To preserve the structural integrity and natural patina of your pieces for generations, download our comprehensive Care & Specification Guide below.

Characteristics & Integrity

Iroko is a naturally dense, Class 1 architectural hardwood renowned for its dimensional stability, high resin content, and inherent resistance to decay, fungal attack, and insect infestation. 

Seasoned and kiln-dried to precise moisture levels, the timber is engineered by nature for permanent outdoor placement without requiring chemical preservatives. Its visual appeal lies in a straight, interlocking grain that transitions naturally from warm honey-gold to rich chestnut.

Protection, Finish & Acclimatisation

The Chelsea Collection
Using a top-quality Danish oil by ProNature as our standard finish. This produces a soft matt sheen and a lightly ‘washed’ appearance to the timber. This oil acts as a sealing agent, explicitly protecting the wood from grease stains resulting from food and wine spills. 

The Core Collection
The rest of our range is sealed with a standard coat of exterior oil prior to leaving the factory.

This initial oiling assists the timber in acclimatising to its new environment while providing short-term protection against UV and water penetration. Crucially, oil allows the timber to breathe and move naturally. As a result, slight movement at the joinery should be expected while the wood adjusts. It is then the owner’s choice and responsibility to maintain the furniture. (Note: A heavier industrial varnish can be applied by request for extreme environments).

General
Although Iroko requires no treatment we recommend regular maintenance and care for optimal performance, longevity and aesthetical appearance by recoating/reapplying any of our products or any other product suitable of your choice as frequently as needed.

Any outdoor oil/varnish or sealant suitable for exterior use on timber can be applied providing you follow the instructions of the product.

We strongly recommend storing your furniture or using fitted PVC covers during the wetter months when not in use for long periods.

Cleaning

Use a damp cloth wiped with mild detergents. Strictly avoid any furniture polishes or products containing ammonia.

What happens when I don’t maintain/oil/varnish the furniture

You will notice the timber of your piece of furniture varies in colour from light yellow to brown when you receive it. As soon as the wood meets UV light, natural oxidation begins. Fully outdoors, it will gradually fade to a softer, blonder colour and age gracefully to a silver-grey patina over 6 to 12 months (this process is much slower if kept under cover).

During this period, the timber reacts to its environment. There is a risk of slight surface cracking or checking, and it may appear dry or rough to the touch. This change is strictly aesthetic, is typical of Iroko, and will not lead to structural defects within the 3-year guarantee period

At any stage during this period you can restore the timber to its natural beauty through basic maintenance.

When is maintenance required?

Regular care ensures optimal longevity. Exposure to the elements dictates how often maintenance is needed. Grain lifting, surface checking, excessive movement, or colour change are all indications that the wood is drying and requires attention. Given the above it is the client’s responsibility to monitor the behavior and change in appearance of the timber.

The effort required reflects the timing of care. Routine preventative oiling is simple and unhurried—requiring only a clean surface and a fresh coat, with no sanding necessary. If maintenance is prolonged, restoring the natural timber will require thorough sanding to reveal the fresh grain before recoating.

Sealant/Coatings

With countless exterior sealants available, selecting the appropriate protection may feel overwhelming. Here is our guidance on caring for solid timber.

Oils (Recommended)

Exterior oils offer the most authentic treatment for solid Iroko, enhancing the wood's natural grain with a restrained, soft matt sheen. Rather than encasing the wood, penetrating oils are absorbed deep into the surface fibres, allowing the timber to breathe and adjust naturally to ambient humidity while shielding against UV degradation and water penetration. Because oils work in harmony with the timber rather than sealing it under a synthetic layer, maintenance is simpler but more rhythmic - typically required 1 to 3 times per year, or whenever the grain begins to appear dry. Early preventative care is effortless: apply uniformly with a soft cloth or brush, allowing the wood to absorb the nourishment. Crucially, any excess oil remaining on the surface must be thoroughly wiped away after 15 minutes to prevent a tacky, uneven residue.

Varnishes (Water/Polyurethane Based)

Varnishes act as a surface barrier, coating the wood in a rigid protective shell with a satin or high-gloss sheen. While varnishes initially offer extended maintenance intervals by restricting natural timber movement, they present long-term aesthetic and structural compromises outdoors. As solid Iroko naturally expands and contracts through seasonal climate shifts, the unyielding varnish film inevitably develops micro-fissures. Atmospheric moisture becomes trapped beneath the surface barrier, causing the coating to blister, flake, and turn blotchy. Restoring varnished timber cannot be achieved with a simple topcoat—it requires complete, labour-intensive stripping and sanding back to raw grain before any fresh finish can be reapplied. 

