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Materials and maintenance

Alle Produkte von OutdoorDesign werden aus robusten Materialien gefertigt, die sowohl wetterfest als auch vandalismussicher sind. Außerdem sind die Materialien äußerst pflegeleicht.

Below, we have prepared a detailed description of the materials used.

Hot-galvanized Steel
OutdoorDesign uses steel that is hot-galvanized in accordance with Danish standards and environmental requirements; DS/EN ISO 1461. Galvanization ensures the user gets a product with a long service life and minimal maintenance.
The galvanized coating requires no special maintenance although cleaning in case of aggressive soiling will prolong the service life of the product.
Typically, in case of minor damages, the zinc layer repairs itself whereas Ø+7mm damages should be assessed in cooperation with an expert.

Powder Lacquering
OutdoorDesign also uses powder lacquering to add an extra finish and to further protect the steel although steel in itself is a highly durable material with minimal maintenance requirements. You combine the excellent rustproofing properties of zinc and gives the steel a nice colored color. With a combination of hot-dip galvanizing (galvanization) and coating, you utilize the best of both products and ensure a long service life.
OutdoorDesign does not compromise on quality and we polish as well as lightly sandblast our products to ensure the best possible foundation for coating on zinc. Light sandblasting of zinc surfaces removes corrosion products and contaminants which ensures proper adhesion.
Powder lacquering is environmentally friendly and does not contain volatile additives.
Clean powder lacquered products with a cloth or a soft brush. You could use a pH neutral abrasion-free and solvent-free detergent. We recommend cleaning your products every 3 to 12 months depending on the environment and the surroundings.

Stainless Steel
OutdoorDesign uses type EN DIN 1.4301 (AISI 304) stainless steel which is designed for both indoor and outdoor use. In areas less than 500 meters from the sea and in urban areas where the winter season salt spreading volume can be significant, we recommend using type EN DIN 1.4404 (AISI 316 L) steel.
Prevent contact between iron and steel components. If it happens anyway, clean the product immediately. In case of patches of rust, use a sponge designed for use on stainless steel to remove them. Use a cloth to apply a thing layer of steel oil if possible.
We recommend cleaning your products every 3 to 12 months depending on the environment.

Corten Steel
As Corten steel, or weathering steel, has a rusty surface, it is basically maintenance-free. Corten steel contains copper, chromium, nickel, and phosphorus which form a layer of rust that serves as a barrier against the effects of oxygen, moisture, and chemicals. In this way, the rust layer protects the steel against further corrosion.
Over time, the color of Corten steel changes from light rusty red to a darker reddish brown.
Under good conditions, the service life is 50 years or more. If Corten steel touches soil such as planter boxes, raised beds, or fire pits, its service life is 5-7 years per millimeter steel.

New Corten steel products will shed rust that falls off in flakes or rains off which could stain the base. In order to minimize staining, we recommend placing your Cortel steel product outdoors for several months before moving it to its final location.
Use a stiff broom or brush to clean Corten steel products. In relation to maintenance, prevent pools of water from forming in depressions or joints on the product.

Screws / Bolts
All bolts and screws are made from grade A2 stainless steel.
They require no maintenance except for re-tightening as needed.

Wood – Generally
OutdoorDesign has carefully assessed the pros and cons of various species of wood. Based on articles, advice from experts, and our own experience, we have decided to use pressure-treated pine, Douglas fir, larch wood, and SIPO mahogany.
Other wood species will be available on request.

Pine Wood – Unusually Long Life and Minimal Maintenance
Pine wood is impregnated with product, with added anti-fungal and anti-mold agents. OutdoorDesign has decided to use pressure-treated pine wood based on properties such as minimal maintenance, longevity, and high resistance to wind and weather.

Today's pressure-treated wood is completely different and far more environmentally friendly compared to 15 years ago. Today, the unfortunate side-effects have been minimized and new and more environmentally friendly agents have been developed, also with a long service life.

Although pressure-treated pine wood is known for its longevity, we still recommend applying wood preservative to minimize scratches and shrinkage cracks.

