2024 Materials & Maintenance - Life Outdoor Living

Materials and Maintenance

Carefree enjoyment

Maintaining our materials Covers Maintenance products

This is how you maintain your garden furniture.

Get to know the pro’s of using a cover for our outdoor sets.

Keep your outdoor furniture sets in their best shape.

Materials and maintenance

Treating your garden furniture with maintenance products offers many benefits. By treating your furniture properly, you significantly extend its lifespan. It is also important to use a protection cover when the furniture is not in use to protect it from weather conditions and wear and tear. This way, you can enjoy your beautiful garden set even longer.

In this brochure on materials and maintenance for our garden furniture, we provide you with information on the optimal treatment of various materials. You will also find details about our range of protective covers.

Aluminium

Lightweight, easy to maintain, and rustresistant: these are the well-known properties of aluminium. It is no surprise that this material is often used for garden furniture. In addition to its practical characteristics, aluminium also has a modern appearance. The material can be easily combined with other materials such as bamboo, teakwood, and textilene, allowing you to create your own garden style.

Aluminium Easy to maintain

Powder-coated aluminium

Our aluminium garden furniture is powdercoated, meaning we apply a special powder and bake it into the furniture to enhance the quality of the coating. A powder coating is less prone to scratches and stains, prolongs colour fastness, and does not peel off. To make our products even stronger, most of our aluminium garden furniture is also equipped with wear plugs, drainage holes, and adjustable feet caps. Please note: Avoid storing your garden furniture upside down, as this may cause the drainage holes to fill up and lead to frost damage in winter. Additionally, we recommend checking screws and bolts annually and fastening and tightening them if necessary.

Maintenance

Aluminium is an exceptionally lowmaintenance material, allowing you to enjoy it to the fullest! Prepare your garden furniture for cleaning by rinsing away dirt such as leaves and green algae with a garden hose. Avoid using a stiff brush or pressure washer, as these can cause scratches and damage to the coating. Once your garden furniture is thoroughly cleaned with a mild solution of dish soap and warm water, apply a protective layer of our Aluminium Cleaner & Protector and allow it to dry thoroughly. This creates a water- and dirt-repellent layer, ensuring your furniture is ready for the outdoor season! We recommend avoiding the use of aggressive cleaning agents, as these can damage the material.

Aluminium cleaner and protector

Looking for the best maintenance products for your outdoor furniture? Scan the QR code or check out our website.

Lava White Beige

Teak

Teak wood is a stunning natural material with properties that are perfect for long-term outdoor use. Teak has a high resistance to mould and rot and does not splinter. We believe it is important that our wood is grown and harvested sustainably and legally. Therefore, almost all of our teak garden furniture is certified with the SVLK or FSC® quality mark.

Characteristics of teak wood

Teak wood comes from the teak tree, which can grow up to 40 metres tall and traditionally grows in South Asia. Thanks to the slow growth of the teak tree, the wood acquires properties that are highly suitable for outdoor use. The growth rings are closely spaced, increasing the percentage of oil and fat in the wood. As a result, the wood does not dry out, and its lifespan is prolonged. Additionally, teak wood does not rot, making maintenance easier.

Greying process

With normal use of the furniture, small cracks and openings may appear in the wood. This does not detract from the quality or lifespan of the furniture and gives the wood more character over the years. Generally, teak is a light brown wood that gradually turns into a beautiful platinum grey over time.

Finger Joint Laminated

At Life, we use a special technique in which we connect pieces of wood using finger joint connections. This allows us to create larger and stronger wooden panels. With this technique, teak wood is less likely to warp. It is normal for parts of the teak wood to slightly separate due to changing weather conditions with this technique.

Robust

Grey Nature

Time to clean your teak furniture?

Maintaining teak wood is not difficult if done regularly. With proper maintenance, you can extend the lifespan of your garden furniture and keep the wood looking beautiful. With the right care, teak wood becomes even more beautiful as it ages.

Cleaning teak furniture should ideally be done at least twice a year. For example, in spring, to be fully prepared for a new sunny season. The treatment will take two days as you need to wait for the furniture to dry completely between steps. Make sure it does not rain during this time.

Step

1: Clean your teak furniture with water

Before you begin, place the furniture on a hard surface and remove all items from it. Cover the work area with a tarp or other protective cover to keep it clean. Then, clean the table with water using a garden hose or bucket and sponge to remove excess dirt.

