CARE & MAINTENANCE

The holy grail of outdoor furniture manufacturing is finding those mystical materials that neither weather nor fade under the extreme conditions of the great Australian outdoors. At Tait, we will not rest in our quest to find them, but in the meantime, we will keep on using the most premium materials we have at our disposal and tell you how to keep them at their best.

Here at Tait, our purpose is simple. To make beautiful outdoor furniture that’s designed to last – at least – a lifetime. Our craft is combining high-performance materials, robust and durable enough to withstand the diverse Australian elements, with timeless, cutting-edge design in order to elevate the outdoor experience.

Put simply, Tait is where handmade, high-end design meets down-to-earth performance.

Like owning a luxury car, some TLC on your part will keep your Tait pieces ship shape, allowing them to weather and age gracefully over the seasons. The frequency of maintenance will vary depending on your personal standards and requirements as well as the environment in which the products live.

Careless handling, treatment or misuse of our products can result in damage and is not covered under our manufacturer’s warranty. Please refer to the materials and finishes relevant to your product as outlined.

CARE & MAINTENANCE

Stainless steel is the bee’s knees in terms of anti-corrosion, longevity and lower-than-low-maintenance. Here at Tait we use both electro and hand polished stainless steel and looking after it is a piece of cake.

DO:

-Wash your stainless pieces regularly with soapy water and a clean cloth
-If necessary, a Scotch-Brite pad and extra elbow grease will do no harm
-Use a non-abrasive cream cleaner or commercial cleaner for more stubborn marks
-Clean in one direction along the original polish lines

DO NOT:

-Use steel wool or metallic scrapers
-Allow dirt to accumulate

A WORD ON TEA-STAINING
In a salty sea-air environ stainless steel can be prone to “tea-staining” (usually within 5km of the surf) recognisable by surface discolouration caused by a build-up of environmental elements.

Tea-staining is no cause for alarm as it is purely cosmetic and does not affect the structural integrity of the material.  An electro-polished finish will reduce the occurrence of tea staining, but should it occur, it will clean right off with hot soapy water and a bit of elbow grease.

Careless handling, treatment or misuse of our products can result in damage and is not covered under our manufacturer’s warranty.

CARE & MAINTENANCE

Tait use FunderMax exterior high-pressure laminates (HPL) which offer extremely effective durability in outdoor and high-use (commercial) applications. Exceptionally hard-wearing, these products are:

-scratch resistant (not scratch-proof)
-easy to clean-solvent resistant
-extremely weather resistant
-impact resistant
-offer optimal UV light fastness.

COMPACT LAMINATE CONSTRUCTION
If you really want to hear nothing but the clatter of cutlery on crockery at your next dinner party, did you know that compact laminate is constructed with layers of paper, dipped in resin and cured? These layers are then sandwiched between the decorative laminated top and bottom sheets and compressed. A process called polymerisation melds them all together creating a solid-core panel that is an extra tough durable laminate.

CARING FOR YOUR COMPACT LAMINATE

DO:

-Dust with a soft, dry (we prefer microfibre) cloth
-Wipe up spills using a damp (we still prefer microfibre) cloth
-For persistent stains use hot water and household detergent, then remove with clean water or window cleaning agent
-Repeat several times if necessary
-Rub surface dry with an absorbent clean cloth (we prefer paper towel) to prevent streaks or smears

DO NOT:

-Use steel wool, metallic scrapers or strong solvents to clean

Careless handling, treatment or misuse of our products can result in damage and is not covered under our manufacturer’s warranty.

CARE & MAINTENANCE

Wash regularly with warm soapy water and mild detergent using a soft cloth (in mild environments every 6 months). For commercial, industrial or marine environments we recommend monthly maintenance. Always rinse well with water, to remove any remaining detergent.

Avoid steam cleaning, pressure washing, abrasive cleansers, steel brushes/wools and cleaners containing chlorine. Avoid scratching the surface by dry dusting. Never use strong solvents to clean powder coated surfaces. Aggressive solvents such as turpentine, white spirits, thinners, citrus based cleaners, and other aggressive solvents are harmful to the extended life of the powder coated surface. Dull surfaces can be revived using car polish. Do not allow detritus, organic or man-made matter to settle on the product surface. We recommend removing any buildup of mineral deposits leaching from soils and fertilisers, should it occur on Tait’s planters.

Rough treatment of powder-coated furniture can result in chipping of the coated surface; this is not covered under warranty.

Most Tait products come with protective fittings – stacking glides, bumpers, socks/feet and glides. These aid protection against chipping and scratching. Powder coated stacking chairs are designed to be set in place gently.

