Can BevsChairs be left outside all the time?
Yes… but there may be some consequences as there are many variables that need to be considered when answering this question. Has the wood aged or is it fairly new wood? How much tannin and oils does the eucalyptus (Saligna Eucalyptus) contain? What protective layer has been put in place to contain these oils and tannins to prevent leeching? What is the consequence should leeching occur?
When constructing the individual components that make up BevsChairs, Bev would first cut, drill, sand and prepare each of the up to 26 individual components that make up a chair. If the wood was fairly new, she would lightly scrub these wooden components with Cabots New Timber Prep product, that removes any excess tannins or chemical. She would then briefly neutralize each component with Cabots Deck Clean. This tends to open the fibres so that the oil is more likely to be absorbed rather than just lie on the surface. She then applied Cabots Aquadeck oil (waterbased) using a cloth to lessen wastage. The components were then left to dry before assembly. If you are concerned about staining your deck or pavers or concrete, then it is strongly advised for the chairs to be further prepped by yourself. You could let your chairs age in an area for up to 6 weeks where any leeching that occurs is inconsequential. Then recoat with Cabots Aquadeck or an oil of your choice. Or to speed up the process, by repeating it once more: a wood cleaner to chemically remove the excess tannin and oils, then a Wood Clean to open the fibres, then recoat with 2 coats of the oil of your choice be it a water based or oil based one. Bev cannot warranty the possibility that the natural tannin and oils that are contained in her eucalypus wood will not leech in rain, especially heavy rain. Bev does encourage you to continue to look after the timber by oiling the Saligna Eucalyptus wood to ensure that it lasts over time to prevent the timber drying out and starting to split. Note that Bev treats and/or oils all of her products except for the Classic Kiwi/Event chair as this tends to be stored when not in use.
How often should I oil the wood?
That depends on how long you leave the chairs outside, exposed to strong sun and alternating rain. If continuing to use the Cabots Aquadeck, if the chairs are left outdoors all year round then oil all the exposed wood surfaces at least once a year. If you bring them outside only in summer, then they may need oiling every two years. If you only bring them out when you use them, then it maybe as long as oiling them every 3 to 5 years. Basically, keep an eye on the wood. You don’t want it to dry out so much that it starts to split. Any wood will do this. If switching to another type of oil, follow the guidelines of the brand.
What oil should I use?
Before assembly, Bev had already soaked all the separate components in Cabot’s Aquadeck oil (Amber) available from such outlets as Bunnings Warehouse. “This allowed natural oils to penetrate and nourish timber, then created a durable acrylic barrier for a beautiful natural finish – Cabot’s Website”. You may wish to continue with this product or the Cabot’s Garden Furniture Oil (Natural) or you may wish to use another type of oil. If remaining with Cabots, ensure that any dirt or grime is gently scrubbed off first. This is a water-based oil so is easy to re-apply to any exposed wood with a brush or cloth. Leave to dry 2 hours before applying a second coat. Of course you can apply oil-based furniture oils…. but Bev chooses water based oils because it is so much quicker and easier but still gives a great finish but keeps the cost of the chair down.
What if I want to oil under the fabric sling or replace that sling?
It is easier to oil the whole chair with the sling removed. To do this, use an alum key to loosen screws either side and totally undo the screws that hold the sling slung braces. Remove the sling. Use a brush or cloth to apply the oil then wipe any excess off with a cloth. Carefully line up the screws before tightening. Do not over-tighten as this could split the wood.
Sometimes the Saligna wood sort of feels rough. Can I do anything about that?
It is normal for the surface fibres of the Saligna wood to rise slightly if left in the rain for extended periods. A light sand and re-oil will give a smooth finish again if this annoys you. Bev concentrates on smoothing the arm rests and the cross bar under the the crease of the knees as these two parts of the chair are often touching bare skin. Use 80 or 100 grit to get the desired smoothness.
What if my screw holes are getting worn with time and the screw no longer seems to fully tighten?
You can pack the screw hole with a couple of tooth picks or a matchstick and then tighten the screw…. this will again lock it in.
What does the logo BSP stamped on BevsChairs stand for?
When Bev started the business, she used the first letter of her and her husband’s name, “B”, then the first letter of her surname “S” and and then the first letter of her husband’s surname “P”. They loved the combined symbol it produced. Then they tried to think of a name that suited the product and the acronym. To start with they called the business Back Shed Productions but then found that someone already had that as a Company name, so then they thought Better Sitting Products was another option. Finally, they realised that the formal name BevsChairs was the best name for the business but BSP still remains the symbolic stamp.
How do I clean the PVC Polyester slings/fabric?
PVC Polyester (Shadecloth) slings are easy to clean. Firstly rinse off any loose dirt with clean cold or warm water. Further dirt on the sling can be easily removed by applying a mixture of warm water and detergent with a soft bristled brush, sponge or cloth. Rinse again and leave to dry first if intending to fold and store the furniture.
How do I clean the Planosol acrylic canvas fabric?
Firstly just give it a low pressure hose down. The new Planosol has a special protective coating so the dirt will just run off. Otherwise brush any loose dirt off. Soak using a mild natural soap in luke-warm water. Rinse several times to remove the soap. Ensure the fabric is dry before either storing or folding the furniture.
How strong is the thread used for the Planosol canvas
Bev uses local Sailmaker thread to sew her slings- a life-long guaranteed thread and doubles the stitching line for the sling areas that hold the weight. Bev figures that if the stitching can hold yacht sails going around Cape Horn in a storm, then this thread will easily hold a human’s weight. In fact, the thread will outlive the fabric.
Who designed the “rocking” aspect of this chair?
The rocking aspect of this chair appears to have been around since at least the 1930s. Early Portuguese vintage folding chairs are shown to have the similar 4-points-of-pivot that create the unique tilting/rocking aspect of BevsChairs. In fact Bev has been approached by local NZ craftsmen who boasted that they made these exact types of chairs in the 1970s but with less modern hardware that allows now for the neat dove tailing of braces into side rails.
I have a very new deck, and while I love the rocking aspect of my chair, the feet of the chair makes scratch marks on the deck, especially if heavier people have been using them. Is there anything I can do about this?
Thanks to a wonderful customer from Warkworth, a solution to this, is to add a set of wooden wheels to the back legs…. that way the functionality of the rocking is not compromised; the front legs remain stationery while the back legs move smoothly back and forth as the user tilts their chair during use.