Name: Cyan Teak Furniture
Address: Unit 8, Gateway Business Park, Station Approach Road, Coulsdon, Greater London, CR5 2NS
Telephone: 020 8655 6240
Price range: GBP

Question 1

What is teak wood and why is it so great?

Accepted Answer

Teak – Everything you need to know about the ‘king of woods’ before buying teak garden furniture.
What is teak wood?
Teak wood is a dense, close-grained type of hardwood that is sourced from the Tectona grandis tree, native to south and southeast Asia. Teak is originally golden in colour and has a smooth grain and texture. It’s high in natural oils and rubber, meaning it’s strong, durable, and virtually impervious to extreme weather conditions and rotting, even if left untreated.

What tree does teak come from? 
Teak comes from the teak tree, or Tectona grandis. Tectona grandis is a tall, deciduous tree found in south and southeast Asia. Growing up to 50 metres and living for 100 years, teak is coveted for its attractive colour and grain, durability, strength, resistance to splitting, cracking, termites, fungus and weathering.

How fast does teak grow? 
Teak is one of the faster growing tropical hardwoods, growing at a rate of about half an inch per day. It takes at least 25 years to grow into a mature tree ready to be harvested.

What type of wood is teak?
Teak is a close-grained type of hardwood. It is widely considered to be the 'king of woods' and makes excellent outdoor furniture due to its water-resistance, durability and beauty.
How hard is teak wood?
The hardness of wood is determined using the Janka Wood Hardness Scale which measures the force needed to embed a 11.28mm / 0.444in steel ball into the wood. Teak appears on this scale with a Janka rating of 1000-1155, which is harder than white pine, chestnut, poplar, cedar and mahogany.
Is teak durable?
Teak is widely considered to be one of the most durable woods. Teak is close-grained and high in minerals and natural oils so it’s strong, durable, and virtually impervious to all weather extremes and rotting.
Is teak garden furniture durable?
Teak furniture is among the most durable garden furniture you can own. Considered to be one of the strongest woods, teak is exceptionally durable and resistant to extremes of the weather, rotting and warping, making it a good choice for outdoor garden furniture that will last for decades to come, even if left untreated.
How long does teak furniture last? 
You can expect your teak furniture to last 50-70 years, perhaps even longer in the right environment and with proper care. Did you know, some of Britain's oldest teak park benches are nearly a century old! Teak's impressive lifespan is due to its exceptional strength and durability. Teak weathers beautifully over time and can withstand all weather extremes, even without treatments and preservatives.
If you are using teak furniture indoors, you can expect it to last indefinitely.

Does teak rot?
Teak is high in natural oils and rubber, meaning it’s highly resistant to rotting. You can leave teak outdoors all year round, even in the snow and rain, and it should not rot for 20 years! This extreme rot-resistance and durability in marine environments is why it is used extensively for boat-building.

Does teak age?
Over time, teak will age and weather to a beautiful silvery-grey patina as a result of the surface layer oxidising after exposure to UV rays and rain. This teak aging is purely cosmetic and only affects the surface of the teak.
Occasional cleaning is all that’s needed to keep your teak furniture in tip-top condition, although you can use our Teak Protector and then our Teak Sealer to delay the aging process of teak. You can also restore weathered teak by using our Teak Cleaner.
Is teak wood water-resistant?
Teak wood is well-known for its incredible durability and water resistance. Although a porous material, it is naturally high in protective oils which make it resistant to moisture, rotting, warping and splitting.
Is teak waterproof? 
Although not entirely waterproof, teak wood is high in naturally occurring protective oils, making it highly resistant to the detrimental effects of moisture, such as rotting, warping and cracking.
When teak dries out after the rain, you may notice water marks or dark patches on your teak furniture. These will even out over time, or you can give your furniture a light sanding to remove marks more quickly.
Does teak weather?
Leaving your teak furniture untreated will allow it to weather naturally and develop a silvery-grey patina that will blend beautifully into its surroundings.
You can bring about that weathered, silvery-grey look more quickly and evenly by using our Teak Patinizer, which will also help to prevent growth of algae.
Should you wish to, you can delay the weathering process by using our Teak Protector which will help to maintain the honey-gold colour of teak.
Why does teak crack?
As teak wood is a natural material, small cracks or splits (also known as checks or end grain checking) can sometimes appear as a result of changes in humidity and temperature. As teak is exceptionally strong and durable, it is highly unlikely that these cracks/this end grain checking will disrupt the strength or structural integrity of your teak furniture.

Why is teak wood expensive?
On the face of it, teak wood might seem expensive. However, it’s important to consider the value of teak more so than the money you will spend. Grade A teak is extremely durable, able to withstand all weather conditions, and remains beautiful and strong for years – decades, even – so teak will seem expensive, but it is a one-off purchase that can last a lifetime.
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We hope you found this article helpful. If you’d like to know more about our teak garden furniture, please see our other FAQ pages or contact us by phone or email and we’ll do our best to help.

Question 2

What colour is teak wood and why does it change?

Accepted Answer

Fifty Shades of Teak! – All you need to know about the different colours of teak wood.
What colour is teak wood?
Grade A teak wood is originally warm and pale in colour, with honey-golden, buttery tones of wheat and amber. Grade B teak will have more colour variation, and is slightly darker than A grade teak. Grade C teak wood will have an uneven, patchy, dark colour and is sometimes white in places.
Does teak change colour?
Teak is a natural product which can vary in colour from light to dark brown. When left outdoors any colour variations will gradually even out. Teak that has been left untreated and exposed to the elements will weather, changing from an amber colour to a beautiful silvery-grey patina. Should you wish to maintain teak's honey-brown colour for longer, we would recommend applying our Teak Protector.

