Outdoor Care & Maintenance

Our Outdoor range features diverse, beautiful materials. For care instructions based on your chosen piece, please refer below.

Following these instructions will allow you to enjoy your purchase for years to come.

Timber
Metal
Plastic
Stone & Concrete

Timber

Timber - General Care

Cleaning
  • For everyday cleaning, wipe over with a damp cloth.
Protection
  • We recommend the use of Guardsman Outdoor Wood Protector in conjunction with your specific timber type maintenance care instructions to assist with repelling stains and protecting against mildew.
  • Wood is a natural product which can expand and shrink under different weather conditions. This may lead to micro fractures in the wood (called Checking) which is perfectly natural. This is a normal characteristic of all wood exposed to outdoor climates, normally cosmetic and does not affect the structural integrity of the furniture
  • We recommend you tighten the screws on all furniture periodically.
  • Never drag outdoor timber products as it can stress and weaken the frame and legs.
  • To give extra protection against hot cups, plates etc and accidental spillages, it is always best to protect the beauty of your table with place mats and coasters.
  • Do not use a silicone-based cleaning products on any timber. A silicone-based product will cause a build-up on the timber, this can cause discolouration and dry out your timber resulting in possible splitting if the timber is unable to breath
  • Like all outdoor furniture, these products will keep their new appearance longer if they are protected from the elements when not in use. We recommend using a watertight protective cover or storing furniture under cover when not in use, for example over winter or during the wet seasons.
  • During the wet seasons ensure that water isn’t sitting on top of your furniture and that the legs aren’t sitting in puddles, this can cause timber deterioration.
  • Some of our products can withstand being out in direct weather while others are better suited for undercover use.

Acacia - General Care

  • Acacia products that have not been sealed are suitable to be used in covered areas only
  • These pieces should be wiped down with a soft cloth slightly moistened with warm water soapy water.
  • Avoid cleaning tools with a rough surface/bristles
  • Do not use detergents or cleaners that have ammonia in them as that takes moisture out of the wood.
  • If placing these pieces in exposed areas we recommend sealing the timber as soon as possible with a suitable exterior polyurethane or other similar sealant, to provide some protection for the timber and to assist with the exposure to the elements. This maintenance will need to be regularly re-applied.
  • Exterior Polyurethanes are available from all major hardware stores, always follow the application process on the product.
  • Exterior PU finishes are applied with a natural bristle brush in multiple coats. Sanding the hardened varnish lightly between each coat.
  • Simply sand the topcoat smooth, and apply a new coat of varnish.
  • Don’t put this important maintenance step off too long or cracks will develop in the finish allowing moisture to penetrate and degrade the wood.

Acacia - Polyurehane Coated

  • Acacia products that have not been sealed are suitable to be used in covered areas only
  • These pieces should be wiped down with a soft cloth slightly moistened with warm water soapy water.
  • Avoid cleaning tools with a rough surface/bristles
  • Do not use detergents or cleaners that have ammonia in them as that takes moisture out of the wood.
  • If placing these pieces in exposed areas we recommend sealing the timber as soon as possible with a suitable exterior polyurethane or other similar sealant, to provide some protection for the timber and to assist with the exposure to the elements. This maintenance will need to be regularly re-applied.
  • Exterior Polyurethanes are available from all major hardware stores, always follow the application process on the product.
  • Exterior PU finishes are applied with a natural bristle brush in multiple coats. Sanding the hardened varnish lightly between each coat.
  • Simply sand the topcoat smooth, and apply a new coat of varnish.
  • Don’t put this important maintenance step off too long or cracks will develop in the finish allowing moisture to penetrate and degrade the wood.

