Garden Furniture - Buyers Guide
Mercygates: Sustainable Design Rooted in Local Wood
At Mercygates, we believe that true beauty begins with responsibility. For decades, tropical hardwood has been the fashionable choice for outdoor furniture, but at what cost? Every year, over 13 million hectares of rainforest – the lungs of our planet – disappear. By choosing local wood, we can change that story.
That is why our collections are crafted primarily from spruce (Picea abies), a strong and elegant Nordic softwood that grows just beyond our doorstep. Spruce is not only more sustainable – it is also remarkably durable. Thanks to its dense cell structure, spruce absorbs moisture very slowly, making it resistant to decay when kept free from constant ground contact. With the right care, spruce furniture can last for generations.
Smart Craftsmanship for Longer Life
Durability is built into every Mercygates design. Several of our models feature handcrafted oak “feet” or soles, protecting the spruce frame from direct soil contact. Oak thrives in contact with the ground, meaning this small but ingenious detail significantly extends the lifespan of your furniture. It’s the perfect union of thoughtful design and natural strength.
Natural Beauty That Lasts
Spruce offers a timeless, clean look that ages gracefully into a silver-grey patina or can be maintained with oils to bring out its warm glow. Unlike exotic hardwoods, spruce requires no deep chemical impregnation. A simple routine of cleaning, light sanding, and oiling will keep your furniture vibrant and strong for decades.
Local Wood, Global Impact
By choosing Mercygates, you are doing more than investing in beautiful, long-lasting outdoor furniture. You are helping protect the world’s rainforests, reducing COâ‚‚ emissions from long-distance transport, and supporting sustainable forestry close to home.
Caring for Your Mercygates Furniture
Even the strongest wood benefits from care. With a little attention, your Mercygates furniture will remain as stunning as the day it was made:
1. Thorough Cleaning
Use a stiff brush and plenty of water to remove dirt and dust. For heavier grime, add a mild wood cleaner. Always let the furniture dry completely before the next step.
2. Sanding
Smooth the surfaces by sanding along the wood grain. Start with coarse sandpaper (100–120 grit), then finish with a finer grade (200–300 grit). This ensures a clean, even surface ready to absorb treatment.
3. Oiling or Painting
Apply wood oil or outdoor paint on a dry, clean surface. Use long, even brush strokes, and repeat the treatment at least twice so the wood is fully saturated. Oil can also be applied easily with a sponge.
4. Ongoing Care
For best results, treat your furniture twice a year. Regular oiling preserves the wood’s warm tones, while untreated spruce will naturally develop a silver-grey patina. Both are beautiful — the choice is yours.
With this simple routine, your Mercygates furniture will withstand wind, rain, and sun while retaining its natural elegance for decades to come.
Designed with care. Built to last. Rooted in responsibility.