Wooden street furniture is a key element for urban planning. Benches, tables, bus shelters, wooden trash cans are essential elements for the comfort of city dwellers. However, wood is a living material and naturally vulnerable to bad weather, UV rays, pollution and external aggressions. It is therefore important to adopt a regular maintenance routine to keep your wooden street furniture in good condition for as long as possible.
The essential steps for maintaining wooden street furniture
The first step To maintain wooden street furniture is to clean it thoroughly. To do this, you must use soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid high-pressure cleaners, which can damage the wood. Then let the wood air dry. If you wish, you can apply a wood treatment product, which will nourish and protect the wood against insects and fungi. Be sure to choose a product that is suitable for outdoor use and environmentally friendly.
The second step consists of regularly checking the condition of your wooden street furniture. It is important to look for cracks, chips, stains, scratches, warping, or any other signs of wear. If you notice a problem, it is essential to respond quickly to prevent the problem from getting worse.
The third step is to sand the wood if necessary. If you notice any chips or scratches in the wood, it’s best to sand them down immediately. To do this, use fine-grained sandpaper following the direction of the wood. This will smooth the wood and prevent splinters from getting bigger. Next, carefully dust the wood with a soft brush.
The fourth step consists of applying a protective oil for wood. This will help protect the wood against external attacks and nourish it deeply. Be sure to choose a quality oil suitable for outdoor use and environmentally friendly. Apply the oil with a soft cloth following the manufacturer’s instructions and allow to air dry.
Mistakes to avoid to extend the life of wooden street furniture
To extend the life of your wooden street furniture, it is essential to avoid certain common mistakes.
First of all, it is important to avoid leaving your wooden street furniture permanently exposed to bad weather and UV rays. If possible, protect it with a tarp or shelter when you are not using it.
Then, it is important not to use abrasive or aggressive products to clean your wooden street furniture. Cleaners based on solvents, acids or alkalis can damage wood and make it more vulnerable to external aggressions.
It is also important not to leave stains or liquids on your wooden street furniture. Stains can penetrate the wood and cause permanent damage. If you spill something on your wooden street furniture, clean it immediately with a soft cloth and soapy water.
Finally, it is important not to expose your wooden street furniture to extreme temperatures. Wood can expand or contract depending on changes in temperature and humidity. If possible, avoid leaving your wooden street furniture exposed to the sun for long periods of time.
How to choose the right wood for your street furniture
The choice of wood for your street furniture is crucial to guarantee its durability and resistance to bad weather and external aggressions. It is important to choose wood suitable for outdoor use, resistant to insects and fungi, and easy to maintain.
Teak, oak, cedar, pine and acacia are woods commonly used for street furniture due to their strength and durability. Teak is considered one of the most weather-resistant woods, while oak is renowned for its strength and longevity. Cedar is a popular choice due to its natural resistance to insects and fungus, while pine is popular for its light weight and ease of maintenance. Acacia is also a popular choice for its weather resistance and durability.
It is important to choose FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood, which guarantees that the wood comes from sustainable and environmentally and socially responsible sources.
The advantages of street furniture made from FSC-certified wood
When choosing wooden street furniture, it is essential to favor FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified materials. This certification guarantees that the wood used comes from forests managed in a sustainable and environmentally and socially responsible manner. Opting for street furniture made from FSC-certified wood has many advantages.
First of all, FSC certified wood comes from sustainably managed forests. This means that trees are harvested responsibly, taking into account the natural regeneration of the forest and avoiding overexploitation. By choosing street furniture made from FSC-certified wood, you contribute to the preservation of forest resources and the protection of biodiversity.
Afterwards, FSC certified wood is also a socially responsible choice. FSC certification guarantees that the rights of forest workers are respected, particularly in terms of working conditions and fair remuneration. By choosing street furniture made from FSC-certified wood, you support ethical and fair practices throughout the supply chain.
Moreover, street furniture made from FSC-certified wood is high quality and durable. The woods used in the manufacture of FSC-certified street furniture are selected for their resistance and longevity. You can therefore be sure that your street furniture made from FSC-certified wood will resist bad weather, UV rays, pollution and external aggressions for many years.
Finally, choosing street furniture made from FSC-certified wood can also have a positive impact on your brand image. More and more consumers are aware of the sustainability and environmental responsibility of companies. By opting for street furniture made from FSC-certified wood, you show your commitment to environmental protection and your concern for social well-being.
