FAQs

Is it solid wood?

Absolutely. All our furniture is constructed from a hardwood called Kwila. It is regarded as the most durable timber and is ideally suited to the New Zealand climate. It is sourced from strictly managed forest areas in Indonesia under the guidelines of the International Tropical Timber Organization. We only source our timber from reputable New Zealand timber merchants. Since Christmas 2018, we have started to receive FSC timber in a greater range of sizes.

I've been told that Kwila bleeds a brown tannin. Is this true?

When new, Kwila will bleed a dark brown tannin, which may stain tiles or concrete. To avoid this, place the furniture on the lawn for a good period of solidly rainy weather. You can help this along by giving a thorough hosing (including underside) a couple of times a day over a two day period. You will see the tannin drip out tea-coloured at first, then run off clear . If a white cloth shows no mark from the wet timber, and if the dried-off piece of furniture has no ‘tidemarks’ (you will know them when you see them) you are done! There may be a small amount of tannin that will work its way to the surface over time but the sun, rain and wind will deal with this. Dried out, the tannin is like a powder rather than a sap like, say, totara, so don’t be tempted to scrub at it, this will work it into whatever surface you are scrubbing. Tannin that dries out on the covers will come off with a stiff dry brush, but really, the weather will do the job for you. We recommend the King Lear method of outdoor furniture maintenance!

How long should I expect my furniture to last?

From our customer feedback, we would expect you to enjoy your setting for in excess of fifteen years. We know of Clipper products being out in the elements and still being enjoyed after more than 20 years.

What guarantees do you offer?

All our furniture is guaranteed against defects associated with faulty workmanship for 5 years from date of purchase. This warranty does not cover product sold as seconds, misuse or furniture used in commercial or non-residential situations. The fabric we use is Planosol and Sunbrella, woven from acrylic fibre. It is rot and fade resistant, air permeable and water repellent. It has been proven in New Zealand conditions for over 30 years. We guarantee it for 5 years.

Do you deliver?

Of course, we are happy to arrange delivery throughout New Zealand, or you are welcome to arrange your own or pick up from the factory.

I can't seem to find the size I want. Can you do custom sizes?

We can manufacture to customers own specifications, subject to the availability of raw materials and design considerations. Please contact us directly to discuss your requirements.

I've had my furniture out on the deck for a few of years and it has moss and mould growing on it. What can I do about this?

We recommend using “Wet and Forget”; it’s reasonably priced, widely available and makes the job almost effortless. Most minor markings can be cleaned with mild soap and warm water. Please do not use solvents or harsh detergents. Covers respond well to Sunbrella’s recipe: half a bucket of warm water, quarter cup bleach, quarter cup dishwashing detergent. Apply with a scrubbing brush and hose off till the water runs clear. if you have any pure white in your canvas, omit the bleach as this may cause yellowing. If you want to wash your covers, please use COLD WATER and dishwashing detergent. Hot water will shrink acrylic. They are fine in in the washing machine, but do up any cushion cover zips. Dishwashing detergent doesn’t remove any Scotchguard that remains, don’t be tempted to try laundry detergent, this will be the end of your Scotchguard. If an oiled table starts looking black, a scrub over with bucket of warm water and dishwashing detergent using a well-worn green nylon scotchbrite will work wonders. Hose off as you go.

I bought my furniture or umbrella from another maker and it needs repair. Is there anything you can do?

i am sorry but due to pressure of work we can no longer repair non-Clipper furniture or umbrellas

Our situation has changed and I would like to change my existing seat colours. Do you have replacement covers?

Yes, we do. We have the widest range of colours to choose from and can custom make if you require, subject to design considerations.

Eek! My new furniture has come and there are little yellow streaks in the timber!

Good! This proves it’s kwila! This is sulphur, and as kwila is the only tropical hardwood that takes it up, this is one of the tests for whether the timber is kwila, or not. As it is the same soft pale yellow powder you may remember from school chemistry, it will just weather out and disappear. Not every piece of kwila timber has it, it tends to concentrate in the old, dark, heartwood.