Hardwood Care - Stained

  • For outdoor hardwood furniture that has a factory applied stain, the timber will need to be maintained to increase it's longevity and we recommend regular maintainence with an exterior timber stain to protect the furniture.
  • These are normally reapplied twice a year, or as needed dependant on your climate or outdoor conditions. Left to weather, the timber will change colour, and this indicates that maintainence is required.
  • For everyday cleaning, wipe over with a damp cloth.
  • For sesonal maintainence:
  • Rinse timber with water and wipe using a sponge or soft bristle brush. Furniture can be scrubbed using a diluted mild detergent.
  • An oil based exterior stain is recommended for maintainence. Please note: the end colour result will depend on the colour of stain selected before application.
  • Do not paint or polyurethane this hardwood.
  • Like all outdoor furniture, these products will keep their new appearance longer if they are protected from the elements when not in use. We recommend using a protective cover or storing it undercover when not in use, for example over winter or during the wet season.

Hardwood Care - Oiled

  • Tropical hardwood has a high oil content, and the timber is dense, so it weathers well outside with regular maintenance.
  • After assembly, it is best practice to rinse well with water prior to use to remove any residual oil on the timber.
  • For everyday cleaning, wipe over with a damp cloth.
  • A seasonal clean & maintenance may be required
  • Rinse timber with water and wipe using a sponge or soft bristle brush. Furniture can be scrubbed using a diluted mild detergent.
  • Left to weather, the timber will change in colour.
  • To preserve the original timber colour, and to protect the wood from UV and weathering, a quality hardwood or teak oil may be applied seasonally, but recommended at least twice yearly.
  • Do not paint or polyurethane an oiled hardwood.
  • Like all outdoor furniture, these products will keep their new appearance longer if they are protected from the elements when not in use. We recommend using a protective cover or storing it undercover when not in use, for example over winter or during the wet season.
  • Oiled outdoor timber products are recommended for outdoor use only.

Teak Care - Raw/Reclaimed

  • Teak is an extremely durable hardwood, however our Reclaimed range is used in it’s raw form and some maintenance will be required.
  • Reclaimed Teak used in an undercover area, that has not been sealed will weather naturally to a silver grey patina, this does not affect its durability or longevity if left undercover. This grey patina can be removed by sanding the furniture and applying a teak sealer or oil.
  • If our reclaimed pieces are going to be left out in direct weather, we advise they will need to be sealed on arrival, and regularly maintained to increase there longevity, we recommend an initial application and regular maintenance, with a teak oil or teak sealer to maintain your investment. These are normally applied twice a year, or as needed depending on your climate or outdoor conditions.
  • A teak sealer also helps prevent food stains or water marks appearing, however, your teak furniture can also be cleaned simply by scrubbing with warm soapy water followed by hosing down with water and being left to dry naturally.
  • To remove stubborn stains, sand with a fine grade of sandpaper making sure to work with the direction of the grain. You should not use much force. Afterwards, use a garden hose to rinse off the teak furniture with water, pat the wood dry with a towel and let the sun dry up any remaining moisture. You may then seal it with a teak oil/sealer.
  • Like all outdoor furniture, these products will keep their new appearance longer if they are protected from the elements when not in use. We recommend using a water tight protective cover or storing these furniture pieces under cover when not in use, for example over winter or during the wet seasons.
  • If mildew develops the timber will turn black, this forms on the surface and isn’t detrimental to the timber, this can be scrubbed using a mild detergent and warm water mix, for more stubborn mould all major hardware stores sell a full range of mould removing products.

Teak Care - Sealed

  • Teak is an extremely durable wood and requires a moderate amount of maintenance or care. It only needs some basic cleaning to remove dirt and to prevent external mould growth.
  • For our teak pieces that have been sealed at the factory with a teak oil/sealer, the timber will need to be maintained to increase its longevity, we recommend regular maintenance, with a teak oil or teak sealer to protect your investment. These are normally applied twice a year, or as needed depending on your climate or outdoor conditions.
  • A teak sealer also helps prevent food stains or water marks appearing, however, your teak furniture can also be cleaned simply by scrubbing with warm soapy water followed by hosing down with water and being left to dry naturally.
  • Like all outdoor furniture, these products will keep their new appearance longer if they are protected from the elements when not in use. We recommend using a water tight protective cover or storing these furniture pieces under cover when not in use, for example over winter or during the wet season.
  • If mildew develops the timber will turn black, this forms on the surface and isn’t detrimental to the timber, this can be scrubbed using a mild detergent and warm water mix, for more stubborn mould the hardware stores sell a full range of mould removing products
  • To remove stubborn stains, sand with a fine grade of sandpaper making sure to work with the direction of the grain. You should not use much force. Afterwards, use a garden hose to rinse off the teak furniture with water, pat the wood dry with a towel and let the sun dry up any remaining moisture. You may then seal it with a teak oil/sealer.

