A popular and versatile wood for making garden furniture is Arctic Pine. This wood, which grows in the far north of Sweden, is slow growing, and thus trees which have matured for 80 to 100 years provide wood which is incredibly dense and long lasting. Because of the naturally occurring protective oils, it makes excellent garden furniture.

Most Arctic pine which is used for Garden Furniture is certified by the FSC as being from well managed plantations. The Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) is a global organization of companies and other stakeholders that have worked assiduously to draw up principles to protect forests worldwide. These ensure that forests are protected financially, socially and, more importantly, environmentally. This ensures biodiversity and protects the forest from destruction. By taking careful consideration of the rights of the forestry workers and the indigenous populations, people are protected by the FSC too. The more FSC products are sold, then the more members FSC will gain and, ultimately, the more forests can be protected.

The Arctic Pine goes through several stages of treatment prior to leaving production: Stage 1 – In the first stage the wood is treated with a protective oil containing biocides. This is intended to protect the wood from fungal attack and to neutralize the wood in preparation for stage two. The protective oil used is water-based Stage 2 – In stage two a transparent glaze is applied, which adheres well, thanks to the neutralizing effect of stage one. The glaze consists of a pigment, binder and a substance that protects against fungal attack. The glaze is also entirely water-based. Stage 3 – In stage three a top coat that contains fungicides is added, to protect the surface from atmospheric attack and to prevent penetration of the wood. It also provides ultraviolet protection to preserve the colour of the wood. The top coat is again entirely water-based, for the sake of the environment.

As wood can be affected by affected by the conditions of the environment, it is important that you look after your furniture properly. In this way, it will last for many years. a) Clean the table and chairs or bench often using a mild liquid soap or detergent to deter fungi from marking the pine with dark blotches b) Resin may seep from the wood in strong sunlight. To remove this, gently cut the resin away using a sharp blade. Acetone can be used to remove any residual resin. The furniture will then need treated again with a water-based wood preserver which matches the shade of the original. c) Minor marks can be removed with a wet sponge. d) The furniture should be stored in a cool dry place over the winter. If it is to be left outside, then be sure to use a premium quality weather cover. e) At the start of the season, treat your furniture with a wood protector and ensure that any screws are tightened.

Arctic Pine is both aesthetic and strong and should last for many years if it is well looked after. Your garden furniture will last between 10 and 15 years if protected and looked after properly. Putting an Arctic Pine Duo conversation seat or a swing seat in your garden, will give your garden a face lift – and give you a well earned seat from which to appreciate the fruits of your labour!

Chief wood buyer from Garden Furniture Scotland will tell you all you need to know about making your Scandinavian Pine furniture last longer. Follow this simple advice and products such as this Swing Seat will last for many many years.

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