How do I preserve teak’s original colour? 
Preserve and restore the original honey-golden brown colour of your new teak furniture by applying our Teak Protector. Our Teak Cleaner will help to brighten weathered wood, bringing it back to its original colour.
Why does teak turn grey?
As teak weathers, it will turn from its honey-gold colour to a silvery-grey patina. This is completely natural and normal, and happens as a result of exposure to rain and UV rays from the sun. This weathering process is totally cosmetic and will not affect the integrity of your teak garden furniture. You can stop teak from turning grey by using our Teak Protector, and you can restore weathered teak by using our Teak Cleaner.
Why does my teak furniture sometimes look patchy and dark in areas? 
As teak is a natural material, occasional dark patches can occur over time and depending on its environment. This is as a result of the natural, biological process in the starches, moisture and natural oils present in the wood. These dark patches should gradually disappear as the teak ages.
Why does teak turn black? 
Black spots on teak are commonly mistaken for dirt getting stuck in the wood. However, these black spots are actually mould and mildew growing in the wood, and more often than not, teak oil is the cause of this where it traps the mould beneath it.
Our Teak Cleaner will remove any mould and mildew that may have accumulated. However, if teak oil is used again the problem is likely to reoccur. We strongly recommend against the use of teak and other wood oils, which will encourage mould and mildew growth, and therefore black patches and black spots on your teak garden furniture.

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We hope you found this article helpful. If you’d like to know more about our teak garden furniture, please see our other FAQ pages or contact us by phone or email and we’ll do our best to help.

Question 3

What is a mortise and tenon joint and more about garden furniture.

Accepted Answer

A closer look at the construction and craftsmanship of Cyan’s teak furniture.
What grade of teak do you use for your teak garden furniture?
Our teak furniture is manufactured from plantation grown, sustainably sourced grade A teak or premium grade teak, where the main difference is more colour variation. Each item description will clearly state whether it is in fact crafted with grade-A or premium teak. Premium teak is taken from the same part of the tree as grade-A teak but has more colour variation so we can’t call it grade-A. It’s just as strong and durable as grade-A, and after the teak weathers naturally the colour will even out anyway.
Why is your teak garden furniture kiln-dried?
Kiln drying teak furniture kills any fungi or insects in the wood and removes excess moisture, helping to avoid rotting, warping, shrinking, swelling and cracking. All our furniture is kiln-dried except for our banana benches because their top rail is too big to fit in the machines. In this case, our craftsmen season the teak to dry it which involves more work and takes more time, but the result is as good as kiln drying.

Do you produce teak furniture with various finishes?
Our teak garden furniture is in its natural form and fine-sanded to a smooth finish for comfort and aesthetic appeal. We leave the teak untreated because some customers prefer the desirable silvery-grey patina as it weathers naturally. This way, our customers also have the choice to finish their furniture if and as they wish.
We also stock a range of Teak Care Products for cleaning, restoring and maintaining your teak furniture, from a Teak Protector that will preserve the honey-gold colour of natural teak, to a Sealer Shield which will bring about that natural, weathered look more evenly and quickly.
Furthermore, as manufacturers, we can create any finish the customer specifies, e.g. lacquered, antiqued, distressed, etc. – simply let us know your requirements and we’ll always do our best to accommodate. Please note that bespoke items will take 8-10 weeks for delivery.

What are mortise and tenon joints?
The mortise and tenon joint has been used by woodworkers around the world for thousands of years. Simple and strong, the mortise and tenon comprises the mortise hole and the tenon tongue. Where required, all our furniture is constructed in this time-honoured fashion of tight-fitting mortise and tenon joints with teak dowels and weatherproof glues, ensuring robust, wobble-free furniture equally at home in your garden or the high traffic areas of parks and luxury hotels.

Is your furniture handmade?
A selection of our furniture is handmade, such as our rose arbour seat and Chiswick benches. These items of furniture are extremely intricate and are therefore handmade by our expert craftspeople rather than machine-jointed.
The rest of our furniture is machine-cut and then machine-jointed for a superior, tight-fitting construction. Every single piece of furniture is then meticulously finished by hand and thoroughly checked for quality before delivery to you.
We maintain extremely high standards for quality and an exceptional level of attention to detail at every step of the way, from design to delivery, to bring you beautiful furniture that is robust, hardwearing and long-lasting.

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We hope you found this article helpful. If you’d like to know more about our teak garden furniture, please see our other FAQ pages or contact us by phone or email and we’ll do our best to help.

Question 4

What is the difference between grade A, B and C teak?

Accepted Answer

What are the different teak grades? Teak grading explained...
The quality of teak wood is determined by three different grades – A, B and C. Each can be distinguished by its appearance and oil content. The highest quality teak can be left outside untreated and remain strong and beautiful for decades, whereas lower grades will have shorter lifespans, even if they are treated.
Grade A teak is the best quality teak wood, taken from the heart of the tree (heartwood). Grade A teak has an even, honey colour, close grains and a glossy sheen. It’s naturally high in oils to protect itself from the most inclement weather conditions, rotting and pests. Grade A teak is considered the best choice for outdoor furniture as it is uniform in finish, colour, and hardness.
Grade B teak is taken from the outer heartwood section. It’s lighter in colour compared to grade A teak, has an uneven grain and less shine where it contains slightly less natural oils than A grade teak. Grade B teak still makes great garden furniture, the main difference being more colour variation and knots, etc. and it will be less resilient than grade A furniture as it has less natural oils.
Grade C teak is of inferior quality, taken from the outer sections of the tree. It contains virtually no natural oils, has a very uneven colour and is easily damaged where it’s so soft, meaning it’s often not even considered suitable for indoor furniture.

How to identify genuine teak wood?
You can identify genuine teak wood by paying attention to its look, feel and fragrance. As teak is completely different to a lot of other woods, it is easy to determine whether teak is genuine. Look out for the even, pale, golden colour, close, straight grains and a glossy sheen. It will feel oily to the touch and won’t splinter. It will have a very light, earthy smell, sometimes likened to that of leather.
Unfortunately, some manufacturers will try to pass off inferior teak or other woods as original, genuine teak, using various finishes and other methods to mislead prospective buyers. We only use genuine, sustainably-sourced teak for our garden furniture. You are always more than welcome to visit our showroom to see the teak in person and inspect it for yourself.

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We hope you found this article helpful. If you’d like to know more about our teak garden furniture, please see our other FAQ pages or contact us by phone or email and we’ll do our best to help.

Question 5

What is rattan furniture and is it durable?