Step

2: Treat your furniture with Teak Cleaner

Shake the Teak Cleaner well before use and apply a thin layer evenly over the surface until everything is coated. Legs or hard-to-reach areas can be rubbed with a cloth or sponge. Let it sit for three minutes. Then, clean the furniture with an aluminium sponge or scouring pad, rubbing in the direction of the wood grain to prevent damage. Continue until the wood looks clean. Rinse the furniture thoroughly with water and let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Treat your furniture for colour preservation

To maintain the natural colour of teak wood, we have developed special maintenance products for robust teak, grey teak, and natural teak. If greying is desired, this step can be skipped.

Step 4: Treat your furniture with Teak Shield

We recommend you treat your teak wood outdoor furniture with our Teak Shield. This treatment provides a protective film layer that guards against dirt, grease, and stains. Teak Shield should always be applied last, as nothing can penetrate the wood afterwards. When you notice that water no longer beads on the furniture but immediately soaks into the wood, it’s time to apply a new layer of Teak Shield.

To apply this product, start by shaking the bottle well and then apply a layer with a lint-free soft cloth. Let it soak in well and apply another layer after 4 hours of drying. Let it dry for two days afterward.

Note: Never cover your furniture when it’s still wet, as this can cause mould. Additionally, it’s strongly recommended to check screws and bolts annually for tightness and tighten them if necessary.

Robust, grey or nature teak?

Robuust teak

Shake the bottle well before use and apply a thin layer of Robust Teak Protector. Let it dry for at least 30 minutes. If you prefer a darker colour, apply a second layer and let it dry for another 30 minutes.

Grey teak

Shake the bottle well before use and apply a thin layer of Grey Colour Teak. Let it dry for at least 30 minutes. If you desire a more intense colour, you can apply a second layer. Let it dry for another 30 minutes.

Nature teak

Shake the bottle well before use and apply one thin layer of Natural Teak Protector. Let it dry for at least 30 minutes.

Looking for the best maintenance products for your outdoor furniture? Scan the QR code or check out our website.

Teak colour grey

Teak protector

Teak shield

Teak cleaner

Aluminium sponge

Polywood

Polywood features a beautiful wood look due to its artificially pressed grain. The material is low-maintenance, as it does not require sanding, staining, or painting like some wooden furniture. Polywood is resistant to weather conditions and UV radiation, meaning it will fade minimally and the chance of it cracking or splitting due to sunlight or moisture is minimal.

Polywood

Maintenance

Although polywood garden furniture requires little to no maintenance, it is still important to maintain it to extend its lifespan and preserve its beautiful appearance. Fortunately, maintenance is very simple. Simply wipe your furniture with a soft cloth and a mild detergent to remove dirt and stains. Then rinse it off with a garden hose and let it air dry.

Treat your polywood garden furniture with our Artwood Protector to apply a water and dirt repellent layer. Shake the maintenance product before use and ensure that your polywood garden furniture is completely dry and free of dust. Then, using a soft, lint-free cloth, apply a layer of the Protector to your furniture. This layer is invisible but protects your garden furniture from stains. We recommend doing this at least once a year to keep your furniture looking like new.

Note: Be careful with heat, such as hot pans or glassware. Due to the “magnifying glass” effect, polywood can be damaged by burning. It is advisable to use coasters. Additionally, it is strongly recommended to check screws and bolts annually for tightness and tighten them if necessary.

Looking for the best maintenance products for your outdoor furniture? Scan the QR code or check out our website.

Black

Artwood protector

Bamboo

Bamboo boasts a natural, organic appearance that complements outdoor spaces well. The material is extremely strong and resistant to the elements, making it durable for years to come. Unlike various types of wood, bamboo does not rot and is resistant to moisture, moulds, and insects. This makes it an excellent choice for furniture that’s exposed to various weather conditions.

Additionally, it is an environmentally friendly alternative to other materials. It is one of the fastest-growing plants in the world and can mature in just a few years. Furthermore, bamboo has a low carbon content and produces more oxygen than most other plants. By using bamboo instead of other types of wood or plastic, we help protect the environment.