Karri Gum Timber

  • Karri Gum is suitable for outdoor areas. However, as with all timbers if left out in direct weather, the timber will need to be maintained to increase its longevity, we recommend using a Hardwood oil every 6 months
  • Before re-oiling check your furniture for any residue build up, if this occurs a light sanding may be required.
  • The oil should be applied to the entire surface, including the crevices. The oil should be allowed to soak into the furniture for several hours, (it is best to keep your furniture in the shade during the time of the treatment whenever possible). After allowing the oil to soak, the excess oil must be wiped off using a clean rag.
  • Before re-oiling check your furniture for any residue build up, if this occurs a light sanding may be required. Please Note: The frequency of oiling will vary according to the climatic conditions in your area and direct exposure to the elements your furniture is subjected too
  • Karri Gum will weather naturally to a silver grey patina if not sealed or its seal not maintained, this does not affect its durability or longevity in an undercover/unexposed area. However in exposed areas the timber needs to have regular maintenance to avoid any degrading of the timber. This grey patina can be removed by sanding the furniture and applying a hardwood sealer or oil.
  • Like all outdoor furniture, these products will keep their new appearance longer if they are protected from the elements when not in use. We recommend using a water tight protective cover or storing under cover when not in use, for example over winter or during the wet season.
  • For everyday cleaning, wipe over with a damp cloth

BAS Hardwood Care

  • BAS hardwood has a high oil content, and the timber is dense, so it weathers well outside with minimal maintenance.
  • After assembly, it is best practice to rinse well with water prior to use to remove any residual oil on the timber.
  • For everyday cleaning, wipe over with a damp cloth.
  • A seasonal clean & maintainence may be required:
  • Rise timber with water and wipe using a sponge or soft bristle brush. Furniture can be scrubbed using a diluted mild detergent.
  • Left to weather, the timber will take on a grey patina, this will not cause the timber to deteriorate.
  • To preserve the warm brown colour a quality hardwood or teak oil may be applied seasonally.
  • Do not paint or polyurethane this hardwood.
  • Like all outdoor furniture, these products will keep their new appearance longer if they are protected from the elements when not in use. We recommend using a protective cover or storing it undercover when not in use, for example over winter or during the wet season.
  • Oiled outdoor timber products are recommended for outdoor use only.

Metal

Powder-Coated

  • To clean any powder coated metal pieces, simply wipe down items with a damp cloth.
  • Dust can be wiped off with a clean cloth.
  • We recommend treating all metal surfaces with a coat of rust inhibitor such as Guardsman Weather Defence Metal Protector,following the manufacturers instructions, to increase the longevity of the product. Particularly in joins, welds and any surface where the metal has been exposed.
  • Areas around Bolts and assembly points should have extra attention as these are the areas (if any) that could possibly receive scratches in the powder coating, while tightening the hardware etc, areas exposed to the weather will be more susceptible to rust.
  • Like all outdoor furniture, these products will keep their new appearance longer if they are protected from the elements when not in use. We recommend using a protective cover or storing undercover when not in use.
  • If furniture is to be located in close proximity to the sea, additional care must be taken to avoid damage caused by sea salt corrosion.
Disclaimer – even though powder coating does help to protect the metal from rusting and corrosion, it can still over time develop rust or corrosion (especially around bolts, welds and joins etc, which tend to be the first areas to show signs of deterioration). We recommend regular maintenance with a rust preventative or inhibitor.