Accepted Answer

Find out more about our range of woven furniture.
What is rattan?
Rattan is a climbing or trailing member of the palm family. With over 600 different species, rattan is considered to be one of the strongest woods, growing as high as 30 metres. Due to the rising demand for rattan, unsustainable harvesting has become a problem. Fortunately, a number of synthetic materials have been created to combat this exploitation of natural rattan.
We craft our rattan garden furniture from environmentally friendly Rehau Raucord® rattan, a premium synthetic weaving material, designed to look and feel as good as natural rattan, but offering greater strength, durability and weather-resistance than its genuine counterpart.
What is wicker?
Wicker is not a material but an ancient weaving technique used to create items from natural materials, such as rattan, seagrass and so on, and synthetic materials such as Rehau Raucord® rattan. So our wicker garden furniture is woven with rattan, and is also rattan garden furniture! Wicker furniture is sometimes referred to as wickerwork.
What is the difference between wicker and rattan furniture? 
The difference between rattan and wicker is that rattan is a material and wicker is a weaving technique. So, rattan furniture is furniture that has been manufactured from rattan, either natural or synthetic, and wicker furniture is furniture that has been woven, either from rattan, seagrass, bamboo and so on. To illustrate, we sell both synthetic rattan wicker furniture and natural seagrass wicker furniture.
What is seagrass furniture?
Our seagrass furniture is furniture that has been woven with natural seagrass fibres. Seagrass isn’t actually a grass at all, but is a flowering plant that grows in shallow waters. There are over 70 different species of seagrass. The strain of seagrass we use for our furniture is water hyacinth.
One of the fastest growing plants known, water hyacinth grows naturally in the internal waterways and rivers in Java, where it is considered invasive and a pest, and needs to be cleared for the rainy season or it will cause lots of flooding.
What is your woven furniture made from?
Our woven, wicker furniture is made from Rehau Raucord® rattan. Raucord® is a premium synthetic weaving material manufactured by Rehau, who have been designing and supplying all-weather rattan for over ten years. Rehau Raucord® rattan has been designed to look and feel as good as genuine rattan, but offers the following advantages over its genuine counterpart:

Strong and durable
Easy to clean and maintenance-free
Weatherproof, UV and temperature resistant
Colourfast and scratch-resistant
Non-toxic and environmentally friendly

Is rattan furniture durable?
Our all-weather rattan furniture is crafted from Rehau Raucord® synthetic rattan, which is often considered to be more durable than its natural counterpart. Our rattan furniture is strong and durable, virtually impervious to extremes of weather, and it won’t fade, even in direct sunlight.
Our Rehau Raucord® rattan furniture is exceptionally strong and durable, guaranteed to last you through the seasons. Rehau are leaders in their field, designing high-quality polymer-based rattan for over ten years. Raucord® rattan furniture is extremely durable and hardwearing, boasting fantastic weather, water, temperature and UV resistance so it won’t rot, warp or fade. It’s also scratch-resistant so should keep on looking tip-top for years to come.
What's more, you can even leave your rattan furniture outside all year round – no need to cover or store for the winter – and it will keep on going! Simple cleaning is all that's needed to bring it back to its full glory.
How long does rattan furniture last?
With proper care and maintenance, there’s no reason your rattan furniture shouldn’t last for at least 10-20 years.

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We hope you found this article helpful. If you’d like to know more about our teak garden furniture, please see our other FAQ pages or contact us by phone or email and we’ll do our best to help.

Question 6

Can teak furniture really be left outdoors all year round?

Accepted Answer

Mother-Nature-proof your teak garden furniture and protect it from the elements.
How to care for teak wood outdoor furniture?
To care for your teak wood outdoor furniture, you should clean it at least once annually to remove the build-up of dirt, grime, moss, bird droppings and so on. You can do this simply with soapy water and a bit of elbow grease, and we also sell a Teak Cleaner should you wish to brighten your wood outdoor furniture back up to its former glory.
Teak is very low maintenance and is abundant in all the natural oils, minerals and nutrients it needs to care for itself. You don’t need to do much else in the way of teak care unless you are looking to preserve the new-teak colour. You can treat it with our Teak Protector to preserve its honey-gold colour as well as protect your wood furniture from exposure to UV light from the sun, or you can use our Sealer Shield for even weathering without growth of algae.
You can also apply the Teak Sealer Shield to add an extra protective barrier which will stop oil, coffee and wine stains from seeping into the teak.
Can teak furniture be left outside in winter?
Yes, teak furniture can be left outside all year round, even throughout winter. The properties of teak enable it to withstand even the harshest weather conditions. However, it will get dirtier than furniture enjoyed during the spring and summer only and may require more cleaning and maintenance.

How do I protect teak furniture in the winter? 
You can leave your teak furniture outside all year, even throughout winter, although it may require more cleaning than in the spring and summer. Teak is naturally high in oils and therefore able to protect itself for the most part, although there are a few things you can consider to protect your teak furniture in the winter;

Our teak cleaners and sealers will help to preserve the fresh look of the wood and protect the wood from all weather conditions
A simple furniture cover will protect the wood but make sure it is breathable and good quality as humidity can cause your furniture to crack or bow
For storage, we recommend an outhouse, garage or garden shed. However, please ensure there is not a dramatic change in the heat and humidity as this can cause your furniture to crack.


How to weatherproof outdoor furniture? 
Teak outdoor furniture is high in natural oils and minerals, meaning it’s already weatherproof as well as strong, durable, and resistant to rotting and pests. You can use our Teak Protector to keep teak golden brown and protected from UV light from the sun. Our Teak Sealer Shield will add an extra layer of protection, and is particularly useful for garden dining tables.
How do I stop wasps eating teak furniture? 
Although rare, wasps will like to nibble teak wood furniture in order to make pulp for new nests. The best thing you can do is eradicate any nearby nests. We also recommend that you boil vanilla sticks/pods in water, then allow the solution to cool before gently rubbing or spraying onto your teak wood furniture. You will need to reapply this solution after it rains.
As well as vanilla, eucalyptus, menthol and citronella will all also repel wasps. We believe that you may be able to buy special wasp repellents from other companies, but this may be more costly than the aforementioned DIY solution.
Rest assured, your furniture won't suffer any structural damage as the wasps only 'eat' a thin layer from the surface of the teak, although we understand this can be unsightly and frustrating.

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We hope you found this article helpful. If you’d like to know more about our teak garden furniture, please see our other FAQ pages or contact us by phone or email and we’ll do our best to help.