Maintenance

One of the advantages of bamboo is that it requires little maintenance. However, like teak, bamboo will age over time and hair and shrinkage cracks may also appear between the laminated parts. To reverse this greying, our ‘Robust teak protector’ can be used.

This protector helps restore the original colour and shine of bamboo furniture. To prevent greying preventively, you can use the ‘Life - Teak shield’.

It is also important to note that bamboo is susceptible to extreme weather conditions. In winter, it is therefore recommended to cover bamboo furniture or put it inside. By doing this, you will prevent the furniture from being exposed to moisture, frost and other harmful elements, which will prolong the life of the bamboo.

Twisted loom

Solid and twisted Loom are becoming more popular for garden furniture because they’re strong and versatile. This makes them great for any outdoor area.

Twisted loom

Twisted and solid loom are made from a plastic thread. Solid loom has a pattern that looks woven, and twisted loom looks like braided reeds, which gives it a natural look. Also, twisted loom is a bit stretchy, so it’s even more comfortable to sit on.

Maintenance

Looking good isn’t the only thing loom furniture does well; it’s also very practical. It can handle the weather, meaning it won’t fade or get damaged by the sun or rain. Plus, it’s easy to keep clean.

Our garden furniture has a special coating that keeps dirt and mold from sticking. However, some dirt might still get in between the threads. To keep the furniture’s protective coating fresh, use our Textilene, Twisted Loom and Polywood Cleaner twice a year. Here’s how: spray the cleaner directly onto the loom and let it soak in for about 30 seconds. Then, with a wet sponge, gently wipe over the furniture in circular motions. After that, rinse it off well with water and let the furniture dry outside in the air.

Note: Always ensure that your furniture is completely dry before covering it with a protective cover to prevent mould formation.

Looking for the best maintenance products for your outdoor furniture? Scan the QR code or check out our website.

Textilene, Twisted Loom and Polywood cleaner

RuCore

RuCore is becoming increasingly popular for use in garden furniture due to its durability, comfort, and attractive appearance. The material can be woven and structured in many different ways to create a unique and artistic appearance. This gives woven garden furniture a timeless look that can easily blend with other furniture and accessories.

In our collection, you’ll find the latest, innovative form of weaving: RuCore. RuCore is made of rope with a rubber core. Around it, there is a layer of polyester fibers or synthetic fibers, which gives it strength. The advantage of the rubber core is that it stays dry, so the material dries very quickly. The core is waterproof but very flexible. It is also UV-resistant and has a soft texture for extra comfort.

Maintenance

RuCore is a low-maintenance material that is resistant to weather conditions. It can easily be cleaned with a damp cloth and our Textilene & Wicker Cleaner. The material has an open structure, which retains moisture. Therefore, we recommend storing your RuCore furniture indoors, if possible, during the winter months.

Fabric protector

Fabric cleaner

Looking for the best maintenance products for your outdoor furniture?

Black Coral Beige Grey

Ceramic

Our ceramic table tops consist of a thin layer of ceramic bonded to a sheet of safety glass. We do this to provide the tops with extra strength, allowing them to flex a bit without cracking. Ceramic is strong, heat-resistant, colourfast, and scratch-resistant. It is also resistant to staining and low-maintenance. Perfect for outdoor living!

Ceramic

You obviously want as little maintenance as possible on your ceramic garden furniture. Fortunately, this material is very low-maintenance. We do recommend cleaning your garden furniture a few times a year.

Has your garden furniture been completely cleaned with a soak of dish soap and warm water? Then apply a protective layer with our Ceramic cleaner & protector. This will apply a water- and dirt-repellent layer so your furniture is ready for the garden season!

Shake the Ceramic cleaner and protector well and apply a thin layer to the furniture with a clean, dry cloth. Leave it on for about 30 seconds, until a haze forms. After this, polish the furniture with a dry cloth until the ceramic shines again. For best results, we recommend doing this twice a year.

Note: Despite its strength and resistance to all-weather conditions, ceramic is susceptible to impact damage. Due to its fragility, it’s important to handle ceramic with care and store it carefully.

Looking for the best maintenance products for your outdoor furniture? Scan the QR code or check out our website.

Ceramic cleaner and protector

Concrete look Stone Grey

Sapphire Blue Sandstone

Nero Oyster

Cushions

All of our cushions are specifically designed for outdoor use. The various fabrics have fillings treated to prevent mould.