Non Powder-Coated

  • To clean any metal pieces, simply wipe down items with a damp cloth.
  • Dust can be wiped off with a clean cloth.
  • It is essential all metal surfaces that are not powder coated or galvanised receive a good coat of rust inhibitor such as Guardsman Weather Defence Metal Protector to increase the longevity of the product. This will need to be maintained regularly.
  • Joins, welds and any surface where the metal has been exposed will need to be sprayed as soon as possible and maintained to assist with the prevention of any rust developing
  • Like all outdoor furniture, these products will keep their new appearance longer if they are protected from the elements when not in use. We recommend using a protective cover or storing undercover when not in use.

Plastic

All-Weather Wicker

  • Wash down the item or setting regularly with mild soap and warm water
  • Do not use abrasive materials or cleaners
  • If the furniture is to be located in close proximity to the sea, care must be taken to avoid damage caused by sea salt corrosion on the frames of furniture pieces.
  • Cushions should be stored indoors when not in use and cleaned as per relevant care instructions.
  • Like all outdoor furniture, these products will keep their new appearance longer if they are protected from the elements when not in use. We recommend using a protective cover.
  • Our All weather wicker has been UV stabilised. This assists with any degrading of the materials to prevent the furniture becoming brittle in the elements. Please Note: UV stabilisation does not prevent fading
  • We recommend the use of Guardsman fabric Weather Defence care products for All weather wicker furniture, following the manufacturers instructions.

Spun Polyester/Polyester Outdoor Fabrics

  • Polyester can be easily spot cleaned with a mild detergent and water
  • Rinse thoroughly after cleaning with clean water to remove any soap left on the covers, allow the cover to air dry before putting the inner back in place.
  • Do not put covers in the dryer
  • Do not use bleach or harsh cleansing products.
  • Our Spun polyester has been UV stabilised. This assists with any degrading of the fabric by providing a layer of protection against UV rays, cushions need to brought inside when not in use to assist with the longevity of the fabric
  • UV stabilisation does not prevent fading, so we recommend storing cushions when not in use for extended periods.
  • We recommend the use of Guardsman fabric Weather Defence care products for All Polyester items, following the manufacturers instructions.

Polyester Rope

  • Polyester rope can be easily spot cleaned with a mild detergent and water
  • Rise throughly after cleaning with clean watr to remove any soap left on the product and allow the furniture to air dry
  • Do not use bleach or harsh cleaning products or abrasive materials
  • Avoid high pressure cleaning
  • Our polyester rope has been UV stabalised. This assists with any degrading of the fabric by providing a layer of protection against UV rays. UV stabalisation does not prevent fading
  • This furniture is best used in covered areas.
  • We recommend the use of Guardsman fabric waether defense care product for polyester rope items, following the manufacturer's instructions

Polypropylene

  • For everyday cleaning simply wash down regularly with mild soap and warm water.
  • Do not use abrasive materials or cleaners as this will damage the surface.
  • Like all outdoor furniture, these products will keep their new appearance longer if they are protected from the elements when not in use. We recommend storing away or covering when not in use.
  • Our polypropylene & polyresin products have been UV stabilised. This assists with any degrading of the materials to prevent the furniture becoming brittle in the elements. UV stabilisation does not prevent fading

Polyresin

  • For everyday cleaning simply wash down regularly with mild soap and warm water.
  • Do not use abrasive materials or cleaners as this will damage the surface.
  • Like all outdoor furniture, these products will keep their new appearance longer if they are protected from the elements when not in use. We recommend storing away or covering when not in use.
  • Our polypropylene & polyresin products have been UV stabilised. This assists with any degrading of the materials to prevent the furniture becoming brittle in the elements. UV stabilisation does not prevent fading.