To purchase our recommended ProNature Outdoor Wood Sealer in Weathered, click here

General maintenance steps

Early Prevention (Simple Re-Coating)

• Remove all cushions.
• Protect all rope / stone and aluminum with masking tape to prevent damage, scratches or sealant spills.
• Remove all dust and debris;  apply a fresh coat of sealer, and leave to dry.
• Remove masking tape and replace cushions.

Given Neglect (Restorative)

• Remove all cushions.
• Protect all rope / stone and aluminum with masking tape to prevent damage, scratches or sealant spills.
• Sand the timber using 80-grit sandpaper (by hand or machine) until the natural colour is exposed and all old sealant is removed.
• Finish with 150-grit sandpaper for a smooth surface.
• Remove all dust and debris, apply a fresh coat of sealer, and leave to dry.
• Remove masking tape and replace cushions.
  
  

Warranty/Guarantee

Materials & Workmanship

We offer a 3-year limited guarantee covering the material and structural workmanship. This covers defective or loose joinery that renders the furniture unfit for purpose (excluding normal wear and tear, mishandling, or minor aesthetic surface cracks).

Exclusions

We do not cover failure caused by extreme weather, negligence, or acts of nature. Our timber is kilned to perform optimally in normal outdoor climates—not in extreme arid, wet, or humid conditions where daily temperatures vary by 30 degrees from day to night. Such extremes put immense pressure on the timber and coating, risking excessive movement. In these environments, we recommend much more frequent maintenance to reduce risk. Damages caused by inadequate storage, misuse, or placement on uneven surfaces are not covered.

Inherently non-corrosive and non-magnetic, each frame is treated with a high-performance architectural powder coating, engineered to withstand prolonged exposure to harsh outdoor elements while maintaining its structural and visual integrity.

Maintenance & Care

Routine Cleaning
Dust surfaces regularly with a soft, dry cloth. To clean, wipe gently using a damp cloth and a mild, non-abrasive detergent.

Surface Protection
Avoid abrasive scouring pads, harsh chemical solvents, or any cleaning solutions containing ammonia.

Handling
While architectural powder coatings are highly resilient, take care during handling and repositioning to prevent sharp impacts that may chip or scratch the surface finish.

Warranty/Guarantee

Materials
Covered by a 3-year limited warranty against excessive fading or colour loss, provided routine care protocols are followed. Excludes surface damage resulting from severe impact, neglect, or acts of nature.

Workmanship
Covered by a 3-year limited warranty against defects in structural fabrication and joinery under intended use. Excludes damage caused by misuse, inadequate maintenance, or improper handling.

Engineered specifically for exterior performance, our woven rope features a high-tenacity, UV-stabilised polyester weave surrounding a subtly flexible core. This yields a soft, tactile hand-feel without sacrificing structural tension or long-term durability. Inherently resistant to moisture, mould, and bacterial growth, the rope delivers reliable comfort and architectural refinement across all seasons.

Maintenance & Care

Routine Cleaning
Designed for low maintenance, the rope requires only periodic care. When needed, clean gently using warm soapy water applied with a soft-bristle brush or sponge.

Rinsing & Drying
Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap residue, then allow the weave to air-dry naturally.

Warranty/Guarantee

Materials
Covered by a 3-year limited warranty against UV degradation, excessive colour fading, and loss of tensile strength, provided care protocols are followed. Excludes failure resulting from neglect, misuse, or acts of nature.

Workmanship
Covered by a 3-year limited warranty from the date of delivery or collection against defects in weaving and structural attachment. Excludes damage caused by improper maintenance, negligence, or misuse.

Exceptionally dense and non-porous, it is naturally impervious to liquid penetration, staining, and scratching without requiring chemical sealants. Fully heat-resistant and immune to UV degradation, porcelain easily withstands direct sunlight and hot cookware while offering an inherently hygienic, bacteria-resistant surface designed for effortless outdoor entertaining.

Maintenance & Care

Routine Cleaning
Wipe surfaces using a soft cloth dampened with warm water and a mild, non-abrasive detergent. Avoid cleaning solutions containing ammonia or harsh chemical solvents.

Surface Usage
While highly scratch-resistant, avoid cutting directly on the porcelain surface with knives or sharp tools.

Handling & Placement
Exercise care when repositioning porcelain-topped furniture. Always lift and set down gently - never drag or drop the frame - to protect the structural integrity and stone edges.

Warranty/Guarantee

Materials
Covered by a 3-year limited warranty against UV fading, pigmentation loss, and material cracking under intended use, provided routine care protocols are followed. Excludes failure resulting from severe impact, neglect, misuse, or acts of nature.

Workmanship
Covered by a 3-year limited warranty against defects in structural fabrication and mounting. Excludes damage caused by improper handling, inadequate maintenance, or negligence.