Outdoor collection
Ethnicraft’s Outdoor collection is designed to adapt well to a range of environmental conditions. Each material is carefully selected and crafted to ensure durability, elegance, and low maintenance.
general care - outdoor items
Use placemats to prevent incidental marks on all outdoor furniture surfaces. Any spills should be removed immediately with a damp cloth and natural soap. Do not use soap containing detergent or other chemicals.
For regular wiping of all outdoor hard surfaces, use a dry cloth or soft brush for dusting off crumbs and leaves — do not rub. For more thorough cleaning, use natural soap and warm water. For teak items, always wipe in the direction of the grain.
Ensure solutions used to clean paving, patios or terraces do not come into contact with the furniture. Some wood species contain tannin, which causes the wood to react with metal and leave permanent stains. Avoid close exposure to heating sources.
To prevent warping, before using a sofa with 5 or 6 legs, always adapt the adjustable glides of the middle legs to the ground surface. For stability, middle legs need to be slightly shorter.
All outdoor items are equipped with glides to prevent scratches on ground surfaces, as well as water absorption from the ground or terrace. Always lift furniture when moving, do not drag it.
By following these care instructions, your Ethnicraft outdoor furniture will remain functional and beautiful for years to come.
Below is specific care instructions based on material type:
natural and reclaimed teak
The high density of teak wood means it is an excellent choice for outdoor use. As the furniture adapts to its environment, it is normal for some cracking and movement to occur.
Our natural teak range comes without any finish or protective treatment. Over time, untreated furniture will grey with prolonged sun and rain exposure. This colour change is completely natural and purely superficial – it does not impact the strength or quality of the timber.
Preventive treatment
Prior to first use, it is recommended to rinse the natural teak Outdoor furniture thoroughly with a garden hose before first use. Do not use a pressure washer, and make sure garden chairs are not placed under the garden table while rinsing.
To protect against stains and green deposits, and slow the grey patina process of natural teak, you can use a teak protector such as the Ethnicraft Outdoor Teak Protector. Ensure the teak is completely dry with any dust removed before applying and follow the directions on the label of the bottle. Allow 24 hours of dry time before exposing the item to moisture.
Regular care
Teak is rich in natural oils, particularly during the first months of outdoor use. Exposure to rain and humidity can cause these oils to rise to the surface and transfer onto surrounding materials such as cushions, textiles or porous flooring surfaces. This is a natural characteristic of teak and may occur intermittently as the wood adapts to its environment.
We recommend removing cushions after use and avoiding prolonged contact between new teak furniture and absorbent surfaces until the material has naturally stabilised over time. Any transferred residue can typically be cleaned using natural soap and water.
While no additional preventative treatment is required on any Ethnicraft Outdoor teak product, you can choose to apply a specialised teak cleaning product such as Ethnicraft Outdoor Teak Cleaner to remove any dirt buildup from items. It is recommended to clean outdoor items regularly with a specialised cleaner or with natural soap as listed in the general care section.
Use placemats to prevent incidental marks. Wipe any spills immediately with a damp cloth and natural soap. Do not use soap containing acids, chemicals or detergent.
For regular wiping use a dry cloth or soft brush for dusting off crumbs and leaves — do not rub. For more thorough cleaning, use natural soap and warm water. Always wipe in the direction of the grain.
To remove stubborn stains or superficial scratches to natural teak surfaces, extra fine sandpaper can be gently used. Always sand in the direction of the wood grain.
varnished teak black
Our black teak range is brushed and varnished with the colour taint applied. This finish has been specifically developed to withstand natural elements such as severe high and low temperatures and UV light, as well as moisture and humidity.
As with all outdoor finishes exposed to the elements, the appearance of black teak will naturally evolve over time. Exposure to sunlight, rain, humidity and temperature fluctuations may lead to signs of ageing such as fading, peeling or flaking of the finish. This is a normal part of the material's outdoor lifecycle and does not affect the structural integrity or performance of the product.
To maintain the appearance of the finish, periodic maintenance or refinishing may be required over time. If visible signs of wear occur, contact your local dealer for guidance on suitable touch-up or maintenance solutions.
Use placemats to prevent incidental marks. Wipe any spills immediately with a damp cloth and natural soap. Do not use soap containing acids, chemicals or detergent.
For regular wiping use a dry cloth or soft brush for dusting off crumbs and leaves — do not rub. For more thorough cleaning, use natural soap and warm water. Always wipe in the direction of the grain. You can choose to clean black teak items using Ethnicraft Teak Cleaner. In this case, when following the directions on the label of the bottle, use a soft cloth with the cleaner instead of the supplied green pads.
concrete
Ethnicraft’s concrete range is hand-finished, making each piece unique. The concrete used in our products is sealed to provide optimal protection against spills, scratches, and water absorption, but its natural, porous composition means some care is required:
Subtle variations in colour and texture are inherent to the casting and finishing processes and highlight the material’s natural aesthetic.
