Cleaning: The First Step to Long Life
A gentle clean once or twice a year keeps your furniture looking sharp and prevents grime from settling into the grain. Use warm water with a mild detergent or turpentine, and scrub lightly with a soft brush. If you prefer a specialist product, CUTEK® Quickclean lifts dirt, grease and garden residue with very little effort.
Oiling & Staining: Protecting Timber From NZ Weather
Macrocarpa and treated pine both benefit from a saturating oil that replenishes lost moisture and stabilises the grain. When the colour begins to fade or water stops beading on the surface, it’s time for a fresh coat.
CUTEK® CD50 is our preferred oil. CUTEK® penetrates deeply. Lighter tones allow natural weathering, darker tones give stronger UV protection.
Seasonal Care: A Simple Annual Routine
New furniture needs very little attention, but older timber appreciates a seasonal refresh. Autumn is an ideal time to clean and re‑oil your furniture before winter arrives. This helps the timber stay strong through cold, wet months and ensures it looks its best when spring returns.
If you’d prefer not to do the work yourself, Peter & Son offers a repair and maintenance service for returning customers — cleaning, oiling, replacing damaged boards, and restoring heavily weathered pieces.
Extra Protection: Covers, Placement and Good Habits
A heavy‑duty waterproof cover is a smart investment, especially in regions with long wet spells. Covering your furniture when not in use shields it from rain, frost and UV, preserving both strength and appearance.
Placement matters too. A spot with partial sun is ideal — enough warmth to help the timber dry, but not so much direct exposure that the surface overheats or dries too quickly. Shade slows down colour fade; sunlight helps timber age gracefully. A balance of both is perfect.
Letting Timber Age Naturally
Macrocarpa and treated pine both develop a soft, silvered patina when left untreated. Many people love this natural look — it blends beautifully with gardens, coastal homes and rural landscapes. If you prefer to keep the original colour, regular oiling will slow the ageing process. If you enjoy the silvering, simply clean the furniture occasionally and let nature do the rest.
The Peter & Son Approach
We build furniture to last — thicker timber, stronger fixings, stainless steel hardware, and designs that balance comfort with durability. Smooth surfaces, rounded edges and well‑proportioned forms make our pieces easy to live with, season after season.
And when your furniture eventually needs a refresh, we’re here to help. Good timber deserves good care, and with a simple routine, your outdoor furniture will remain a relaxing, reliable part of your home for many years.