Around the filling of the cushions is a polyester cover that holds everything together. This polyester cover has an open structure, allowing the cushion to breathe and let water through.

There are three different fabrics for the outer cover, each offering a different type of use. All cushions have high colour fastness and are protected against UV-light.

Comforma

Sunbrella

Soltex

All-weather

All-weather

With All-weather cushions or upholstery, you can always enjoy a beautifully dressed garden set. This fabric is specifically developed to withstand all-weather conditions, so you don’t have to worry about bringing your items indoors. The outer cover consists of Soft Touch textilene; a comfortable fabric with small holes that allow rain to pass through. This water enters the polyether filling and drains out of the cushion through its open cell structure. This results in shorter drying times for the cushions, allowing you to quickly enjoy the sunshine again after a rain shower.

Tip: If the cushion is wet, press on it and place it on its side. This will help it dry faster.

Maintenance

Enjoying a meal on your garden set is no problem with All-weather cushions. If a stain does occur on your cushions, it’s easy to clean. To keep the cushions waterpermeable, prevent mould, and resist stains from penetrating quickly, it’s important to keep the holes in the All-weather fabric open. You can do this by spraying the fabric with our special dirt-repellent coating. To renew the protective layer, spray the material twice a year with Textilene, Twisted Loom and Polywood Cleaner. We recommend doing this in spring and autumn. This prepares the cushions for a new season and protects them from adverse weather conditions in autumn.

Don’t rush to put your cushion covers in the washing machine. Although it’s possible, it’s better not to do it right away.

We recommend cleaning the cushions by removing loose dirt, such as mud and green algae, with a soft cloth. Blot a liquid stain as much as possible with a dry clean cloth.

Spray the Textilene, Twisted Loom and Polywood Cleaner on the All-weather material and let it soak for about 30 seconds. Moisten a soft (scrub) sponge and gently rub it in a circular motion over your garden furniture. Rinse the surface thoroughly with water and let it dry outdoors.

Note: Always ensure that your furniture is completely dry before covering it with a protective cover to prevent mould formation.

Looking for the best maintenance products for your outdoor furniture? Scan the QR code or check out our website.

Textilene, Twisted loom and polywood cleaner

Carbon Khaki Moss Green

Soltex

Soltex cushions allow you to enjoy soft cushions with a natural look and feel that are also weather-resistant. The synthetic fibres make the cushions soft and waterrepellent. The polyether filling allows water to pass through the cushions, making them dry quickly. Although the fabric can withstand prolonged rain, the cushions may remain damp for a while due to their water permeability. Our advice is to bring the cushions indoors during the winter. To prevent mould formation, the cushions should be fully dry when stored.

Maintenance

Because Soltex cushions are weatherresistant, there will be no moisture trapped inside them. Due to this, Soltex requires little maintenance, but to extend their lifespan, it’s recommended to treat the cushions twice a year.

Clean the cushions by removing loose dirt, such as mud and green algae, with a soft cloth. Dab any liquid stains as much as possible with a dry, clean cloth. Then treat your cushions with our Soltex Cleaner. Thanks to a dirt-repellent coating, stains won’t easily penetrate the material and mould won’t stand a chance. If the coating fades, spray our Fabric Cleaner on the cushion and let it sit for about 30 seconds. Wet a soft (scrub) sponge and gently clean your cushions with a circular motion. Rinse the surface thoroughly with water and let it dry outdoors. Then spray the cushions with our Fabric Protector to apply a new coating that is resistant to dirt, grease, and water.

Note: Always ensure that your furniture is completely dry before covering it with a protective cover to prevent mould formation.

Looking for the best maintenance products for your outdoor furniture? Scan the QR code or check out our website.

Fabric cleaner

Fabric protector

Graphite

Mist Grey

Beige

Olive Green

Dune

Comforma

Our cushions made of soft Comforma fabric are ideal to use under a porch or canopy. Comforma can withstand rain and is water-repellent, thanks to the fabric being treated with a special coating. However, it’s advisable to store Comforma cushions indoors during prolonged periods of rain or snow and in the winter months.

To extend the lifespan of the cushions, it’s recommended to treat them twice a year. This keeps the cushions dirt and water repellent. Clean the cushions by removing loose dirt, such as mud and green algae, with a soft cloth. Dab any liquid stains as much as possible with a dry, clean cloth.

