The timber used is IROKO – a strong and stable timber with a very high natural durability against rot and insect attack.
The timber is grown in West Africa and is purchased from an importer who ensures that the timber is only sourced from legally felled, responsibly managed forests. The countries are actively seeking FSC certification.
One important characteristic of the timber is the interlinked grain – this means that even in thin sections the timber is very strong; it is almost impossible to cleave the timber. Iroko frequently contains silicaceous (stony) deposits which will appear more noticeable as the bench weathers - this is a characteristic of the timber and not a fault.
In service, the weathering process will lead to cracks appearing, particularly on the end grain – this is normal and does not affect its strength or durability. All timber reacts in this way and it is particularly obvious in hot and dry conditions.
The very attractive colouration of freshly machined IROKO is impossible to keep if the furniture is kept outdoors. Please be aware that Iroko can vary in colour from a light yellow to dark brown even in the same piece of timber.
The bench can be left with the timber in its natural state and allowed to “silver” – all treatments are for cosmetic purposes only.
Most councils and many other authorities insist on benches being left untreated.
We recommend that if you are unable or unwilling to continue with the treatment then it is better to take delivery of the bench in it's natural state and allow the bench to silver naturally and evenly.
Washing the bench with soapy water or (careful) use of a pressure washer will keep the furniture clean and reduce the growth of algae.
The main advantage of “treating” the bench is that the timber is sealed and this reduces the rate at which the timber loses and absorbs moisture during the summer and winter. This reduces the surface cracking that will occur, particularly in the end grain sections.
We are offering a treatment service using a water based product (Alfresco Iroko Protector)- we have tested this product (and many others) and to date have found it to give a good performance. See www.alfrescoprotector.co.uk for more info.
This treatment has the advantage of maintaining the "as bought" appearance of the bench for longer than is achieved with an oiled finish.
However, please be aware that the bench may need a new coat to be applied after some months - the sun has a strong bleaching action. We thus strongly recommend that if you specify the bench to be treated with the "Iroko Protector" that you purchase a container of the treatment at the same time as taking delivery of the bench, in order to retreat yourself; with all finishes it is better to retreat early rather than later. This finish is not generally available.
Whilst it is not difficult to apply it must be done quickly and carefully to avoid drips and splashes which will show through subsequent coats - it is recommended that we apply the initial finish ourselves as we have the experience and facility and surface preparation is very important – please see data sheet (in Downloads section) for more information.
Whilst we take great care when we apply the finish we can give no guarantee of durability - if you are not likely to be able to maintain the finish it is best to leave the bench in it's natural state.