Question 7

Does teak furniture need to be treated?

Accepted Answer

Teak treatments; should you paint, stain, varnish or oil teak? Everything you need to know about how to look after teak garden furniture.
Does teak garden furniture need to be treated? 
As opposed to most types of wood, teak requires no protective treatments in the form of paints, varnishes and oiling because it is naturally oily and therefore resistant to the outdoor extremes. However, you could use our Teak Sealer to add an extra layer of protection, or our Teak Protector to maintain teak’s honey-brown colour. If left untreated, your teak garden furniture will weather to a coveted silvery-grey patina.
Should I use teak oil on my teak outdoor furniture? 
We strongly recommend against using teak oil – and any other oils including linseed, Tung, and Danish oils! These oils destroy teak’s naturally occurring protective oils, making it dependant on continuous applications to stop it from drying out, so once you start oiling teak garden furniture you’ll need to continue to do so. Teak oil is also more likely to encourage mildew growth and black spots, and teak that has been oiled will colour unevenly as it ages.

Teak can be left outside, untreated, although there are a number of water-based treatments should you wish to treat your furniture, including teak sealers and protectors, depending on the colour you’d like your teak to be; either its original honey-gold colour, or a weathered silvery-grey. We can’t stress enough how strongly we recommend against the use of wood oils.
Can teak wood furniture be painted? 
We would recommend against painting your teak wood furniture. Not only does paint hide the natural beauty of teak, but water will eventually penetrate the coating, causing it to flake, peel or crack. Teak’s naturally high oil content also makes it difficult for paint and other finishes to adhere to the wood.
If you really want to paint your teak furniture, we would say to avoid painting new teak, leaving it to weather for 6-8 weeks to allow the natural oils to come to the surface, and ensure that you prepare the wood properly – we recommend priming it with aluminium oxide.

How to seal teak wood furniture? 
Our Teak Sealer Shield will help to make your teak wood furniture water and dirt repellent and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor furniture. The Teak Sealer Shield is a water-based, barely visible wood impregnator that makes it difficult for wine, olive oil, butter, or coffee to seep into teak. This ensures that after a meal your teak table can be simply wiped with a damp cloth without any unsightly stains remaining.

How do you treat teak wood outdoor furniture? 
Teak wood is wonderfully durable and strong and does not need to be treated. Wonderfully low-maintenance, teak wood furniture can be left outside all year round without any treatments as its own natural oil content will help protect it from the elements. However, we do recommend a number of our Teak Care Products should you wish to apply some form of treatment to the teak wood, depending on the colour you would like your teak to be.

If you want to would like to preserve the honey-gold colour of new teak, you can apply our Teak Protector.
If you would like to restore teak to its natural colour, you should use our Teak Cleaner.
If you would like to help your furniture weather evenly without growth of algae, you can apply our Teak Sealer Shield.

After you have applied any of these treatments, you can apply our Teak Sealer to add an extra layer of protection, particularly for surfaces where food and drink will be eaten.
How to polish teak wood furniture? 
We recommend that you avoid coating your teak furniture with polishes, oils and varnishes. These polishes don’t look natural and detract from teak’s natural beauty. What’s more, because of teak’s high oil content, it is often difficult for polish, varnish and so on to adhere to the teak, so it will eventually flake or peel.
Polishing teak might work better if your teak furniture is for indoor use only, although we would still recommend either leaving beautiful teak furniture untreated or using our Teak Protector to bring out that stunning honey-gold colour of new teak.
Can you stain or varnish teak wood furniture?
We recommend that you avoid coating your teak wood furniture with any type of stain, varnish or paint. Not only do these hide the natural beauty of teak, but water eventually penetrates the coating, causing flaking, peeling or cracking.
Coatings must then be sanded to remove them, creating more work and bother for you. Also, teak garden furniture with shiny coatings does not look natural and detracts from teak’s natural beauty.
Stains and varnishes can work better if you’re using your teak furniture indoors only, although we still recommend leaving beautiful teak furniture untreated and just letting it do its thing!

Should teak furniture be sealed?
Teak furniture that is exposed to food and drink should be sealed with our water-based Teak Sealer Shield. Or Teak Sealer will create an invisible barrier that makes it difficult for wine, oil, butter, or coffee to seep into teak so that your teak table can be simply wiped with a damp cloth after each meal.
Does teak stain clothes or fabrics? 
To avoid staining your clothes and other fabrics, it is best to avoid direct contact with new teak until it has been made wet for a few times and/or seasoned for a few weeks. The surfaces of new teak furniture will be natural oily, and this can stain your clothes, cushions, etc.
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We hope you found this article helpful. If you’d like to know more about our teak garden furniture, please see our other FAQ pages or contact us by phone or email and we’ll do our best to help.

Question 8

How to clean and restore teak outdoor furniture?

Accepted Answer

Spruce up old or grubby teak – Our top tips for cleaning, maintaining and restoring teak furniture
How do I clean teak wood outdoor furniture? 
We suggest cleaning your teak wood outdoor furniture annually, preferably in the spring on a fair, breezy day so that the teak may dry off quickly.
The best way to clean your teak furniture is to scrub it down with a solution of soapy water and a splash of either white vinegar or bleach. You can then hose it down (at a normal water pressure) to remove the soapy solution and any build-up of dirt, grime, bird-droppings and so on. Please do not use a pressure or power washer as these will loosen the joints and strip away teak's natural, protective oils.
You can remove stubborn stains with a light sanding with very fine sandpaper in the direction of the grain. Don’t worry about the lighter patch that will now appear where you sanded, it will gradually even out to the same colour as the rest of the teak.
We also sell Teak Cleaner to help brighten weathered teak and kill off mould and mildew.
You can then treat the wood as you wish (we recommend either our Teak Protector or Teak Patinizer), or even leave the teak untreated at this point.
How to clean and restore old teak furniture? 
To clean and restore your old teak garden furniture, simply use our Teak Cleaner, which is specially designed to kill mould and mildew spores in teak, as well as brighten the wood, restoring it to its former glory.
Before using our Teak Cleaner, cover the ground under your working area. Eye protection and rubber gloves should be worn. Then you should follow these steps:
1. Moisten the furniture with water 2. Shake the Teak Cleaner before use 3. Apply the Teak Cleaner with a soft cloth or sponge 4. Allow to soak for 3 minutes 4. Brush the furniture clean with a scrubbing pad in the direction of the grain 5. Rinse furniture well with water 6. Allow to dry
For prolonged colour, you can then apply our Teak Protector, but ensure your furniture is completely dry beforehand.
Can I pressure wash teak wood furniture? 
We discourage jet, power and pressure washing teak wood garden furniture. Hose pipes at normal water pressure can be used but high pressure water could affect joints, strip away the teak wood’s natural protective oils and cause the teak to age prematurely.

