Materials & care instructions

Wood

We respect the origins, character, and grace of the natural woods we choose in designing quality furniture for you to decorate your homes. Our artisanal craftsmen bring a skill and dedication to the fine art of woodworking that you will continue to appreciate over time.

Our raw material and factory sources share our commitment to only using natural woods that are responsibly sourced or are alien species. We constantly explore how we can use replenishable plants such as bamboo, in our furniture designs. We use wood veneers to reduce cost while still providing the grain and beauty of rare and unusual woods.

Solid Woods

Ash – a lightweight but durable, hardwearing wood, with a light natural color and a naturally beautiful grain pattern. This wood is malleable, and the elasticity allows it to be manipulated easily to create gorgeous lines and shapes.

Bamboo – a harder and more durable material than most hardwoods. Very versatile and works well with other modern substrates like glass, aluminum, or steel. Clean smooth grain and finish.

Beech – a light grain pattern, which makes it ideal for stained and painted finishes. It is a durable medium hardwood.

Hevea or Rubberwood – plantation grown hard wood that is strong and normally used with stained or painted finishes.

Oak – a very durable hardwood with light natural color and an active silvery grain. This active grain adds desirable character to a piece of furniture.

Pine – a medium weight relatively soft wood with good strength and elasticity. Ideal for painted finishes and offers good value.

Poplar – a strong versatile wood with a blondish coloring and a straight uniform grain. It is ideal for painted furniture.

Engineered Wood & Veneers

Manufactured woods and veneers provide a thoughtful economy of natural resources and an appreciable economy of costs, not to mention new opportunities for creative design. They are practical and when combined with natural solid wood it adds value and depth to the range, not to mention unbelievable design features and interest.

MDF – medium density fiberboard is extremely durable and is widely used as a substitute for real timber. It is made by compressing wood fibers, resin, and wax under high pressure to form panel boards. It can be sprayed with a lacquer finish in any color.

Plywood – a structured material made of layers of wood glued together, usually with grains of adjoining layers at right angles to each other. Our common grain preference is Birchwood.

Veneer – an overlay of a hardwood grain to finish or decorate a surface and then applied to engineered woods or substrate materials.

Wood Finishes

After the final construction of the piece of furniture or décor we carefully choose the most appropriate finish. The finish not only brings out the natural grain and character of a solid wood or veneered product but also protects it from daily spills and/or natural elements like moisture, heat, and light. Paint finishes not only provide a pleasing aesthetic, but they also protect the piece and add durability.

Bleaching – a method of lightening and naturally aging the wood.

Lacquer – a clear, hard, durable finish that is heat-resistant and strong.

Oil – a clear natural finish that protects the wood and brings out the natural character of the color and grain.

Polyurethane – a clear synthetic coating sprayed onto material to protect and seal the look of the natural wood and acts as a topcoat to protect and preserve.

Stain – a natural or synthetic chemical – water; oil or spirit based, used to color, and highlight wood grain.

Water-based coating – an eco-friendly topcoat that looks to protect the look of natural wood.

Wax – a renewable finish added to wood to protect and enhance its natural appearance and it can be added to bare or stained wood.

Joinery

As wood is a living, natural material, joinery is important, and it allows for movement due to expansion and contraction with changes in climate and humidity. Whilst joinery’s priority is to join two pieces of wood, it is a craft that can add value and beauty to modern furniture. We like to show off our furniture’s joins and the techniques that are used are sometimes clearly visible.

Butt – a basic joint by butting one piece of wood up to another and then reinforcing with a dowel stick.

Dado – a joint formed by inserting the end of once board into the cut side of another. Usually used for attaching back paneling and the bottom of drawers.

Dovetail – a decorative joint formed by interlocking wedges of two plains of wood that meet at right angles. This joint may be beautifully exposed on drawer front corners or the top of cabinets and dressing tables.

Finger – as above but using small finger cut outs. Used for chairs.

Miter – a precise 45-degree angle joint used to conceal end grain. Used on tabletops and frames most commonly.

Mortise & tenon – the protruding sawn edge of the tenon board is inserted into the matching open routed opening of the mortise board. No nails or screws used. Used to join table and chair legs to cross pieces. We expose the beauty of this precise joint.

Wood is a natural product that expands and contracts due to the humidity and temperature of the environment. Natural movement in solid wood products is normal and some cracks might naturally appear with time as timber ages. The wood may contain irregular qualities, such as natural markings, burrs, or slight discolorations. These are natural characteristics and may be present in wood and do not constitute manufacturing defects.  We only use responsibly sourced wood and can provide full transparency on materials and construction processes.

