EKJU Garden Furniture Care & Maintenance Guide

Thank you for choosing EKJU! Our wooden garden furniture is treated with a water-based, environmentally friendly hydroil that highlights the natural beauty and texture of the wood while providing good protection against outdoor weather.

Because wood is a natural living material, natural features like small knots and minor color variations are expected and part of its unique charm. Follow this guide to keep your furniture looking beautiful season after season.


1. Regular Cleaning & Spot Care

  • Stable and Level Surface: To help extend the life of your furniture, place it on a stable, level surface. Prolonged contact with standing water or wet grass can accelerate the ageing of the wood.
  • Routine Cleaning: Wash your furniture regularly with warm water, a pH-neutral mild detergent, and a stiff non-metal brush. Regular cleaning prevents dirt buildup that can lead to mould growth.
  • Preventing Mould: Surface mould is caused by microorganisms growing in damp conditions; it is not in itself damage to the wood. Regular cleaning and good ventilation help prevent mould from forming.
  • Stubborn Dirt: For tougher grime, use sugar soap or a dedicated wood cleaning solution.
  • Avoid Pressure Washers: Do not use a pressure washer, as the high water pressure can strip or damage the wood surface and protective finish.
  • Check Screws Annually: Tighten all screws and fittings once a year to ensure safety and stability.


2. Seasonal & Annual Maintenance

  • Refreshing Colour (Every 2–5 Years): If the colour begins to fade after a few seasons, give the furniture a light sanding with fine sandpaper after cleaning and drying, then apply a water-based pigment glaze or outdoor wood oil. Pay extra attention to horizontal surfaces, table tops, armrests, and areas near damp soil, as these are most exposed to rain and sun.
  • Avoid solid covering paint: Do not coat our outdoor garden furniture with solid covering paint. Wood is a natural material that responds to changes in moisture and temperature. Small gaps, slight warping or fine surface cracks may develop as the seasons change, and this movement can cause paint to peel. Use the wood glazes or oils recommended in this guide for maintenance.
  • Where to Buy: You can purchase suitable water-based wood treatments directly at www.amatamoments.com or ask for recommendations at your local DIY store.


3. Natural Wood Characteristics to Keep in Mind

  • Pine Knots & Sun Exposure: For white-glazed furniture, yellow or brown marks may naturally appear around knots when exposed to sunlight. This is a completely natural reaction of pine wood.
  • Handling Resin Oozing: In hot weather (temperatures above 35°C), natural wood resin may ooze out around knots:
    • Fresh Resin: Gently wipe off using a soft cloth dampened with a little pure ethanol/rubbing alcohol.
    • Dried/Crystallized Resin: Carefully scrape it off without scratching the protective finish.


4. Winter Storage & Protection

  • Ventilated Cover: During the winter months, store your furniture in a well-ventilated covered space or storage to prolong its life.
  • Avoid Heated Rooms: Do not store furniture in heated spaces such as boiler rooms, as rapid drying and heat can cause the wood to crack and warp.
  • Avoid Airtight Covers: Do not wrap furniture in completely airtight material, as trapped condensation will cause dark stains or mould growth.

 

5. Repairability & Spare Parts

  • Repair Before Replacing: Our wooden furniture is made to be maintained and repaired so that its useful life can be extended. If a part becomes damaged, broken, or worn out, check whether the individual component can be repaired or replaced before replacing the whole item.
  • Spare Parts: Replacement parts for EKJU furniture can be purchased. Please contact us through ekju.com with your product details and the part you need so we can help identify a suitable replacement.
  • Safe Repairs: After replacing a part, make sure all screws, fittings, and joints are correctly installed and securely tightened before using the furniture again.


6. End-of-Life: Wood Recycling & Energy Recovery

  • Reuse First: Before disposal, consider repairing, reusing, donating, or repurposing the furniture whenever it is safe and practical to do so.
  • Separate Materials: Where possible, remove metal screws, fittings, and other non-wood components and sort them according to your local recycling rules.
  • Wood Recycling: At the end of its useful life, the wooden parts may be accepted for wood recycling at an appropriate local collection or recycling facility. Acceptance rules vary, so check the requirements of your local waste service.
  • Energy Recovery: If recycling is not available, suitable waste wood may be used for energy recovery at an authorised facility, in accordance with local waste regulations. Do not burn treated or coated furniture wood in a household fireplace, stove, or open fire.