How do I clean food and drink spillages from teak furniture? 
As teak furniture is naturally absorbent, you should clean as much of the spillage as possible by dabbing the area clean with kitchen towels or an absorbent cloth. Remove as much of the spillage as you can in this way, then allow it to dry thoroughly. A light sanding should then remove what’s left of the spillage.
You can also apply our Teak Sealer Shield if you wish, as this makes it difficult for wine, oil, butter or coffee to seep into teak, and after meals you can simply wipe your teak table with a damp cloth so that no unsightly stains remain.

How to remove oil and grease stains from teak wood furniture? 
1. Firstly, soak up as much of the oil or grease as possible with kitchen paper towels or even cat litter, which can be very effective for this task. It’s very important that you are as thorough at this step as possible, and it is even possible to remove all the oil at this stage.  2. Then clean the teak with a medium-stiff brush and a mild solution of water and washing up liquid.  3. You might then like to consider using our Teak Cleaner, which will help to clean and brighten the wood.  4. When the teak is dry, if any stains remain you should then use a very fine-grade sandpaper to sand the teak in the direction of the grain.  5. At this stage, you can either apply our Teak Protector for that honey-gold colour, or our Teak Patinizer for that silvery look of weathered teak. You can bypass this stage if you wish.  6. Then apply our Teak Sealer Shield, which will form an invisible barrier to protect your teak furniture from future spillages.

How to clean rough, weathered teak? 
Although it may look rough and weathered, teak has enough natural teak oil inside to keep it protected from rot. Simply put, rough teak is a cosmetic problem, not a maintenance problem.
If you prefer a completely smooth surface we advise hand-sanding your teak with very fine sandpaper. Power sanding generates extra heat that can create black marks on your teak. After sanding, use a dry, rough cleaning sponge to remove any remaining sawdust. Then you can use our Teak Cleaner to brighten the wood back up, and our Teak Protector to bring back teak’s natural honey-gold colour.

How to remove dark, black spots and mould from teak garden furniture? 
Black spots are typically caused by humidity in the wood that is developing into mould or mildew. This can be remedied by cleaning the dark spots with our Teak Cleaner. To prevent this from happening again, use Teak Protector after the cleaning step. Do not oil your teak garden furniture as this can encourage mould growth.
How to bleach teak? 
If you’re looking to remove black spots, mould and mildew stains and watermarks from your teak, you could try bleaching it. To bleach teak, make a solution of warm water and washing-up liquid. Add a small amount of liquid bleach to the mixture – about 1 part bleach to 9 parts soapy solution. Then clean your teak with this solution and a scrubbing brush or scouring pad. Ensure that you thoroughly rinse the teak with clean water afterwards.
You can use white vinegar instead of bleach if you prefer. Simply follow the above advice but replace bleach with vinegar.
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We hope you found this article helpful. If you’d like to know more about our teak garden furniture, please see our other FAQ pages or contact us by phone or email and we’ll do our best to help.

Question 9

How to clean and care for rattan garden furniture?

Accepted Answer

All you need to know about maintaining wicker furniture to keep it looking its best.
Can wicker furniture be used outdoors and can it be left outside all year round?
You can use our wicker furniture both indoors and outdoors, all year round, even in the winter (although you’ll need to remove any cushions and you may need to clean it a little more often). Our synthetic Raucord® rattan furniture is virtually impervious to extremes of weather and won’t fade, even in direct sunlight. It is lightweight so you can easily move it from the conservatory to the patio as often as you wish. Our all-weather rattan wicker furniture is weatherproof, and won't warp, crack or discolour in the sun or rain.
How to care for rattan garden furniture?
Our synthetic rattan garden furniture is delightfully low-maintenance and does not need much in the way of caring for. To care for your rattan garden furniture, you should vacuum it with a brush attachment to reach any dirt and dust that has built up in the crevices of the wicker. You can also use a brush or even a toothbrush. You should also wash your rattan furniture periodically with warm, soapy water or simply hose your wicker furniture down.
Can I pressure wash rattan wicker furniture?
We discourage jet, power or pressure washing rattan wicker furniture as it may damage the material or loosen the weave. A hose pipe at normal pressure or even sponge cleaning is sufficient.
How to restore wicker furniture?
Our Rehau Raucord® rattan wicker furniture is extremely durable and hardwearing and needs very little in the way of restoration, care and maintenance. Wicker furniture can be left outside all year round, and simply needs occasional cleaning to remove the build-up of dirt and grime to make it as good as new.
Can wicker be painted?
Our Rehau Raucord® rattan wicker furniture cannot be painted, however our seagrass wicker furniture can be painted if you so wish.
If you would like to paint your seagrass wicker furniture, we recommend cleaning it first and allowing it to dry thoroughly before applying an undercoat or primer and then a spray paint in the colour of your choice.
Please note that painting your furniture whilst under warranty will mean that we cannot exchange it – we will only be able to repair it in the case of any damage covered by the warranty.
How to make wicker waterproof?
Our rattan wicker furniture is woven from Rehau Raucord® rattan, which is fully weather and waterproof, so you don’t need to worry about making it waterproof. Our seagrass wicker is recommended for indoor use only, however you could paint it with an outdoor paint or waterproof varnish to give it a waterproof barrier against the elements.
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We hope you found this article helpful. If you’d like to know more about our rattan garden furniture, please see our other FAQ pages or contact us by phone or email and we’ll do our best to help.

Question 10

Why does teak crack?

Accepted Answer

As teak wood is a natural material, small cracks or splits (also known as checks or end grain checking) can sometimes appear as a result of changes in humidity and temperature. As teak is exceptionally strong and durable, it is highly unlikely that these cracks/this end grain checking will disrupt the strength or structural integrity of your teak furniture.

