Care and protection of outdoor wooden furniture made by Riva 1920
Wooden garden furniture brings a touch of elegance and warmth to outdoor spaces, but it requires proper care to keep it beautiful and functional over time. For this reason, Riva 1920 makes its outdoor furniture from Teak and Cedar wood, materials that are durable and require minimal maintenance.
Left untreated, cedar wood will naturally develop a taupe hue when exposed to the elements. Any chips can be removed with the sandpaper included in the maintenance kit. If the furniture is placed outdoors but protected, such as in a conservatory, the original color will remain.
Teak wood, on the other hand, is treated with natural wax, which must be applied to the wooden parts periodically. Teak will also change color over the years if exposed to the elements.
In this guide, we will show you how to keep your wooden patio furniture looking beautiful and flawless.
Care of cedar outdoor furniture
Lebanon Cedar is a living material and as such requires special attention to maintain its natural beauty over time.
Routine cleaning and maintenance
For daily cleaning of cedar outdoor furniture, simply wipe the surface with a dry cotton cloth, avoiding the use of microfiber or wool cloths and detergents. In case of liquid spills, it is necessary to blot immediately with paper towels.
The appearance of mold, resin or stains on the surface of wood is a natural reaction, especially if the furniture has been stored in the shipping crate for a long time.
In case of mold:
- Remove surface mold with the supplied cloth lightly moistened with water.
- Remove mold residue with the 150-grit sandpaper provided in the maintenance kit.
- Finish the affected area with the 400-grit sandpaper.
- Rinse the sanded area with water.
- Allow to dry in a dry, ventilated area.
For resin or stains:
- Remove resin or stains with 150-grit sandpaper.
- Sand the affected area with 400-grit sandpaper.
- Remove dust residue.
Maintenance of teak outdoor furniture
Teak is prized for its durability and natural beauty, but keeping it in optimal condition requires constant care.
Routine cleaning and maintenance
For daily cleaning, lightly moisten a cotton cloth with room temperature water and wipe over the surface of the furniture, following the direction of the wood grain. Avoid using microfiber or wool cloths and do not use detergents. If liquids other than water spill on the furniture, blot immediately with paper towels.
For furniture with resin parts, use a cloth and product specifically designed for cleaning glass.
Wax application on teak furniture
To preserve the beauty of teak wood, it is advisable to apply a protective wax regularly. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure the surface of the furniture is dry, clean and free of dust and grease.
- If you notice any slight fraying, gently sand the surface with the sandpaper provided, following the grain of the wood. Wipe off dust with a clean cloth. If there is no peeling, skip to the next step.
- Shake the can of wax and apply evenly with a cloth, following the grain of the wood.
- Remove excess wax with a dry cotton cloth, again following the grain of the wood.
- Avoid placing objects on the treated surface for at least 8 hours.
If there are persistent chips, scratches, dents or stains, contact the dealer before proceeding with restoration.
For furniture with resin parts, avoid applying wax to the resin, and if you accidentally get wax on the resin, wipe it off with a glass cleaner. If the resin is scratched, contact the dealer.
Maintaining outdoor furniture fabrics
If your outdoor furniture includes cushions or fabrics, follow these tips to keep them in good condition:
- Regular cleaning: brush or vacuum fabrics regularly to remove dust and dirt.
- Washing: follow the specific washing instructions for each fabric. In general, most outdoor fabrics can be machine washed on a gentle cycle in cold water.
- Protect: use specific products to protect fabrics from stains, fading and UV rays.
Riva 1920: the excellence of wood for your outdoor spaces
Riva 1920’s wooden outdoor furniture is made from high quality materials known for their strength and durability. These fine woods require minimal maintenance because their inherent characteristics, such as the presence of natural oils and resins, make them naturally resistant to weather and the elements.
Discover the iconic Cedar of Lebanon Vela table and the entire Riva 1920 collection to furnish your outdoor space with the timeless elegance of solid wood.
Contact us for more information and be inspired by the natural beauty of our products!