Touch-up paint may be purchased on request. It is advisable to repair minor nicks and scratches as soon as they appear.

CARE & MAINTENANCE

Relight your fire with Element – A striking, architectural-inspired fire pit constructed of three interlocking blades of cantilevered mild steel. With a blackened, matte finish and a sculptural profile, Element is a new icon set to enhance any outdoor space, even when not in use. As exposed to direct fire, Element will continually mature and its coating weather to give a unique rusted finish. Carefully considered, Element can be easily disassembled and compactly stored.

ENJOYING YOUR FIRE PIT SAFELY
• Keep an eye on children whenever a fire pit is being used. Don’t allow them to get close to the fire pit surface or the blaze.
• Do not leave a lit fire pit unattended.
• Keep a bucket of sand, water or garden hose close-by to deal with wayward sparks, burning embers or flare-ups.
• If a spark or burning ember lands on a timber deck or ground surface, extinguish it immediately as they can damage surfaces.

FIRE PIT PLACEMENT
• Keep fires located at least 3 – 6 meters away from structures and objects. Never operate the fire pit a fully or partially enclosed space, beneath a building overhang or overhanging tree’s. Check with the local council and observe the correct distance required by law.
• For multi-residential dwellings please adhere to fire regulations provided by your body corporate.
• Clear away any debris buildup from the surrounding area. In fire-prone areas, surround the fire pit with non-combustible materials, like crushed stone or brick.
• Ensure the ground is level.
• Only install a fire pit on a fire-resistant, protective surface. We recommend pavers, bricks, sand or a fire pit pad designed to protect surfaces from temperatures as high as 760 C° (1400 F°). The protective heat pad should extend at least 60cm’s beyond the fire pit in all directions. Please note, burning embers can shoot beyond the protective surface and burn the deck or exterior ground surface.
• If installing on an elevated structure (i.e. deck), ensure the weight of the fire pit and protective surface can be supported.

CARE & MAINTENANCE

Carrara marble has been used for centuries in architecture and interior design for sculpture, exteriors, flooring and counter-tops. It is sought the world over for its sensual appeal in both look and feel, its high-performance and low maintenance.

At Tait, we use unsealed and honed Carrara marble and we choose it because it is so darn gorgeous; we just love how the vein and colour intensity varies within and between individual pieces.

But marble has some personality traits that – for some – its good looks can’t make up for and so, before you swipe right on marble, you need to know that it is (a) porous – it can stain and (b) soft – it can scratch and etch.

Superficial scratching and etching can be alarming at first – like a single scratch on a newly polished floor – but over time, with normal use, a beautiful patina will develop all over and the less obvious it will be.
In caring for your marble surface,

DO:

-Clean with warm soapy water, or a wet cloth
-Immediately wash away stains such as red wine, food, oils and drinks
-For stubborn stains use a cream-based cleaner with a soft sponge or cloth

DO NOT:

-Leave any foodstuffs or liquids – especially red wine – on the stone for extended periods as this may penetrate the stone and leave a stain
-Sit or stand on

Staining of this material is not covered under warranty and is considered general wear and tear

Tait Collections offering a marble top option:

-Nano
-Pick ‘N’ Mix

Careless handling, treatment or misuse of our products can result in damage and is not covered under our manufacturer’s warranty.

CARE & MAINTENANCE

Posing the double-threat of being both stylish and practical, porcelain is a low maintenance, durable and reliable surface option.

Being non-porous, porcelain is hygienic, it offers stain, scratch and thermal shock resistance and is suited for use in external environments. Because colour is fired into the tile’s body, the colour will not fade even when exposed to direct sunlight and its colour-sucking UV rays. Is there anything it can’t do we ask?

In caring for your porcelain surface,

DO:

-Regular, basic cleaning with warm water, mild soap and a soft, non-abrasive cloth
-Use gentle, everyday multipurpose spray cleaner
-Immediately wash away stains such as red wine, food, oils and drinks
-For stubborn stains use a gentle, every day, non-abrasive, multipurpose spray cleaner, sugar soap, cream-based house cleaners or bicarbonate soda mixed with warm water
-Always dry your porcelain thoroughly after cleaning

DO NOT:

-Use cleaning products that contain acids, ammonia or other harsh chemicals
-Expose porcelain to permanent inks or dyes
-Use sharp utensils on a porcelain top
-Sit or stand on

While porcelain is resistant to scratches, etches and stains, it is not damage proof. Careless handling, treatment or misuse of our products can result in damage and is not covered under our manufacturer’s warranty.