Question 11

How to care for furniture with brassware fittings?

Accepted Answer

My chair or lounger has brass fittings, what do I need to know?
We recommend that all moving parts are checked for tightness at regular intervals. The process of folding and unfolding chairs for example can, over time, loosen fittings.

Is furniture with brassware suitable for outdoor use? 
Yes but please be aware that brassware will patinate/tarnish in the open air over time.

Question 12

I want to use my parasol through my table, how do I remove the teak stopper?

Accepted Answer

The majority of our dining tables come with a pre-drilled hole to allow the use of a parasol through the centre of the table. The teak stopper is designed to sit flush to the rest of the table top so that it is less noticeable. To remove the stopper from the table top you must gently tap from underneath the table top so that the stopper will pop out without causing any splintering.

Question 13

Is teak sustainable, is teak eco-friendly, what is SVLK, and more!

Accepted Answer

Teak sustainability and ethics – Know you’re buying responsibly sourced teak garden furniture for complete peace of mind
Where does teak wood come from? 
Our plantation teak wood comes from the sustainable plantations of Perum Perhutani on the island of Java. These teak plantations are owned and managed by the government who have a strict policy regarding the age, size and number of trees felled each year, together with a comprehensive, sustainable replanting program.
Our reclaimed teak wood comes from many different sources, including old boats and houses.
Is your teak sustainably and responsibly sourced? 
All of our teak is sustainably, legally and responsibly sourced from the sustainable plantations of Perum Perhutani on the island of Java. These government-owned plantations are strictly regulated and operate a comprehensive, sustainable replanting program. The legality of the teak in our products is assured through Indonesia's national timber legality assurance system (SVLK) and FLEGT licensing scheme. FLEGT-licensed timber is considered to fully comply with the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR). EUTR 995/2010 prohibit illegally harvested timber and timber-based products from being placed onto European markets.

What is SVLK? 
SVLK (Sistem Verificasi Legalitas Kayu) is Indonesia’s mandatory national timber legality and sustainability certification system, also known as the Indonesian Timber Legality Assurance System (INDO-TLAS).

What is FLEGT? 
FLEGT stands for Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade. Timber accompanied by a FLEGT licence is accepted as legal under the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR). For more information, visit the FLEGT website.

Is teak wood sustainable? 
Yes, teak wood is sustainable. The teak we use for our furniture doesn’t come from natural forests; it comes from legal, regulated government plantations. Plantation teak is a renewable resource as it’s farmed to produce a sustainable supply.
Is teak environmentally friendly? 
Here at Cyan, we use sustainable teak that is environmentally friendly. We care about the environment and that’s why we’re proud manufacturers of sustainable teak furniture. Our environmentally-sound teak wood is sourced from plantations, not natural forests where illegal logging is still an issue. Trees are planted exclusively to be utilised for commercial use, etc. and more trees are replanted in accordance with government guidelines.
The natural oils in teak make it naturally pest resistant, therefore teak can be grown without the use of insecticides and chemicals. Also, teak grows without artificial fertilizers and heavy irrigation, making it an eco-friendly choice.
Leftovers from teak production can be recycled or returned to the earth without damaging the environment.
Teak furniture is durable and built to last so you won’t be discarding and replacing every few years.

Is teak endangered? 
Teak (Tectona grandis) is sustainable, renewable, and not endangered. Teak is not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
The government strictly regulate and operate a comprehensive, sustainable replanting program, so teak trees are planted and harvested exclusively for commercial and ecological purposes. Our teak does not come from natural forests, so you can be sure it is legal and sustainable.
What is plantation teak?
Plantation teak is teak that has been grown on sustainable plantations for the sole purpose of forestry management for either commercial or ecological uses. Plantation teak is a renewable resource as it’s farmed to produce a sustainable supply.
What is Burma teak? 
Burma teak is the name used to differentiate between natural-grown Tectona grandis trees (from Burma), and plantation teak, i.e. teak grown on plantations, usually from South and South East Asia.
Here at Cyan, we favour plantation teak from the plantations of Perum Perhutani on the island of Java because it is legal, regulated and sustainable. The teak on these plantations has been planted by man, for man, for the purpose of forestry management, and is therefore sustainable.


Does Cyan use certified sustainable timber?
The hardwood used on all our wooden parasols is certified sustainable.
Currently, there’s not enough certified sustainable teak wood available for our total production. However, all our teak products are made of FLEGT-licensed teak from Indonesia. The legality of the teak in our products is assured through Indonesia's national timber legality assurance system (SVLK) and FLEGT licensing scheme. FLEGT-licensed timber fully complies with the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR).

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We hope you found this article helpful. If you’d like to know more about our teak garden furniture, please see our other FAQ pages or contact us by phone or email and we’ll do our best to help.

Question 14

Do you take away the packaging upon delivery?

Accepted Answer

We are able to take the packaging away if you request us to do so, although it’s not something we will automatically do, so please ask. As we are an eco-friendly company, we recycle all our packaging and always try to do our bit for the environment.

Question 15

Can any of your chairs be mixed and matched with any of your tables?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all our chairs and tables have been designed with the principle of 'form following function'. Therefore most of our chairs, benches and tables share similar proportions and can easily be mixed and matched. Of course, we can also manufacture bespoke sizes and designs should you require this service.

Question 16

Can I view your garden furniture before purchasing?

Accepted Answer

We’ve created a showroom space for you to see a selection of our teak and woven furniture for yourself. Please feel free to visit us during opening hours, no appointment necessary, although you might like to call ahead to ensure we have something particular on display.
If you’re unable to travel to us here in Coulsdon, it may also be possible for us to locate certain items in use in public places and commercial establishments nearer to you – just give us a call and we’ll see what we can do.
Furthermore, if you order an item and decide you do not like it upon delivery, you are within your rights to refuse the item and our driver will take it away. You will be fully refunded within 14 calendar days.

Question 17

I don't want to put my payment details online – can I complete my order over the phone or in person?

Accepted Answer

Our secure online store is open 24/7. Payments are secured by Sage Pay for complete peace of mind, and we never share your details with anyone. However, should you prefer, you can make an order in person at our Coulsdon showroom or over the phone on 020 8655 6240 during our office hours which are Monday to Friday (including most Saturdays during our peak period between March and August), 9:00am-5:00pm.