Over time, exposure to the external elements may lead to fading, mottling, and small, non-structural hairline cracks. These are natural and do not affect the structural integrity of the item.
Preventive treatment
To protect against stains and preserve the original appearance of concrete items, you can use a protector such as the Ethnicraft Outdoor Concrete & Stone Protector. Ensure the surface is completely dry with any dust removed before applying and follow the directions on the label of the bottle. Allow 24 hours of dry time before exposing the item to external elements.
Regular care
While no additional preventative treatment is required on any Ethnicraft Outdoor concrete product, you can choose to apply a specialised cleaning product such as Ethnicraft Outdoor Concrete & Stone Cleaner to remove any dirt buildup from items. It is recommended to clean outdoor items regularly with a specialised cleaner or with natural soap as listed in the general care section.
Use placemats to prevent incidental marks. Wipe any spills immediately with a damp cloth and natural soap. Do not use soap containing acids, chemicals or detergent.
For regular wiping use a dry cloth or soft brush for dusting off crumbs and leaves — do not rub. For more thorough cleaning, use natural soap and warm water.
Avoid placing acidic substances, such as citrus or vinegar, directly on the surface, as they can damage the sealant.
aluminium
Our aluminium is powder coated offering a great lightweight, low maintenance, resistant and durable furniture option for the outdoors.
Powder coated specific for the high UV of outdoor environments, aluminium is a great lightweight and low-maintenance material. For aluminium surfaces:
Wipe dry to avoid streaks or traces of limescale and avoid letting water rest in retention areas such as joints. Avoid using clothes containing dye as the colour may transfer.
Do not use steel wool, harsh brushes, pressure washers, mineral acid, bleach or chlorine cleaners on aluminium surfaces.
Wipe away bird droppings to avoid the risk of corrosion or marks due to the high acidity.
Use Ethnicraft Outdoor Aluminium Cleaner and Protector products for best results when caring for your outdoor aluminium items. These products are specifically formulated for our collection and help maintain their appearance and longevity.
outdoor fabrics, cord & upholstery
Ethnicraft Outdoor fabrics and woven cord are all-weather, UV resistant, hypoallergenic and maintenance-friendly.
The fabrics used in our outdoor cushions are 100% polypropylene, which is not only highly durable and mould-resistant, but also anti-bacterial and safe for use near chlorinated pool water. These textiles resist fading, moisture, and mildew. For best results, rinse with fresh water after poolside use and allow cushions to fully dry before storing.
Clean using clear water and natural soap. For optimal care, Ethnicraft offers Indoor-Outdoor Textile Cleaner and Protector products, specially formulated to preserve the appearance and extend the lifespan of our upholstery, cord, and textiles, including those in our Outdoor collection. Avoid using pressure washers on any textile surfaces.
The naturally occurring oils in teak may transfer onto cushions or textiles, particularly during the first months of outdoor use. This is a natural characteristic of the material and may occur intermittently over time. To clean stains, use a damp white cloth, natural soap and clear water to minimise discolouration.
Removable covers are machine washable up to 30 °C/86 °F.
Do not use any chemical products not designed for polyester on any outdoor upholstery, cord, or fabric. Always follow the directions on the attached washing label.
To prevent dirt deposits on woven cord or braided finishes, lightly brush or gently vacuum regularly to remove any dust build up. For spot-cleaning, we suggest using a spray bottle to dampen the area with a mild soap solution, then gently blot with a soft cloth, working inwards from the outside of the stain – do not rub vigorously. Oil-based stains can be removed with an acetone solution before rinsing thoroughly with the mild soap solution and clear water. Ensure excess moisture is removed before allowing to air dry in the shade.
All cushions are inserted with a long-lasting, all-weather quick-dry foam. This dries quickly after exposure to moisture and humidity, which can penetrate even a water-repellent outer shell over time. All sit cushions are equipped with an anti-slip fabric on the bottom to ensure cushions remain in the correct position.
rain covers
To keep Ethnicraft Outdoor furniture in optimal condition, fit a rain cover during seasons where it is not in use or during periods of bad weather. Custom-made to fit your Ethnicraft outdoor furniture, the rain covers are UV protective and provide excellent protection against water, wind and frost. The fastenings are crafted to hold securely even during high winds.
Ensure the furniture is thoroughly clean and dry before applying the cover protection. For long periods of time, it is recommended that, if possible, any soft furnishings, cushions, etc., should be removed and stored indoors. Ensure any dirt or leaves have been dusted off surfaces to reduce the chance of mould growth.
Remove the cover regularly in order to let the furniture and upholstery breath, as any residue can cause mould. For tabletop covers, we advise to place a tennis ball or similar object between the cover and the table surface for ventilation.
Rain covers are machine washable up to 30 °C/86 °F and fold down easily for storing. Air dry only, ensure cover is completely dry before storing. For ongoing care, clean any debris off the cover regularly with a cloth, brush or hose.
