Do I have to wait a month to paint or spray the unfinished natural furniture with a wood finish or protector?
No. Our furniture is made from lumber that has been completely dried before cutting into any furniture parts.
We do not recommend painting the dark unfinished natural furniture, as the lumber has been pressure treated using environmentally-friendly CA (copper azole) preservatives. You will risk getting unfavorable finish results within one to two weeks, such spots and streaking.
For our painted furniture, we use environmentally-friendly MCQ (micro copper quaternary) preservatives in the pressure treating process, which is suitable for painted finishes, completely different treating agents than CA. After curing & dried, furniture parts are cut, each is carefully hand-sanded to ensure a perfectly smooth finish. In finishing every chair and accessory, we use a nationally known premium quality paint by “Duckback” fully backed by Sherwin-Williams. Duckback coatings are engineered specifically for the use on pressure treated wood to endure the harsh outdoor environments including harmful ultraviolet rays. And rain? Well let’s just say that Duckback sheds it like water off a duck’s back.
Note: The term “salt treated” wood is a term used years back however, today’s correct terminology refers to this as “pressure treated” wood.
Can unfinished chairs remain natural, or do they require maintenance?
Your furniture will remain structurally sound for many years to come. For Pressure treated Natural (CA), a thorough annual cleaning using a bleach & water solution is an option, unless you like it the way it is. Over time, your furniture will turn into a beautiful patina silvery gray. An application of a clear or semi-transparent color tinted oil-based wood protector such as Cabot’s or Sherwin-Williams “DucksBack” will help prolong the life of your furniture.
What causes outdoor pressure-treated wood to crack? What is “checking”?
“Checking” is a term used in the lumber industry to describe the natural cracking that may appear in outdoor pressure treated pine. It is normal and expected, but will not adversely effect the structural integrity of your furniture. This can be substantially minimized by using clear wood protectors, easily applied by spray or brush.
What if I want a color I do not see?
If you are ordering 12 or more chairs, we have the ability to color-match for your particular setting if you provide the manufacturer’s name and color number. There is a minimal charge of $40.00 per color. Please add up to 3 additional weeks to receive your order, as your colors will be blended at the Sherwin-Williams industrial facility.
How thick is the wood you use?
Classic Adirondack Chairs / Rockers: 3/4″ stock except for the arms, back legs, and the back support which is from 1″ stock.
Tete-a tete: 3/4″ stock except for the arms, back legs, and the back support which is from 1″ stock.
Balcony / Pub Chairs: 3/4″ stock except for the arms, front & back legs, footrest supports, and the back support which is from 1″ stock.
Accent Side Table & Footrest: All with full 3/4” stock.
How difficult is assembly?
Unfinished Natural – Ships FedEx Ground* Chairs, Rockers, and Swings are shipped knock down (KD), which are partially assembled. Re-assembly is easy, taking about 15-20 minutes. We also include easy-to-follow assembly instructions. Accent Table, and Footrests are shipped fully assembled. *Tete-a-tete (Original Double Seater) ships 100% assembled and the Balcony/Pub (Double Seater) ships 95% assembled (Requires back insertion and tighten 8 screws both shipping motor freight only.
Note: If multiple pieces are ordered, such as 8 or more chairs, they typically will ship motor freight fully assembled, which is more cost effective. Furniture with Painted Finishes ships fully assembled-no assembly required, and ships motor freight only. Exception: Footrest and Accent Tables can ship via ground. Shipping Furniture Fully Assembled “Options” via Motor Freight are Available.
What kind of hardware do you use?
Our Standard: We use only the highest quality weather-resistant hardware to assemble our furniture. Bolts, Nuts, & Washers are “genuine” hot dipped galvanized and very weather-proof, especially suitable in salty coastal climates. Standard are torx head coated deck screws. Nails are stainless steel for CA unfinished furniture and galvanize for MCQ treated furniture. (Don’t be fooled by impostors using “shiny” silver or “gold” colored hardware and calling it galvanized,It is not).
Commercial Series – Bolts, Nuts,& Washers are “genuine” hot dipped galvanized. Standard are torx head coated deck screws. No Nails in this series…. they are tough! Whatever your climate, we have you covered. You can be assured that all components of your Weathercraft® Outdoor Furniture will last for years of enjoyment. Optional: Take it to the next level….we have Stainless Steel Hardware Options.