CARE & MAINTENANCE

As a leading manufacturer of outdoor design built to withstand harsh elements, we take pride in helping you get the most out of your Tait pieces. Much like owning a luxury tailored suit or dress, we recommend some key measures to ensure your fabric upholstery maintains its high-performance and good looks for many years to come.

Tait recommends a select range of premium, high-performance, exterior-grade upholstery options, these fit-for-purpose fabrics have been hand-picked from a number of trusted textile suppliers world-wide. Constructed with the highest quality man-made yarns suited to outdoor extremities, these fabrics are advantageous for their inherent stain-resistance, colour-fast resilience and durable qualities. In addition, many of these fabrics feature advanced technologies in their construction including solution-dyed olefin and acrylic, as well as Trevira CS flame retardance. Tait’s range of selected fabrics have been used extensively and have performed exceptionally across numerous commercial and residential projects worldwide. Due to their ability to perform and cope under demanding pressures this selection of fabrics form Tait’s tried and trusted range.

While individual fabrics will each have their own set of care and maintenance requirements as outlined by the supplier, the following provides general information to assist you in best-care for your upholstered items.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Where upholstery products are continually exposed to the elements (uncovered location), it’s highly recommended to keep upholstered seating protected where possible or to store any seat cushions when not in use. This will lengthen the life of your upholstery.
• When not in use, we recommend storing upholstery in sheltered places and/or covering it with waterproof protection. In this case, it is advisable to remove the cover and ventilate the product regularly to avoid the onset of any stains due to damp.
• When constantly exposed to the elements (including pollutants such as dirt, abradants etc) outdoor fabrics will begin to degrade without care and maintenance. Just as timber and metal materials are affected by weathering, as too are fabrics.
• As with indoor materials, it is also essential that fabrics are vacuumed and cleaned regularly. Detritus; including food, bird or bat excrement, seeds, fruits, flowers from overhanging vegetation, can all have lasting impact on fabrics. We recommend removing these from the fabric surfaces as soon as possible to ensure the fabric looks its best for as long as possible.
• Organic matter specifically contains natural chemicals and acids, these will not only affect textiles, but also other materials including timber, paint and concrete.
• To prolong the life of the product, clean surfaces regularly and dry them with a clean cloth.
• Remove any stagnant water, especially if exposed in locations with a high level of humidity or a marine climate.
• It is always recommended to scrape any stains or spills off the surface of the fabric and carefully spot clean with soapy water. Make sure it is rinsed well with clean water afterwards to remove any remaining soap.
• Many outdoor fibres are so resilient that we even recommend cleaning with diluted bleach solution for very stubborn stains and marks. Please always check care details with the fabric supplier prior to using a bleach solution on the fabric.

DO NOT

• Remove covers or machine-wash any upholstered items, as this may result in fabric shrinkage and foam distortion.
• Store away or cover upholstered items that are damp or wet, as this may result in mould or mildew forming. Ensure upholstery is completely dry before storing or covering.
• Dry clean or steam clean outdoor fabrics.

VOLLEY ROPE
This is a high strength, UV-stable polyester rope. To clean it, use a damp cloth with a solution of warm water and mild soap, then rinse with another damp cloth with water only. Allow to air dry. If the stain is deep or dirt persists, re-wet the rope with soap and water and rub with a soft plastic bristle brush. Rinse and let dry.

CARE & MAINTENANCE

Tait uses Spotted Gum species Corymbia (eucalyptus) Malacuta – a sustainable timber native to Australia – and all products finished with Spotted Gum have been pre-oiled using Deck-Doc Outdoor Furniture Oil. An oiled table will absorb liquids less quickly, keeping it clean for longer. The hotter the climate and the greater the exposure to the sun, the more frequently your timber will need to be oiled.  We recommend a quarterly application in a harsh climate or commercial environment if you wish to maintain the original timber colour.

To retain your furniture’s ex-factory finish and to comply with warranty requirements, please ensure you can provide evidence that care and maintenance has been performed as described below.

Everyday Care + Maintenance

Clean regularly and immediately after use with a damp cloth to prevent fluids from penetrating deep into the wood.
Remove stubborn remains of dirt using a stiff brush and some water.

DO NOT:
-Use a high-pressure cleaner as you will permanently damage the wood fibres.
-Use steel wool, wire brushes or any other abrasive for everyday cleaning.

Every 3 – 6 Months

Surface clean with water and a hand scourer – or scrub with warm soapy water and soft bristle brush – to remove surface dirt and discolouration. Deck Doc Exterior Oil should be applied when the timber is completely dry using a clean rag or oil applicator. Tait recommends refinishing timber in mild weather conditions as extreme heat or cold may affect the application of oil. For further information see the manufacturer’s instructions.