Thanks to a dirt-repellent coating, stains won’t easily penetrate the material, and mould won’t stand a chance. The coating needs to be reapplied every six months. Spray our Fabric Cleaner on the cushion and let it sit for about 30 seconds. Wet a soft (scrub) sponge and gently clean your cushions with a circular motion. Rinse the surface thoroughly with water and let it dry outdoors. Then spray the cushions with Fabric Protector to apply a new coating that is resistant to dirt, grease, and water.

Note: Always ensure that your furniture is completely dry before covering it with a protective cover to prevent mould formation.

Looking for the best maintenance products for your outdoor furniture? Scan the QR code or check out our website.

Basalt

Steel

Fabric cleaner

Fabric protector

Sunbrella

Sunbrella®

The Sunbrella® cushions can remain outdoors for the entire season. The fabric feels like an interior fabric, but has the properties which allow it to remain outdoors in All-weather conditions.

These cushions are very soft and comfortable to sit on. One of the best ways ensuring that your Sunbrella cushions continue to look good is to clean them regularly.

Maintenance

For the best protection, we recommend treating your Sunbrella cushions at least twice a year. We advise doing this in the spring and autumn. This prepares the cushions for a new season and protects them from adverse weather conditions in the fall.

The first thing you should do to maintain your cushions is to clean them regularly. Remove loose dirt such as leaves, mud, green algae spores, and dust with a soft cloth. Blot a liquid stain with a dry, clean cloth.

Tip: If your set is placed under a tree, regularly check for any bird droppings on the furniture and remove them promptly to prevent them from settling in.

Thanks to a dirt-repellent coating, stains won’t penetrate the material, and mold has no chance. Spray a cleaning solutions of water and mild soap on the cushions and use a soft brush to clean. Allow the cleaning solution to soak into the fabric.

After treating the Sunbrella material with the cleaning solution, thoroughly rinse the surface with water and let it air dry.

Note: Always ensure that your furniture is completely dry before covering it with a protective cover to prevent the formation of mold.

Looking for the best maintenance products for your outdoor furniture? Scan the QR code or check out our website.

Natté Sooty Natté Carbon Beige Natté Grey Chine Natté Charcoal

Fabric cleaner

Fabric protector

Textilene

Textilene is made of woven polyester fibres that form a strong fabric. The material is sturdy, durable, dimensionally stable, and has a long lifespan. It’s highly suitable for outdoor use! Additionally, it’s water-permeable and dries quickly. Thanks to a special dirtrepellent coating, dirt doesn’t accumulate between the fibres. Furthermore, textilene is UV-resistant, so the colour won’t fade.

Maintenance

Textilene, Twisted Loom and Polywood cleaner Looking

Textilene is a very low-maintenance material. Simply clean the cushions by removing loose dirt, such as mud and green algae, with a soft cloth. Dab any liquid stains as much as possible with a dry, clean cloth. Thanks to a dirt-repellent coating, stains won’t penetrate the material, and mould won’t stand a chance. The coating wears off with frequent use, so it’s important to renew the coating regularly. Always clean the furniture before applying a new coating to ensure that dirt doesn’t remain between the fibres. To renew the protective layer, spray the material twice a year with our Textilene, Twisted Loom and Polywood Cleaner.

Spray the cleaner on the Textilene and let it sit for about 30 seconds. Wet a soft (scrub) sponge and gently clean the textilene with a circular motion. Rinse the surface thoroughly with water and let it dry outdoors.

Note: Always ensure that your furniture is completely dry before covering it with a protective cover to prevent mould formation.

Khaki Carbon White Taupe

Parasols

In our parasol collection, we offer various types of fabrics:

Spuncrylic Comforma Polyester

The fabric of the parasol is coated for protection but naturally fades over time due to exposure to the sun. Always fully extend the parasol; it’s designed to block the sun but cannot be used as an umbrella.

Depending on the location and placement of the parasol, it can withstand some wear and tear, but beware of strong gusts of wind.

Maintenance

Before starting, dampen the fabric. Then apply the Fabric Cleaner; allow it to sit between 3 to 10 minutes. Afterwards, remove the dirt with a cloth and rinse it with water. Let it dry, and you’re ready to use the protector.

