Thursday, April 7, 2011

An introduction of Arctic Pine Garden Furniture

By Jodie Duff


Arctic Pine is an excellent wood for making garden furniture which will withstand the rigors of the UK Climate. This dense and long lasting wood is taken from trees grown in the Arctic Circle, in the far north of Sweden, which have been allowed to grow for 80 to 100 years before harvesting. This wood is high in naturally protective substances and this makes it excellent for use in garden furniture.

Most Arctic pine which is used for Garden Furniture is certified by the FSC as being from well managed plantations. The Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) is a global organization of companies and other stakeholders that have worked assiduously to draw up principles to protect forests worldwide. These ensure that forests are protected financially, socially and, more importantly, environmentally. This ensures biodiversity and protects the forest from destruction. By taking careful consideration of the rights of the forestry workers and the indigenous populations, people are protected by the FSC too. The more FSC products are sold, then the more members FSC will gain and, ultimately, the more forests can be protected.

There are a number of steps which must be taken to protect the Arctic Pine during manufactured into garden furniture. Firstly, the wood is treated with a biocide, designed to protect against fungal attack. This also neutralises the wood in preparation for the second stage in the process. In the second stage, a translucent glaze is applied. This product, which is water-based, consists of a colour, a fixative and a fixative. In the third stage, a further fungicide is added, to ensure the total protection of the product against atmospheric attack. This also preserves the colour of the wood. All products used in these processes are environmentally sound.

As wood can be affected by affected by the conditions of the environment, it is important that you look after your furniture properly. In this way, it will last for many years. a) Clean the table and chairs or bench often using a mild liquid soap or detergent to deter fungi from marking the pine with dark blotches b) Resin may seep from the wood in strong sunlight. To remove this, gently cut the resin away using a sharp blade. Acetone can be used to remove any residual resin. The furniture will then need treated again with a water-based wood preserver which matches the shade of the original. c) Minor marks can be removed with a wet sponge. d) The furniture should be stored in a cool dry place over the winter. If it is to be left outside, then be sure to use a premium quality weather cover. e) At the start of the season, treat your furniture with a wood protector and ensure that any screws are tightened.

Arctic Pine is both aesthetic and strong and should last for many years if it is well looked after. Your garden furniture will last between 10 and 15 years if protected and looked after properly. Putting an Arctic Pine Duo conversation seat or a swing seat in your garden, will give your garden a face lift - and give you a well earned seat from which to appreciate the fruits of your labour!




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