TANNIN
Tannin is a naturally occurring substance in timber and will leach the first few times it is exposed to water. It will stain timber decking and paved areas that are light in colour. Objects left on the timber surface will also draw tannin out, creating surface marks. Removal of tannin stains will require the use of a soap solution or a deck/paving cleaner. Tannin stains will also fade when exposed to UV light. Tannin staining is not covered by the Tait warranty.

Careless handling, treatment or misuse of our products can result in damage and is not covered under our manufacturer’s warranty.

CARE & MAINTENANCE

Tait select premium Accoya Timber and Smoked Oak engineered timbers that provide superior rot-resistance, defy the elements and stay strong for decades and are manufactured using clean technologies and sustainably sourced.

Accoya® Timber is modified by acetylation. Acetylation is a non-toxic process in which radiata pine is soaked in an organic compound related to vinegar, making the wood more resistant to moisture, insects, and rot.

Smoked Oak is thermally modified timber. Thermally modified timber is heated using a totally ‘green’ chemical-free process to permanently change its properties. Essentially, the timber stops absorbing water and becomes a stable, durable product that resists shrinkage, swelling, decay, rot, mould and insect attack.

Tait’s Accoya® and Smoked Oak timber products are coated with the Teknos® water-based Coating System which has been specially formulated for use on high-performance timbers and further assists in protecting the timber from mould, fungus and green algae.

The Teknos® Coating System includes a factory-applied, water-based primer which provides an initial layer of weatherproof protection. The timber is then finished with a water-based topcoat which is available in either a natural/clear finish or a range of translucent tinted colours.

The Teknos® Coating System provides the best level of trans-seasonal UV and moisture protection for your outdoor furniture short of an actual cover.

To comply with warranty requirements, cleaning and maintenance of timbers are obligatory. Please ensure you can prove that care and maintenance has been performed as described below.

Every 3 – 6 months
Depending on finish and exposure, inspect the coated timber for signs of colour loss, dryness and weathering. Re-coat the timber when it begins to show signs of dryness, this helps to maintain its natural beauty and to protect the surface.

To restore the original appearance of timber, only the water-based topcoat needs reapplication following these steps:

–  Wash the timber with warm soapy water to remove any dirt and debris

–  When timber is thoroughly dry finish with two coats of topcoat – either opaque or translucent using a brush intended for acrylic-based paint products.

DO NOT sand the timber

Every 6 – 12 months
Surface clean the wooden elements of your outdoor furniture pieces at least twice a year. Wash the surfaces thoroughly with clean water to remove dust, grime and insects. A build-up of dust and grime can lead to the increased growth of green algae and other surface fouling.

Careless handling, treatment or misuse of our products can result in damage and is not covered under our manufacturer’s warranty.

CARE & MAINTENANCE

Aside from its immediately obvious visual and tactile appeal, Glass Reinforced Concrete is highly durable, strong and lightweight, versatile and environmentally friendly.

Put simply, Glass Reinforced Concrete (GRC) offers twice the strength of regular cast concrete at around half the thickness and weight (roughly speaking) meaning that, in more ways than one, it treads far more lightly on the earth than the heavier alternative.

To clean GRC, Tait recommends using warm soapy water and a scrubbing brush.

Tait do not recommend cleaning any GRC with high-pressure water.

It is important to ensure that the footing upon which the GRC modules rest is level. Should leveraging stresses occur where the substrate is not level (or becomes un-level), warranty may be voided.

Careless handling, treatment or misuse of our products can result in damage and is not covered under our manufacturer’s warranty.

CARE & MAINTENANCE

Like Superman’s suit, hot-dip galvanising a mild (mannered) steel frame not only looks the business, it provides an extra layer of protection from corrosion. We offer a galvanised finish on some of our steel products specified for use in extreme environmental conditions, or for those seeking an industrial vibe.

For the technically inclined and detail-oriented, here are some fun facts about a galvanised steel finish:

-It has a protective zinc coating which gives a sacrificial layer that inhibits corrosion of the base metal
-Tait uses the hot-dip galvanizing method whereby each piece is submerged in a bath of molten hot zinc
-It is very low-maintenance
-It’s the Real McCoy of industrial finishes and so surface irregularities, such as small bumps and surface coarseness will be apparent but is all part of the appeal
-It is bright silver when new and will gently dull over time. But don’t we all…

We offer a hot-dip galvanised finish on the following collections:
-Jak & Jil, Flint Collection , Kink Collection, Stripe Stool

No specific maintenance is required; however, we recommend washing your galvanised products with water and a soft brush every six months to remove dirt and debris build-up.

Careless handling, treatment or misuse of our products can result in damage and is not covered under our manufacturer’s warranty.