Frequently Asked Questions

"Why do you use Rinowood™?"
Rinowood™ (Ipe) is an extraordinary hardwood tree found in abundance throughout Central and South America. It's extremely rot-resistant, exhibits little movement, is free of knots, and won't wear out. Rinowood™ is the densest commercially sold wood in the world.

"Why do the Rinowood™ boards sometimes have darker and lighter colors?"
You'll find a wide variety of color and figure in a random pile of Rinowood™. Rinowood's™ color ranges from olive green to chocolate brown, depending on the species.

"Why do occasional cracks appear on my furniture?"
Rinowood™ is a natural material and as such fine cracks in the end grain of components, e.g. the top of the back leg and arms, may appear and then disappear with changes in the weather and the consequent change in the moisture content of the wood. Such fine cracks are normal, especially in heavier components, and will not affect the life or serviceability of your furniture.

"Should I oil my Rinowood™ furniture?"
Treating your Rinowood™ with an oil is not necessary; it will not extend the life of your furniture; however, it can help minimize natural checking and cracking. If you wish to maintain the 'just bought' look, we suggest using Messmers UV Plus Oil for Hardwoods for superior performance. Ensure the furniture is dry and free of any dust or dirt, and apply one coat of oil with a clean cloth or brush.  Subsequent maintenance may require multiple coats.

"Will the metal fittings on my furniture last as long as the Rinowood™?"
We only use solid brass or marine grade stainless steel hardware on our furniture. Neither of these will rust nor deteriorate with age.

"Does your furniture require assembly?"
Our 'Traditional Series' line of casual furniture, as well as the Princeton Economy Bench will require partial assembly. Expect 20 - 25 minutes per piece. All other products arrive assembled and ready for placement.

"Do I need to store my furniture during the winter?"
No, Rinowood™ furniture can be left outdoors, uncovered, all year round. If you choose to cover your furniture outdoors during the winter, then you should use a material that allows the wood to breathe.

"How often do I need to treat my Rinowood™ products?"
This will ultimately be to the discretion of the owner, and will depend on the amount of exposure to direct sunlight throughout the course of the year.