Note: Use the Fabric Protector to apply an extra protective layer. This layer makes it harder for dirt to penetrate the fabric. We recommend using a protective cover for our parasols to prevent discolouration.

Fabric protector

Spuncrylic

Comforma

Carbon

Mist Grey

Mouse Grey

Dune

Beige

Grey

Moss Green

Taupe

Anthracite

Olive Green

Protection covers

Although our garden furniture is designed to stay outdoors all year round, using a protective cover can provide extra convenience and longevity. At Life, we value quality; therefore, our protective covers are made of 100% ripstop polyester with a breathable membrane. This material has a fabric class 7, which indicates excellent colour fastness.

Check our protection covers online or scan the QR-code lifeoutdoorliving.com/en/protection-and-maintenance/protective-covers

To ensure the cover stays in place, it is equipped with buckles. Even in bad weather, the cover will remain firmly secured around the set. It is important to fasten the cover tightly. Loose parts can flap in the wind and eventually tear. It is also essential to fasten the cover with the accompanying buckles at the bottom of the set to prevent it from blowing away. Additionally, condensation can form under the cover, especially in warm weather. This moisture can cause mildew and mould. Therefore, it is advisable to occasionally remove the cover from the furniture so it can air out.

Don’t leave cushions under the cover for extended periods to prevent moisture buildup. By following these practical tips, you can ensure that your garden furniture remains well protected and lasts longer.

Protection covers

Check our

Maintenance products

Nature teak protector

Textilene, Twisted Loom and Polywood cleaner

Fabric cleaner

Artwood protector

Fabric protector

Ceramic cleaner and protector

Aluminium cleaner and protector

Aluminium sponge

Looking for the best maintenance products for your outdoor furniture? Scan the QR code or check out our website.

Teak shield

Robuust Teak protector

Teak cleaner

Teak colour grey

Corporate Social Responsibility

SVLK (Standar Verifikasi Legalitas Kayu)

Our teak products from Indonesia have the SVLK/V-legal certificate, the other products have the FSC certificate. With this certificate we comply with the latest regulations since March 2013.

The certificate stands for sustainable forest management and a declaration of legality. Indonesian forest owners and companies in the supply chain must demonstrate that the wood has a legal origin by means of a statement issued. In order to comply with this SVLK/V-legal certificate, all containers are checked on the legal origin of the wood before shipping. The European Wood Regulation prohibits the marketing of illegally harvested wood.

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) is an international organisation committed to conservation and responsible forest management worldwide.

FSC® speaks of responsible forest management when the ecological, social and economic aspects of forest management are taken into account in a balanced way.

Wood and paper products that originate from an FSC®-certified forest can be recognised by the FSC® label. In order to ensure that products carrying this label actually come from a responsibly managed forest, all links in the product’s trading chain must be certified. Only when, for example, a forest manager, paper factory and paper wholesaler can prove that they comply with the FSC® rules can a product be sold as FSC® and may the FSC® logo be placed on it. The certification of these companies is done by independent certifiers.

“We are increasingly aware of the world around us. To offer you the best outdoor furniture for people and planet we use the following certificates:”

BSCI

The Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI) is an initiative of companies committed to improving working conditions in their global supply chain. BSCI offers a common code of conduct and a step-by-step plan for companies that is applicable to all sectors and manufacturing countries.

BSCI offers companies a code of conduct that supports them in their efforts to establish an ethical supply chain. This code of conduct is based on international treaties that protect the rights of workers.

The following key concepts are involved:

• A socially responsible policy

• Freedom of association

• Working hours and overtime

• Non-discrimination

• Prevention of child labour and forced labour

• Special protection for young workers

• Payment of a minimum wage

• Provisions for a safe and healthy workplace

guarantee

Life Outdoor Living has a fair warranty policy on all its products. All our products are made with care and from high quality materials. In addition to our warranty we also have a well-trained after sales team who assist our dealer network to ensure that you can enjoy your Life Outdoor Living purchase for many years to come. We have tried to convey the colours and structures pictured in this brochure as accurately as possible, but slight differences are possible. Ask your contact person for the terms and conditions.

For any inquiries about our products and maintaining them, please get in touch with our Service Department:

+31 (0)165-526760

info@lifeoutdoorliving.com