Larch Wood:
Larch wood is a natural and long-lasting solution with a high heartwood / resin content.
Larch wood needs oiling on a regular basis to prevent discoloration and mold. Use a product designed for larch wood such as TRÆ-NOLIN 35 wood oil (wood preservative) from TRÆ-NORD.
As larch wood is exposed to the elements, shrinkage cracks will appear in the form of small cracks in the surface which could turn into bigger cracks.
Larch wood has the ability to ”sweat” due to its high content of resin which also protects the wood.

Douglas Fir – Preferred by Many
Douglas fir, or red pine, has a presentable look and is used for visible elements.

Douglas fir has all the good properties of spruce and pine which makes it highly dimensionally stable during conversion. Shrinkage is minimal and max. 1mm per 2.5cm. The core of Douglas fir gets a nice pink color and, same as larch wood, its sapwood is natural white.

The advantage of Douglas fir is its highly uniform look. And unlike larch wood, its resin ducts are not very prominent and Douglas fir does not ”sweat”. The grain of Douglas fir is relatively short which ensures a somewhat limited bending effect and generally very straight and strong wood.

Douglas fir needs oiling on a regular basis to minimize shrinkage cracks which could expand into larger cracks.

Sipo and Sapele Mahogany – The Exclusive ”Mahogany”
At OutdoorDesign, we use Sipo and Sapele mahogany which is known for being extremely dimensionally stable.
Sipo and Sapele mahogany represents the best and most expensive qualities within hardwood (next to teak which is subject to an import ban.)

The boards for our picnic tables and outdoor benches have a thickness of 33mm and are made from boules (raw wood) using woodworking machinery.

Sipo and Sapele mahogany is famous for being a hard wood species with a high natural oil content which makes it a good choice for Scandinavian weather conditions.
Due to its hardness and durability, Sipo and Sapele mahogany is used for a variety of purposes including outdoor furniture and sailboats. This wood species is particularly suitable for outdoor furniture due to its inherent high oil and salt contents which make its very resistant to weather, wind, rot, and dry rot.

Sipo and Sapele mahogany is a noble wood species with a warm glow which gives the products a beautiful and exclusive look.
OutdoorDesign uses FSC wood with a service life of up to 25 years.

Generally, all wood species require subsequent treatment to ensure prolonged durability / resistance. Wood care will promote glow and grain texture as well as reduce the natural formation of cracks and inhibit mold and algae attacks.
A good rule of thumb is that wood is not saturated until water turns into beads on its surface.

All wood species should be wiped with a cloth moistened with wood oil - if the surface is dry. In case of soiled, neglected, grey and dull looking, or mildewy wood, wash the benches with a wood cleaning solution and then apply wood oil.

Recycled Plastic – Maintenance-free Recycled Plastic Planks
OutdoorDesign uses environmentally friendly recycled plastic which is maintenance-free and extremely durable.

Recycled plastic comes in various colors including black, brown, grey, and green. This is a rustic, solid colored, and massive material which makes scratches and cuts invisible.

OutdoorDesign uses plastic planks made from 100% recycled plastic waste.
Pure recycled plastic is more dimensionally stable than composite products such as 'textile and plastic' or 'plastic and wood' (composite.)
Pure recycled plastic also has a nicer finish / surface structure.

The strong durable construction, weather resistance, and acid resistance of recycled plastic ensure an incredibly long service life. At the end of its service life, this material can be reused in the natural cycle.

Not only are the planks maintenance-free and have a long service life, they are also resistant to both high and low temperatures as they do not absorb water or moisture. Direct sunlight will not degrade them and they remain unaffected by algae. These planks are also stronger then regular composite and they tolerate pressure washing which makes it easy to remove dirt and debris.

Recycled plastic used in connection with benches, posts, sleepers, and planks are gaining ground due to the increasing interest in service life and especially in reducing the operating costs of schools, housing associations, cities etc.

Some of the more pronounced advantages of making bollards, sandboxes, outdoor benches etc. from recycled plastic are that the products will not rot and they are splinter-free.

At OutdoorDesign, we always use recycled plastic with environmental certification.