Question 18

Do I need an account to place an order?

Accepted Answer

Anyone can make an order at any time via our website and you don’t need to open an account to place an order – simply checkout as a guest. Creating an account is beneficial if you want to checkout quickly next time, save items to your wish list and so forth.

Question 19

Is your furniture delivered fully assembled?

Accepted Answer

Where possible, our furniture is delivered fully assembled for your stress-free, immediate enjoyment. In some cases, some minor assembly may be required. It may be possible to deliver some items flat-packed if you prefer or there are access issues. We may even be able to arrange assembly in situ for a small additional cost.
For further details, please contact us on 020 8655 6240 during our office hours which are Monday to Friday (including most Saturdays during our peak period between March and August), 9:00am-5:00pm.

Question 20

Do you ship overseas?

Accepted Answer

By limiting our deliveries to mainland England, Wales and parts of Scotland on a bi-weekly basis we are able to offer an efficient service to the majority of the population. However, as a result, we regret we are unable to deliver to islands off England and Wales, Northern Ireland or the Scottish highlands and islands.
For delivery overseas, it is possible for us to deliver to a freight forwarder but you would need to arrange this. For further details please see the Deliveries & Returns section of this website, or call us on 020 8655 6240.

Question 21

Who fulfils your deliveries?

Accepted Answer

We fulfil most of our deliveries with our own vehicle fleet and trained drivers in order to maintain a high level of customer service and to minimise damage in transit. Some smaller items may be sent via Royal Mail or a courier and will generally be dispatched within 3 working days from receipt of order.

Question 22

Do you provide delivery status alerts?

Accepted Answer

We don’t provide a text or email alert service, however, if you request so beforehand, our drivers are able to call you when they’re half hour away.

Question 23

Do I need to be at home when you deliver?

Accepted Answer

We understand it can be frustrating and inconvenient to wait at home all day for a delivery. If we have access to the garden or you specify a safe place for us to leave your items, perhaps in a shed or with a neighbour, then you don’t have to be at home when we deliver.

Question 24

How long will it take to receive my items?

Accepted Answer

We aim to deliver within two weeks of receipt of order, although in some cases this will be much sooner. Bespoke items and items that we don’t have in stock could take 8-10 weeks. If you have an urgent requirement for furniture, we shall endeavour to deliver within a very short time-frame – please let us know, and if we can help we will.

Question 25

What time can I expect my delivery?

Accepted Answer

We deliver between 07:00 and 19:00 hours. We are unable to specify a time, although you can tell us if you’d prefer a morning or afternoon delivery and we will try our best to accommodate. You can also call us up so that we can track our drivers to give you an estimation of their arrival.

Question 26

Can I collect items in person to avoid delivery costs?

Accepted Answer

You can collect items from our Coulsdon showroom but you should call ahead on 020 8655 6240 to ensure that we have the stock available to avoid a wasted journey. We also recommend a vehicle that is suitable to transport your furniture!

Question 27

Will you contact me about delivery?

Accepted Answer

After you place an order with us, we will then get in touch with you to arrange a convenient delivery date.

Question 28

Do you deliver to my area?

Accepted Answer

We deliver to mainland England, Wales and parts of Scotland on a bi-weekly basis. We regret we are unable to deliver to islands off of England and Wales, Northern Ireland or the Scottish highlands and islands. It is possible for us to deliver to a freight forwarder but you would need to arrange this.
For further details please see the Deliveries & Returns section of this website, or call us on 020 8655 6240.

Question 29

What methods of payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We have no minimum order value and accept all major credit and debit cards, except for American Express. We also accept cheques and payment by bank transfer. If you visit us at our Coulsdon showroom, you could also pay by cash.

Question 30

Is your furniture guaranteed?

Accepted Answer

We warrant for a period of one year that our teak and rattan furniture is fit for its intended purpose and free from manufacturer faults or defects. This does not include small cracks or end grain checking which are natural occurrences and do not affect the integrity of your furniture. For more information, please refer to the warranty section of this website.

Question 31

What is meant by 'Pre-Order'?

Accepted Answer

What is meant by ‘Pre-Order’?
Pre-ordering means ordering an item that is currently not in stock.
The advantage of pre-ordering, is that the item is ‘ring-fenced’ for delivery to yourself as soon as it comes in stock.
If a product is temporarily out-of-stock, it will be stated clearly, as the usual ‘Add to Basket’ button will be replaced by a ‘Pre-Order’ button.
Additionally, once the item has been selected, a date displayed indicates when the item is scheduled to arrive into our warehouse.
We deliver throughout the country, over a 2-week cycle, therefore, depending on your delivery postcode, you should receive your order between 1 to 14 days from the scheduled date.

Question 32

Do you manufacture to specified designs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we manufacture to specified designs. We specialise in manufacturing and supplying teak and rattan furniture to our customer's exact specifications, especially within the contract market.
We can alter the design of any item you see on our website, or create something completely new to your exact specifications. Visit the bespoke pages of this website or call us on 020 8655 6240 to discuss your requirements.

Question 33

I don’t see a size I require – can you manufacture to specified sizes?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we’re able to adjust all of our existing designs to meet your requirements. Visit the bespoke pages of this website or call us on 020 8655 6240 to discuss your requirements.

Question 34

Can I order custom-made cushions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we are able to manufacture bespoke, made-to-measure cushions on request. Simply visit the bespoke pages of this website or call us on 020 8655 6240 to discuss your requirements.

Question 35

Can we purchase full mixed container-loads (FCL) from you?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we’re mixed item full container-load (FCL) specialists. Our quality, 'best-buy' pricing and short lead times have ensured a worldwide customer base from North America to Europe and the Middle to Far East.

Question 36

Do you accept trade enquiries?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do accept trade enquiries. We are an international manufacturer and exporter of teak and rattan leisure and contract furniture to retailers and contract markets throughout the world, including garden centres, educational institutions, five-star hotels, resorts, spas, restaurant chains, museums and world heritage sites.
Give us a call on 020 8655 6240 during our office hours which are Monday to Friday (including most Saturdays during our peak season between March and August), 9:00am-5:00pm to discuss your requirements.

Question 37

What is bespoke furniture?

