Hardwood
100% Hardwood (FSC seal of approval)
High-standard seat rests require high-standard wood with high density. Hardwood is therefore especially suitable for seat rests – because of its stability, processing properties, availability, natural appearance and above all because of its isolating effect.
We only use 100% high standard hardwood from FSC-certified distributors*) from controlled forest management.
For high-standard building projects the hardwoods of tropical origin have nearly replaced local wood sorts such as larch and pine. The reason for this development is mainly the lower maintenance effort and the longer durableness.
Compared to other wood hardwood is more resistant against environmental damage like UV radiation and dampness. If installed correctly the wood is resistant against pest infestation and fungi.
The FSC seal of approval guarantees a responsible and ecological forest management
*) The abbreviation FSC is the short form for Forest Stewardship Council. This seal of approval was first used in 1993. It is granted by an international non-profit organization that was founded to preserve forests and to provide fair working conditions. The main goal is to achieve a forest management based on principles of global responsibility and ecological viability.
Strict criteria were set up to fight against the uncontrolled deforestation, the violation of human rights and the damage to the environment. The FSC has set up ten obligatory principles and more than 50 criteria for good forst management. For more information turn to FSC-seal of approval.
Oiling helps against wood turning grey
It is a natural process that the wooden surface turns grey. That includes photochemical, physical und biological processes. The lignin which is like a glue for the cell compound is washed out of the wood.
Without treatment every hardwood turns grey within a few months and takes on a typically greyish look. When oiled this process can be slowed down. The operating life in our moderate climate, which lasts for more than 30 years, depending on the sort of wood, however, is not affected by oiling.
A bench made from hardwood with its silver-grey patina, which evolves after a few months.
Physical Dimensions / Sizes
Lumber, the pre-product for the fabrication of seat rests, is practically available in all sizes. For practical and technical reasons, however, two standard sizes have proven to be advantageous, which we therefore have in stock: 65 x 65 mm² (0.21 x 0.21 ft²) and 130 x 65 mm² (0.43 x 0.21 ft²).
Of course other sizes are still available.
Seat Rest, cross section 65 x 65 mm² (0.21 x 0.21 ft²)
Seat Rest, cross section 130 x 65 mm² (0.43 x 0.21 ft²)
Which tree and which wood is meant by "100% hardwood"?
100% hardwood is a collective term for all wood which is best quality, extremely hard and particularly weather-proof. This wood normally comes from tropical origin.
The hardwood we use and deliver is distinctive regarding the following criteria:
- particularly weather-proof
- high wood density and, therefore, extremely stable in general and in regard to wear and tear
- little danger of crack initiation (we only work with kiln-dried wood)
- very few embeddings due to branches
Hardwood is formally defined as a collective term for all sorts of wood with a gross density of 0.55 g/cm³ (based on dried condition). Well-known representatives for European hardwood are e.g. beech, oak and ash trees.
The actual type of tree chosen depends on the availability of the raw material.
At the moment we often use a sort of wood called “Meranti” (other names: “Seraya” or “Balau”). In order to be deliverable we always have a certain amount of raw material in stock.
Even 100% hardwood of tropical origin is not perfect
Wood is and stays a natural product. The irregularities regarding texture, color and structure are what makes wood what it is: a natural and heartwarming material.
The label 100% hardwood of tropical origin masks the best and most suitable wood sorts for seat rests that are available. Nontheless the material is not flueless. There can still be
- embeddings due to branches
- differences in color
- cracks
- thickened resin
- worm holes
As modern street furniture is usually not designed with a look of matured timber, worm holes are unwanted although they can still turn up:
Example: worm holes in 100% hardwood of tropical origin
Is oak an appropriate material for seat rests?
Many architects and constructors want to use wood of European origin. Often they ask for German oak. We advise against doing so for the following reasons:
- Danger of long and deep cracks which may even make the seat rest unusable
- Due to the high ratio of tannic acid the oak is extremely sensitive towards the contact with iron particles. The surface can partly turn black-grey.
- The oak boards loose color during the first years which leads to color stains on the ground and the near surroundings.
Tender Templates
“100% hardwood (FSC seal of approval), quality category 1, few embeddings due to branches, kiln-dried with residual moisture below 20%. Surface area planed and sanded on all sides, all edges chamfered 3 x 45°. Surface sliqutly oiled.”