to come.

1. Powder-Coated Aluminium Frames

Used In: Majority of the lounge and dining range

Material Information: Powder-coated aluminium frames are lightweight, rust-resistant, and highly durable. The powder coating adds an extra layer of protection against the elements, making it ideal for outdoor use.

Care Instructions:

• Cleaning: Use a mild soap solution and a soft cloth. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry with a clean towel.
• Maintenance: Inspect periodically for any chips or scratches in the powder coating. Touch up with matching paint if necessary.
• Protection: Use coasters and placemats to prevent surface damage. Use furniture covers to help protect your investment. Store indoors during extreme weather for longevity. 

2. Polypropylene Frame Chairs and Haven Tub Chairs

Used In: Polypropylene frame chairs, Haven Tub Chairs

Material Information: Polypropylene is a sturdy plastic that is resistant to moisture, chemicals, and UV rays. It's lightweight and easy to clean, making it a popular choice for outdoor furniture.

Care Instructions:

• Cleaning: Wipe down with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch the surface.
• Maintenance: Little to no maintenance required, just regular cleaning.
• Protection: Use furniture covers to help protect your investment. Store indoors during extreme weather for longevity. Regular cleaning will ensure the longevity of the material, allowing you to enjoy for many years to come.

3. Teak Frames

Used In: Various furniture pieces

Material Information: Teak is a dense, durable hardwood known for its resistance to water, insects, and decay. Its natural oils provide weather-resistant properties, making it ideal for outdoor use.

Care Instructions:

• Cleaning: Wash with a mild soap solution and a soft brush. Rinse with water and allow to dry.
• Maintenance: To maintain its golden colour, apply teak oil periodically. If you prefer a natural silver-grey patina, no oiling is necessary.
• Protection: Use furniture covers to help protect your investment. A regular cleaning and maintenance regime will ensure your suite maintains its natural beauty.

4. Marine Grade PVC Expansion Sheet on Aluminium Frame

Used In: UV-treated outdoor art

Material Information: This material is designed to withstand harsh marine environments. The PVC expansion sheet provides durability and UV resistance, while the aluminium frame adds strength.

Care Instructions:

• Cleaning: Wipe with a damp cloth and a mild detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals.
• Maintenance: Check for any signs of wear or damage and address them promptly.
• Protection: Regular cleaning will ensure your outdoor art maintains its beauty for many years to come!

5. Polywood Accents

Used In: Amalfi Dining Chairs, Capri Dining Chairs, Porto Lounge, Positano Suite

Material Information: Polywood is made from recycled plastics and is designed to look like real wood. It is resistant to moisture, fading, and insects.

Care Instructions:

• Cleaning: Use a soft brush and soapy water. Rinse thoroughly.
• Maintenance: Requires little maintenance other than regular cleaning.
• Protection: Use furniture covers to prolong life. 

6. Synthetic Rattan Rope and Synthetic Rattan

Used In: Tahiti Suite, Hamptons Suite, Aruba Suite

Material Information: Synthetic rattan is made from high-quality polyethylene fibres that mimic the look and feel of natural rattan but with enhanced durability and weather resistance.

Care Instructions:

• Cleaning: Wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap solution. Rinse with water and dry.
• Maintenance: Inspect regularly for any signs of wear or fraying.
• Protection: Use furniture covers to help protect your investment. Regular cleaning will ensure the longevity of the material, allowing you to enjoy for many years to come.

7. Olefin Rope

Used In: Antigua Lounge and Dining, Amalfi Dining Chair

Material Information: Olefin is a synthetic fibre known for its strength, colourfastness, and resistance to stains, mildew, and sunlight.

Care Instructions:

• Cleaning: Clean with mild soap and water. Rinse thoroughly.
• Maintenance: Minimal maintenance required.
• Protection: Use furniture covers to help protect your investment. Regular cleaning will ensure the longevity of the material, allowing you to enjoy for many years to come.

8. Marine Grade Polypropylene Rope

Used In: Pacific Suite

Material Information: Marine-grade polypropylene rope is highly resistant to moisture, UV rays, and abrasion, making it perfect for outdoor use.