Wood Care Instructions

The care of wood furniture and décor varies according to the wood type, finish, and function of the piece. Wood is a natural material and is susceptible to external elements. Avoid placing your furniture in highly humid or very dry areas. Direct sunlight may lighten or darken your furniture and may result in cracks appearing, if not properly maintained.

• Dust with a soft, dry cloth and remove any dirt with a damp cloth
• Dry immediately after using a damp cloth to wipe the surface
• Dry any spills immediately, note that prolonged moisture exposure can lead to white stains
• Do not use harsh chemical products or abrasives on any wood finish
• Always use coasters or trivets to prevent heat or condensation from direct contact with wood surfaces
• Use felt pads on bottom of décor or objects that are placed directly onto wood surfaces
• Some types of materials, like rubber, might react with the wood finish and stain product
• Wax and oil finishes may be renewed regularly by rubbing on wax or oil with a lint free cloth and then removing excess with a soft, dry, clean cloth

Composite Stone & Concrete Finishes

Concrete or concrete finishes & Terrazzo’s are less porous than natural stone and are more consistent in look. These materials are susceptible to oils, and stains and marking will occur if care is not taken.

Stone Care Instructions

• Wipe off liquids immediately
• Do not leave any oily products on the stone
• Do not rub, scratch, or scour
• Always use a soft cloth when wiping items
• Wipe with a mild, PH balanced detergent only if necessary
• To avoid streak marks, always make sure to wipe residue detergent off the stone surface

Metals

Our collection of products includes quality metal work in timeless contemporary designs and executions. Adding value to our wood product or as exclusive standalone pieces.

Construction

We design most of our pieces with mild steel that is welded or cast. Neatness of welding and precise joining is important to us.

Aluminum – a durable light weight material that is malleable and easily shaped. Does not rust.

Casting steel – using heat to form metals into shapes.

Hand forging – shaping metal by using heat and hammering techniques.

Hot rolled steel – can be created in different thicknesses. Treated to prevent rust.

Tubular steel – can be round or square tubing of different thicknesses.

Finishes

The finishes that apply to the metal work enhance the look and protect against rust and oxidation.

Oil – natural look of steel, must be reapplied, but adds depth and protects from rust.

Oxidation – a rust finish that is achieved with the use of chemicals, then sealed to prevent further changes.

Polyurethane – a clear synthetic coating sprayed, or brushed, on to seal and protect the natural metal or it serves as a topcoat to another finish.

Powder coated – extremely durable electrostatic finish that is achieved by coating metal with electrically charged paint powder that is baked and fused to the metal surface. Giving it a smooth, even, and durable finish.

Waxed / Raw Steel

This item has a light wax sealant applied to its surface to enhance and maintain it natural steel look. Raw waxed steel is susceptible to rust and scratching if not maintained regularly. Raw or waxed steel will rust if left outside. Please note that steel attracts heat and will heat up if left in the sun. Rust will occur if liquids are left on the steel.

Waxed / Raw Steel Care Instructions

• Wipe off spills immediately
• Do not rub, scratch, or scour with abrasive cloth or sponge
• Wax biannually with a colorless wax sealant
• Dust regularly

Powder Coated Steel

A dry powder is electrostatically applied to a metal part or parts. This coating is a lot stronger than paint coatings. Coating can chip and scratch if not handled with care. Please note that rusting can occur in damaged or chipped areas, when exposed to high humidity and moisture, especially at the coast.

Powder Coated Steel Care Instructions

• Dust regularly
• Wipe with a damp cloth
• Do not rub, scratch, or scour, or use any abrasive cloth or sponge
• Mild detergents can be used on powder coated item

Leather / leather trim

We use leather in its natural state and therefore it will not be perfect, or the same from one batch to the next.

For this reason, dye lots may vary, and color variations may occur due to multiple hides required to make up the product. Marks, tick bite scars, scratches, stretch marks, brand marks and scuff marks are characteristics of full grain leather and are not defects.

Leather Care Instructions 

• Always clean spills immediately, on all leather items
• Vacuum or dust frequently with a clean, dry cloth
• If leather is soiled, it can be wiped with a soft, damp cloth using a lather of any mild soap with lukewarm water
• Do not spot clean leather; clean the entire surface