Accepted Answer

Bespoke furniture is furniture that has been custom-made for any of our customers who have specific requirements with regard to its size, design and function. We can create made-to-measure, bespoke furniture within an 8-12 week timeframe – simply get in touch with any measurements, designs, blueprints, or even just for a general chat to see how we can help you.
As proud manufacturers, we are able to adjust the sizes and styles of any of our existing ranges, or create something completely new to your exact specifications. Whether you’d simply like a carved inscription on a garden bench, or you’re looking to furnish an entire restaurant with tables and chairs of your own design, get in touch and we’ll always do our best to accommodate.
And it doesn’t just stop at garden furniture. We can manufacture external noticeboards, wood plaques, wooden doors, bed frames and bin stores, wooden children’s toys, coasters, bath caddies, totem poles – your imagination really is the limit! For more information, visit the Bespoke pages of this website, send us an email or give us a call.

Question 38

What is full container load (FCL) shipping?

Accepted Answer

Full container load (FCL) shipping is a type of ocean freight used for transporting large or bulk goods across the ocean. We are FCL specialists so you can purchase FCLs from us should you wish to order large quantities of items from us and therefore take advantage of our best-buy, bulk order pricing.

Question 39

What is LCL shipping?

Accepted Answer

Less than container load (LCL) shipping is a type of ocean freight used for shipping goods across the ocean. This method is ideal if there are only a few pallets to ship and there isn’t enough to fill a full container load (FCL). The contents of the container will belong to many senders, as opposed to FCL shipping.

Question 40

How long are your lead-times?

Accepted Answer

We hold hundreds of items in stock for fast delivery. However, we also manufacture items of teak and synthetic rattan furniture to your exact specifications, which would ordinarily take 8-10 weeks for us to complete your order. If we are aware that you have an urgent requirement for furniture we shall endeavour to deliver within a very short time-frame – please let us know, and if we can help we will.

Question 41

Can I purchase single items of furniture from you?

Accepted Answer

We accept orders from single items to full container loads to the UK, or other destinations by negotiation. Please let us know your requirements and we shall be as accommodating as possible.

Question 42

Can I order a production sample before committing to a full container load?

Accepted Answer

We can manufacture a production sample for dispatch on your account via a courier such as TNT, DHL or FedEx.

Question 43

How do you control pathogens and the moisture content of your furniture?

Accepted Answer

For your safety, all our containers are fumigated after stuffing and prior to export. Additionally, sachets of water-absorbing silica gel are placed inside the boxes of flat-packed items of furniture to maintain the stabilised moisture content.

Question 44

Do you provide additional services for your clients?

Accepted Answer

Yes we do!
Our standard extra options (if required) are as follows:

High-resolution images for marketing purposes
Brass plate or stainless steel logos with your brand name, product name, barcodes, EAN, etc.
Numbers on packaging or cardboard boxes, etc.

Let us know how we can help you and we will always do our best to accommodate.

Question 45

What materials do you use for packing and is the furniture delivered fully assembled?

Accepted Answer

In general, for trade orders we deliver flat-packed (KD) furniture in corrugated cardboard, with assembled furniture protected by single-face corrugated paper. If the item of furniture is ‘finished’ we use a foam sheet between the surface of the furniture and the single-face packing material.
However, our packaging is dependent on your requirements so please let us know if you require your furniture fully assembled or have alternative instructions.

Question 46

If my question is not on this list, where can I get more help?

Accepted Answer

For any queries we’ve been unable to answer here, please call us on 020 8655 6240 during our office hours to speak to someone from our friendly, knowledgeable team.
Our lines are open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm, and the same hours on most Saturdays during our peak season between March and August.

Question 47

Can teak furniture be used indoors?

Accepted Answer

Teak furniture is perfectly suited to outdoor use due to its strength and durability, however it can be used indoors and looks fantastic in conservatories, bathrooms, kitchens, entryways and so on. Bear in mind that as teak is a natural product, if it's used indoors, household heating may alter the wood.

Indoor Teak Furniture Conservatory

Question 48

Can I always keep my parasol open?

Accepted Answer

We strongly advise that all parasols are used with a suitable base stand, are closed during strong, windy conditions and are not left open and unattended at any time. Get the most out of your parasol by lowering the canopy when not in use, and using any cover that may have been supplied with some models.

Question 49

Can parasols be used for rain?

Accepted Answer

Our parasol canopies have been treated with Scotchgard™ and so are water-resistant but not entirely waterproof. They will hold up against very fine, spitting rain although we do not recommend that they are used for rain. We also recommend that you lower your parasol whenever it is not in use and during periods of adverse weather conditions.

Question 50

Where can I find your showroom?

Accepted Answer

Our showroom, warehouse and offices are located at the top of Station Approach Road in Coulsdon, Greater London.
If you are coming by car, it’s easiest to approach from Coulsdon town centre/Brighton Road, and take the turning with the Pizza Express on the corner/opposite Waitrose. There is a small amount of customer parking available on the forecourt through the gates. Ring the doorbell and a member from our helpful sales team will greet you at the door.
Do give us a call if you’re having difficulty finding us.
For more information, visit our Contact / Find Us page.

Question 51

What is a full container load (FCL)?

Accepted Answer

A full container load (FCL) is a standard container used for bulk goods transportation. It does not necessarily mean it is full, but that the entire contents will belong to one party, as opposed to LCL or less than container loads, where the contents will belong to many senders.

Question 52

Do I need to use a parasol base when using a parasol through your tables?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for safety reasons you must always use a parasol with a suitable base, regardless of whether it’s being used through a table/parasol hole or not. You can find the exact specifications for our parasols and bases in the products section of this website.
Please note that our Berrington 120cm tables will not permit the use of a parasol base due to the low design of their pedestals. In this instance only, it is safe to use a parasol without a base.

Question 53

Can Cyan replace fixings or repair furniture in the future?

Accepted Answer

If you find a defect in material or workmanship in any part or component that will impair the use of your furniture within the warranty period, we may repair, replace or refund the furniture. Outside of the warranty period, we may be able to repair your furniture for a small fee. We keep stock of screws and fixings so we should be able to send these to you at any time in the future for a small fee. We will always do our best to help you and to ensure you can enjoy your furniture, problem-free, for years to come.

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