Care Instructions:

• Cleaning: Rinse with water and mild detergent.
• Maintenance: Check periodically for any signs of wear.
• Protection: Use furniture covers to help protect your investment. Regular cleaning will ensure the longevity of the material, allowing you to enjoy for many years to come.

9. High Pressure Laminate

Used In: Amalfi Lounge Arms, Porto Coffee Table

Material Information: High-pressure laminate (HPL) is a durable material made by compressing layers of paper and resin under high heat and pressure. It is scratch-resistant and easy to clean.

Care Instructions:

• Cleaning: Wipe with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
• Maintenance: Inspect for any scratches and repair as needed.
• Protection: Use coasters and placemats to prevent surface damage.

10. Olefin Cushions

Used In: Majority of outdoor lounges

Material Information: Olefin cushions are resistant to water, stains, mildew, and fading, making them ideal for outdoor use.

Care Instructions:

• Cleaning: Spot clean with mild soap and water. For deeper cleaning, remove covers and hand wash.
• Maintenance: Fluff regularly to maintain shape.
• Protection: Use furniture covers to help protect your investment. Regular cleaning will ensure the longevity of the material, allowing you to enjoy for many years to come.

11. Spun Polyester Cushions

Used In: Positano Suite,  Aruba Lounge & Dining, Siesta Lounge, Escape Lounge, Hamptons Lounge, Bermuda Lounge, Escape Lounge and Dining.

Material Information: Spun polyester is durable and resistant to moisture and UV rays, though it may not be as resistant to mildew as olefin.

Care Instructions:

• Cleaning: Spot clean or hand wash covers as needed.
• Maintenance: Rotate cushions regularly to ensure even wear.
• Protection: Use furniture covers to help protect your investment. Regular cleaning will ensure the longevity of the material, allowing you to enjoy for many years to come

12. Spuncrylic

Used In: Amalfi and Porto Outdoor Lounges, Sorrento Sun-loungers and Rockers

Material Information: Spuncrylic is a polyester fabric treated with a special coating to enhance its UV resistance, water repellence, and durability.

Care Instructions:

• Cleaning: Clean with a mild soap solution and a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly and air dry.
• Maintenance: Periodically apply a fabric protector to maintain water resistance.
• Protection: Use furniture covers to help protect your investment. Regular cleaning will ensure the longevity of the material, allowing you to enjoy for many years to come

13. UV-Treated Textilene Sling

Used In: Outdoor sun loungers, Morocco sun loungers, Capri dining chairs, Maldives dining chairs, Corfu Dining Chairs

Material Information: Textilene is a woven polyester fabric coated with PVC, known for its strength, durability, and resistance to fading and mildew.

Care Instructions:

• Cleaning: Wipe down with a damp cloth and mild soap solution. Rinse with water and air dry.
• Maintenance: Minimal maintenance required other than regular cleaning.
• Protection: Use furniture covers to help protect your investment. Regular cleaning will ensure the longevity of the material, allowing you to enjoy for many years to come

14. Powder-Coated Steel

Used In: Outdoor Hanging Pods, Café Series Tables

Material Information: Powder-coated steel is strong, durable, and designed to withstand the elements. The powder coating provides an extra layer of protection against rust and corrosion. We will only choose to use steel where Aluminium does not have the weight required for structural integrity (ie Umbrella, Hanging Chair, Centrepoint Table)

Care Instructions:

• Cleaning: Wipe with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
• Maintenance: Inspect for any chips or scratches in the coating and touch up with matching paint if necessary.
• Protection: Store in a covered area during harsh weather conditions to extend life.

15. 100% UV-Treated Polypropylene

Used In: Outdoor rugs

Material Information: UV-treated polypropylene is durable, resistant to fading, moisture, and stains, making it ideal for outdoor rugs.

Care Instructions:

• Cleaning: Hose off with water and mild soap. Allow to air dry completely before use.
• Maintenance: Vacuum regularly to remove dirt and debris.
• Protection: Roll up and store in a dry area during heavy rain or snow to prevent mould and mildew. Allow to air dry completely after rain to help prolong the life of the material.