Products are wrapped in a minimum of wrapping to provide some protection to the elements. In dry hot weather care should be taken to store out of direct sunlight until ready to un-pack and install.
For container shipping we export crate our products to ensure they arrive in the condition they were sent.
Factory Furniture’s products are designed for use with a minimum of maintenance, however regular checking may prolong the life of the product.
Please refer to the Installation and Operations manuals for maintenance for the product on the product page for the following-
General Maintenance (Recommended Schedule & Guidelines)
Six Monthly Visual checks for superficial or physical damage.
Secure all fixings; full clean as detailed below; check the product is firmly secured to the ground,
inspect timber for serious damage and splinters.
Cleaning
Clean all timber surfaces with a stiff brush at least once per year, particularly in exposed locations, to prevent the build-up of debris. Early spring is the ideal time for this.
Some hardwood products are supplied rough-sawn ie the 'Beam' range and may naturally include saw and chainsaw marks, knots, and other timber features. These characteristics are part of the timber’s natural appearance and are not considered defects. Hardwoods can be cleaned with proprietary deck cleaners if required.
Inspection and Surface Care:
During cleaning, inspect all exposed timber for splits, splinters, or graffiti. Remove any splinters or graffiti, and sand uneven or sharp surfaces with 100 grit sandpaper. Take care not to remove intentional texture or markings.
Tannin and Staining:
In the first few months after installation, tannins naturally occurring in the timber may leach out, causing brown staining. This can be removed with a light solution of household bleach and water, or left to fade naturally under UV light over 12 months.
Sap Exudation:
During warm weather, some hardwoods may exude sap from sap pockets. This can be removed with white spirit and a scraper by a competent person, taking care not to scratch the surface.
Cracking and Splitting:
Timber is prone to cracking and splitting, particularly in summer when atmospheric humidity and temperature fluctuate. These surface splits are natural as the timber adjusts to reach equilibrium with its environment.
Coating and Surface Treatments:
Our products are generally supplied in a natural state, including naturally durable timbers with long lifespans. While surface coatings are possible, they may require regular re-application as wear occurs, creating ongoing maintenance needs.
Natural Characteristics:
All natural timber contains inherent characteristics, including slight variations in colour, small pin holes, resin pockets, knots, and natural staining. Our 'Beam' products will include saw marks, knots, and other textural features which are part of the design and are not considered defects.
(polished stainless steel only)
Clean as required, ideally every six months, using a stainless-steel polish and a lint free cloth.
Surface scratches may be removed using an emery pad (240 grit) and freeing oil such as ‘WD40’. Care should be taken to follow the direction of the brushing grain. It is recommended that a trial repair be carried out on an unimportant surface first. No corrosive cleaners or other abrasives should be used. Any contamination, particularly carbon steel scuffs from vehicles, should be quickly removed to avoid corrosion.
It should be cleaned annually with water and possibly a mild detergent and a soft cloth or sponge. Care should be taken to avoid scratching, which may limit the materials lifespan, deep scratches found should be repaired immediately. Please note that it is advisable to use professional coaters to achieve best results when touching up larger areas.
These components will have a bright surface which will quickly dull to a matt grey Surface requiring little cleaning if the components are exposed to rain. Algae build up may be cleaned with a pressure hose or similar and if needed a mild detergent. Be aware that some graffiti removal products may corrode the layer of zinc therefore please test an area or seek approval form the manufacturer as any damage will affect the products lifespan. For light damage to hot dipped galvanised finishes repair using a high-performance cold galvanising zinc spray (70% zinc or above). Spray application should be carried out in accordance with approved methods detailed by the product manufacturer.
A specialist maintenance procedure should be adopted every six months depending on the finish and type of patination required.