Roman Stone Specific

  • It is recommended that the Roman Stone table be sealed with a natural stone sealant or concrete natural sealant to enhance longevity and added protection.
  • For regular cleaning, simply wipe with a damp cloth.
  • The Roman Stone table can be cleaned with a high pressure hose, and/or scrubbed down using a diluted solution of bleach if required.
  • Due to the textured finish, any minor marks can be removed by using a very fine steel wool in a circular motion with light pressure

Stone & Concrete

Cement & Concrete

  • To clean, use a mild soap and water solution.
  • Do not use abrasive, bleach or ammoniated cleansers. Natural cleansers are also not recommended.
  • Spills should be wiped up as quickly as possible.
  • Avoid placing hot or wet items directly on the surface as they can leave marks which are difficult to remove. Additionally, Avoid placing the following items directly on your table; terracotta pots, adhesives and oils, especially bath oils.
  • Use tablecloths, table runners and coasters to help protect surfaces from scratching and heat sources.
  • Never use the table top as a cutting surface or similar
  • If a factory applied wax sealant is applied to the surface: To protect and maintain, wax regularly using a quality floor wax suitable for stone and concrete. Once within 2 months of receiving your item and then every 3-6 months.
  • For unwaxed surfaces, a natural stone or concrete natural sealant can be applied to further protect the surface.
  • Hairline cracks can occur with concrete, if one appears, apply a thick layer of wax and rub in thoroughly to prevent moisture seeping in.
  • Like all outdoor furniture, these products will keep their new appearance longer if they are protected from the elements when not in use. We recommend using a protective cover or storing undercover when not in use.

Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete (GRC)

  • To clean, use a mild soap and water solution.
  • Do not use abrasive, bleach or ammoniated cleansers.
  • Spills should be wiped up as quickly as possible.
  • Avoid placing hot or wet items directly on the surface as they can leave marks which are difficult to remove. Additionally, Avoid placing the following items directly on your table; terracotta pots, adhesives and oils, especially bath oils.
  • Use tablecloths, table runners and coasters to help protect surfaces from scratching and heat sources.
  • Never use the table top as a cutting surface or similar
  • We recommend covering the table when not in use, to enhance the longevity of the table top.
  • Hairline cracks can occur with concrete, if one appears, apply natural stone or concrete sealant to prevent moisture seeping in.
  • If product has a factory applied waxed finish, simply maintain by buffing with a quality floor wax to protect finish.
NOTE: these are the general care instructions for GRC – not the glazed finish

Porcelain and Ceramic

  • For everyday cleaning - Clean with warm soapy water and non-abrasive cloth. Wipe dry with a clean dry soft cloth.
  • To give extra protection against hot pots, it is always best to use table runners, place mats and coasters.
  • Clean up an spills ASAP particularly from any products that are oil or petroleum based, acidic or caustic, e.g. vinegar, citrus, sodas, chlorine, nail polish remover etc.
  • Don’t use anything abrasive on the top, as it can mark the finish.
  • Avoid cutting with knives directly on top of ceramic tile surfaces as it will damage both your knife and your porcelain top.
  • When moving porcelain top tables, always have someone to assist you in lifting the table and lift from both ends. Never drag the table as it can stress and weaken the frame or even snap legs.
  • Like all outdoor furniture, these products will keep their new appearance longer if they are protected from the elements when not in use. We recommend using a protective cover or storing undercover.
  • Avoid dropping items on the ceramic tile top as it could cause chips or cracks.

Glaze Table Specific

General Care
  • The PU coat will protect against staining; however, spillages should be wiped up right away.
  • To clean, wash with normal liquid soap or warm water, do not use acid base cleaner and use a soft cloth.
  • Use tablecloths, table runners and coasters to help protect surfaces from scratching and heat sources.
  • Never use the table top as a cutting surface or similar
For resealing of the table:
  • Wash the table as above to clean.
  • Then use sandpaper number 600 to polish the surface lightly in order to remove small scratches on surface.
  • After that let it dry.
  • Then add a 2 coating of Outdoor UV PU.
  • Then let dry in dust free environment for 2 days.
Recommendation as to how to repair chips on the edge of the table:
  • Remove dust from the chip
  • Using adhesive mastic for concrete fill up the chip.
  • Let it dry
  • Use sandpaper 200 to format the shape
  • The sandpaper 600 to polish repairing area
  • Mixing paint as close as possible to match the table, let dry
  • Using PU to cover repairing area to keep the paint