IPE
MACHICHE
ELECTRO-POLISHED STAINLESS STEEL
POWEDERCOATED STEEL
MARINE GRADE POLYBOARD
NATURAL FIBER COMPOSITE TOPS
FABRICS

One of the highest points of distinction that we make is the materials that we use.  All pieces are FSC, ITTO, IBAMMA certified Ipe – a beautiful Brazilian hardwood that is three times as hard as Teak, Electro-polished Stainless Steel or Powdercoated Steel, a high density polyboard, and a natural Composite Resin Infused Paper based product.

IPE: Ipe is is a South American hardwood sometimes called Brazilian Walnut, Ironwood, Pao Lope, and is easily one of the most beautiful, natural, and densest wood wood products available today.

Due to prolonged exposure to the sun and other weather conditions, all types of wood gradually lose some of their density.  This makes it absolutely necessary that your outdoor furniture be made of the densest wood available; and when it comes to density, Ipe has no superior.  Ipe is naturally resistant to rot, insects, UV exposure, ice, salt, abrasion, and splintering, all without the need for toxic protective chemicals.  Ipe is also Class A fire rated-the same as concrete and steel.  In fact, Ipe is so dense that it is 3.5 times as hard as Teak.  Outdoor products made from Ipe can last three times longer than those made, from other woods, including Redwood, Cedar, and Teak.  Ipe is in fact, the wood used for the Diner Key Marina in Miami, and the Atlantic City Boardwalk.

Natural checking (small fissures along the grain) may appear in the Ipe, but it does not affect the strength of structure of the material.  Ipe requires no sealers, treatments, or chemical preservatives to keep it durable and beautiful, and if left un-oiled, Ipe will gradually age to a lustrous silver-gray patina.  Hardwood oil has been applied to all of our Ipe products to highlight the rich reddish-brown natural tones inherent in the wood.

To help prolong this look, oil should be applied when the wood begins to appear dull – once a quarter should be sufficient in  mild climates – more often in harsher environments, and after rain or cleaning.  Even with periodic oiling, it should be noted that the wood will silver-gray patina over time.  If this silver-gray patina is desired more quickly, simply do not apply oil and the wood will become lighter over time.  As Ipe is a natural product, slight variations in the color of each piece may occur, but this adds to the ultimate beauty of the completed product.  We recommend a thorough bi-annual cleaning with only warm, soapy water to remove dirt and environmental buildup, – re-oil after each cleaning.

In addition, we are an environmentally conscious organization, and therefore use only certified Ipe.  For example, the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) sets the standards for well-managed forests worldwide.  They are an independent, non-profit, international organization.  Their goal is to encourage better forest management that balances environmental, economic, and social interests.  If required for a particular project, we will use only FSC certified product, and will provide all relevant documentation.

MACHICHE: We also carry a collection of Machiche  (also called Caribbean Cherry ). Machiche  is one of the best wood choices for outdoor furnishings and similar in all facets to Ipe.  Machiche is stronger than Teak, weathers to a silvery gray, and is highly resistant to wear and marring. The Machiche line offers versatility with a seven position chair, fold up deck chairs, round folding table, and a six to eight person butterfly fly leaf table.

The Machiche line is not quite as modern as our Ipe line and is priced at an affordable rate similar to standard teak or redwood furniture.

ELECTRO-POLISHED STAINLESS STEEL:  Stainless Steel is at its best, both aesthetically and functionally, when it has been Electro-polished.  Electro-polished stainless steel has a lustrous finish and remains unblemished under outdoor conditions of exposure that would quickly tarnish, corrode, or rust most other metals.  Electro-polishing of Stainless Steel is commonly used in the marine, medical, and aerospace industries because the process cleans, soothes, polishes, and deburrs the product surface.  This leads to improved levels of hygiene and cleanability.  In addition to these reasons we use this because of its ultimate benefit for our customers: corrosion resistance, resistance to contamination and bacteria growth, micro smoothness, and improved appearance.

Even with Electro-polishing we recommend cleaning of the stainless steel frames on at least a monthly basis to remove any environmental deposits on the material that may lead to damage to the frame over time- in coastal environments it should be done weekly.  Cleaning should be done using only fresh water or a mild soap/water solution.  Stainless Steel cleaner is also an appropriate cleaner – this can be found in aerosols cans and even in “wipes” forms at most hardware, home improvement, and larger drug stores.

Do not use abrasive cleaning products or industrial strength water pressure machines.  For increased protection in coastal environments as well as less maintenance, we also offer powdercoating of our stainless steel frames.  If you use choose this option it will be provided at free of charge and your Stainless Steel will be powdercoated.

POWEDERCOATED STEEL: This option comes at pricing that is more affordable than Stainless Steel, but with the exact same designs and is warranted for a full year.  There are three stock color choices: Silver, White, and Gun Metal Gray.  We can even do any color option possible for you if the quantity warranties the up charge.  The steel we use has been treated to withstand outdoor application – it has been sandblasted, phosphated, primed, powdercoated, and finish coated.  As this is not a refined structural steel there may be slight imperfections in the steel, such as small pits and wrinkles, but they are slight in appearance.  In addition, powdercoated steel is not appropriate for use in coast environments – if you are within 3 miles of the salt air you should use stainless steel.  The frames of your furniture will gleam for years to come with simple regular maintenance (soapy water cleaning with a non-abrasive towel).  Do not use abrasive cleaners.

MARINE GRADE POLYBOARD: Available on selected lines.  For clients that want a look other than wood and want to have a virtually maintenance free product, this is the perfect option.

Available in six colors, this product is easily kept clean with warm soapy water.  The color options also allow for diversity within clients designs – especially when used in conjunction with the powdercoated steel frames which are also available in a variety of colors.  It is a UV stabilized high density material that is non-corrosive, non-conductive, and chip resistant.  Warm soapy water is all you need to clean this material.

NATURAL FIBER COMPOSITE TOPS: This material is produced from product harvested from sustainable forests.  This product is easy and relatively carefree to maintain. Soap and water, or a non-ammonia type household cleaner, is recommended for normal routine maintenance.  Countertop Magic is also a brand name cleaner that works quite well.  A sealant such as Bulletproof or Miracle Sealant 511 Porous Plus will transparently protect the surface and uphold its original matte finish.  If a polished look is desired, hardwood oil, mineral oil, camphor tung oil, linseed oil, and wax oil are all suitable products to use to achieve this look.  Do not use any harsh abrasives on the surface.

FABRICS: We offer five standard colors for the cushions for our furniture.  In addition we will work with COM materials as well as offer a complete palette of custom fabrics choices for client design needs.  Our fabric is 100% solution dyed acrylic.  The material is treated for outdoor uses in a manner to provide resistance to the natural buildup of dirt, oil, and water, repellency, and dimensional stability.  To keep the fabric in good condition, remove dust, periodically with a soft brush or vacuum cleaner, wash with clean water no hotter than 86 degrees F. when dirt is persistent, use a common dry cleaning product for grease stains – never use any other chemical product and of course, move your cushions indoors during inclement weather conditions.