Kwila Facts

What is Kwila and why is it used in outdoor furniture?
Kwila is a tropical timber which naturally grows in various regions throughout the South East Pacific rim, such as Northern Queensland, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands and Fiji. JandaRelax has selected Kwila as the hardwood to be used to manufacture its outdoor range because of it many suitable properties:
Stability and natural resistance to splitting
All furniture can remain permanently outdoors in all climates
Natural oil in Kwila makes it extremely durable
Minimal shrinkage
Withstand extremes weather conditions, and
Kwila has a "Rating 1" Australian Department of Primary Industries rating, which is the highest standard of suitability for timber used in outdoor furniture.
How durable is Kwila furniture and can it be permanently left outdoors?
Kwila is extremely durable. In fact, due to the hardness of the wood, it is difficult to manufacture without specialized machinery. The rich, natural oil in Kwila is the main feature of this timber, which makes it more durable than other timbers commonly used for outdoor furniture. It has minimal shrinkage and can withstand extremes of climate, even saltwater. Combined with high quality construction standards and stainless steel or brass fittings, results in a quality finished product, suitably designed for Australian outdoor living.
Does Kwila have any other uses?
For many decades Kwila hardwood has had a variety of uses including;
boat building
flooring
decking
marine jetties, and
staircases.
Does the Kwila leach or bleed?
Kwila is a very oily timber, one of the reasons that it is successfully used in the manufacturing of outdoor furniture. The sap is the oil that occurs naturally (also known as Tannin), deep in the timber, which uniquely protects the timber from splitting and cracking. However, the furniture leaches when first exposed to rain, heavy dew and other moisture. The oil comes from excess sap, which can be easily flushed away through hosing the furniture. This will avoid any staining of concrete and unsealed tiles. A Kwila de-bleeder is available from JandaRelax.
How do I wash down the timber to stop it from staining?
If you choose to wash down your Kwila by hosing, it may take several hours before the Tannin will bleed or leach out of the furniture. In some instances, the use of a sprinkler to wash down the product may be more appropriate. Additionally, there is a range of suitable "Kwila Wash" products available that act as a detergent and speed up the washing process and allow you to conserve water.
How often do I need to oil the furniture?
By regularly oiling your outdoor furniture, you will maintain the original colour of the furniture. However, even without regular additional oiling only end checking of the timber will occur, no matter how exposed the furniture is to weather conditions. Sunlight will cause the colour to gradually fade and if left un-oiled, Kwila will weather to a light sliver-grey colour. Once the product is dry after washing, it is also recommended that a light application of oil is applied to the timber.
What type of oil should I use on Kwila products?
JandaRelax recommends the use of good quality decking oil, which can be wiped over with a lint free cloth, maintaining the colour and grain of the timber. As well, JandaRelax uses "Penetrol" on all display stock. However, any deck or wooden outdoor furniture oil with a UV stabliser and anti fungal additive will be suitable. A JandaRelax care kit is available for purchase.
What about rain and saltwater?
Kwila is resistant to them. As the tannin in the product acts as a natural preservative it has minimal shrinkage and can withstand extreme climate conditions. Even rain and saltwater will not deteriorate the timber.
Does Kwila need any special cleaning or maintenance?
Once you have thoroughly washed the product, it will only require regular oiling to maintain its original appearance. The climate conditions of your region will determine how often you oil the furniture. Besides that, Kwila is virtually maintenance free. A JandaRelax care kit is available for purchase.
How environmentally friendly is kwila?
All JandaRelax Kwila timber is supplied under the guidelines of the International Tropical Timber Organisation [ITTO]. JandaRelax suppliers in these countries comply with the Sustainable Management of Tropical Forests, as set down by the International Tropical Timber Council in Yokohama in December 1991.
Can kwila products be painted and varnished at home?
Yes, however it is not advisable, since the colour or varnish would not be long-lasting.