Southwold collection faqs

Here in our Suffolk workshops, handmade by skilled technicians that carefully guide each piece through the 5 stages of production that results in superior quality garden furniture.

Carefully selected sections of steel which are galvanised for protection against rusting. Thicker sections are used for legs/arms/framework for additional strength and rigidity; thinner sections are used for the seat bases to bring spring and comfort, even without a cushion.

Due to complete immersion in molten zinc, your furniture is extremely well protected from rusting. The finish is always varied; it is not a paint and is not intended to be completely uniform. Like knots in wood, you will find smooth bumps and ridges that form as a result of the molten zinc bath in which all pieces are immersed to inhibit the steel rusting. This is a characteristic of the dip process and can be found on all our etched pieces. Small dark red iron oxide marks and stains may appear, for example at a union of seat slats. This is quite normal and they will not spread due to the zinc coating. Small oxide stains may wipe off - if a permanent mark bigger than 5mm diameter does appear please contact us. 

Surface marks and scratches that occur in use add to the character of each piece. Rest assured that the furniture is strong and sturdy - please don’t be too precious about using it!  It is absolutely intended to have variation and weather with age, quite the opposite from mass produced painted products. If a bright scratch appears it will fade back with time, it is an intrinsic quality of the zinc finish that means it will effectively ‘self-heal’. Our furniture can be left outside all year long in all weathers.

The steel furniture is galvanised and then hand etched to give an aged appearance to each piece. The joy of these ‘hand’ processes means that every piece has its own character that evolves with age. Colours can vary from light to dark grey with occasional subtle mottled reddish areas. The characteristic aged look is caused by white dusty oxides/carbonates that form over a dark grey base colour. 

The finish is always varied, it is not a paint and is not intended to be completely uniform. Like knots in wood, you will find smooth bumps and ridges that form as a result of the molten zinc bath in which all pieces are immersed to inhibit the steel rusting. This is a characteristic of the dip process and can be found on all our etched pieces

Due to the level of quality of manufacture and materials, coupled with the timeless style, the collection can be considered as heirloom pieces that will last for generations. We guarantee that our Southwold metal furniture products will be structurally sound for 25 years.  The products are guaranteed against structural failure for 25 years if used in a normal garden environment. The only exception to this is if they are used within 500m of the sea or any other body of salt water – in which case the structural guarantee reduces to 8 years. Salt laden air accelerates corrosion. In the unlikely event that the structure of the product fails within the guarantee period we will replace or repair the product.

Each piece of furniture is handmade and finished. The joy of these 'hand' processes means that every piece has its own character that evolves with age. Colours can vary from light to dark grey with occasional subtle mottled reddish areas. The characteristic aged look is caused by white dusty oxides/carbonates that form over a dark grey base colour. Please note that furniture will also look considerably darker if wet, but once dry will return to normal.

The finish is always varied, it is not a paint and is not intended to be completely uniform. Like knots in wood, you will find smooth bumps and ridges that form as a result of the molten zinc bath in which all pieces are immersed to inhibit the steel rusting. This is a characteristic of the dip process and can be found on all our etched pieces.

Absolutely, the lightest pieces in the collection are the chairs which at a minimum weight of 14kg are robust enough to withstand the very strongest of winds without even moving an inch.   

If you live very close to the sea, please be aware that a salt laden atmosphere can greatly accelerate corrosion, so we recommend washing in fresh water periodically. If at any point significant red iron oxide staining becomes apparent, please contact us furniture@harrod.co.uk or call 0333 400 6400.  Please note that the white zinc oxides/carbonates that develop are not harmful to the skin. Zinc oxide is used in wide range of cosmetics and personal care products.

The products are guaranteed against structural failure for 25 years if used in a normal domestic garden environment. The only exception to this is if they are used within 500m of the sea or any other body of salt water – in which case the structural guarantee reduces to 8 years.  Salt laden air accelerates corrosion. In the unlikely event that the structure of the product fails within the guarantee period we will replace or repair the product.

Care needs to be taken when moving furniture as it may mark certain floor surfaces if dragged across. If in doubt test furniture in an inconspicuous area first and take steps such as protective feet or covering to protect surfaces. Note Harrod Horticultural Ltd accept no liability for damage caused to floor surfaces as a result of our furniture being used. There are various Feet Pads and Furniture Glides on the market that have been shown to be effective on a range of surfaces, but this is only a limited recommendation and carries no form of warranty or guarantee.

They do indeed, that includes the carver chairs (with arm rests) and side chairs (no arms rests).

If surface is not level corrections can be made with small pieces of roofing slate or suitable timber or plastic packing wedges. Once in position, the tables don’t tend to be moved too often.

Our seats and benches have been designed to be comfortable without the need for cushions, however they are available to buy separately.  https://www.harrodhorticultural.com/cushions-for-southwold-furniture-chairs-and-benches-pid10847.html

Please note that our cushions are not machine washable and should be sponge cleaned as required. Inner fillings/stuffing are not designed to be removed from the cushion. If they become wet allow to dry in a warm ventilated area, we recommend storing inside when the furniture is not being used especially during the winter months.

We have a number of parasols along with suitable bases that will fit the 65mm centre hole on the Southwold Dining and Bistro Table - you can browse the range here - https://www.harrodhorticultural.com/southwold-garden-furniture-accessories-cid351.html

We have had zero complaints since the furniture launch in 2020 around this issue - when Summer’s have hit 35deg C+ and here is why:

• Any object left in full sun will become hot without airflow in a confined / sealed environment, such as a car interior.  However, with airflow they cool as they are always radiating, conducting and convecting the heat away at the same time to move towards equilibrium with their surroundings. Steel is an excellent conductor so does this far better than an insulator, e.g. wood or plastic

• The Southwold Collection is a silver grey, so it reflects a fair amount of the direct solar radiation, if it was black or a dark colour it would become hotter to the touch

• For every surface that is being directly heated there are usually three surfaces in the shade radiating the heat away – e.g. the underside of our tables / chairs

• The Southwold Collection will very likely perform better than dark wood or plastic materials which are poor conductors

• In extreme heat (45 deg +) the furniture could be doused with cold water and will be cool and bone dry in less than a minute. Pale coloured cushions would eliminate any concerns even in extremely high temperatures outside the UK

• We can arrange for a chair to be viewed at your home when delivering to customers in your area. Please contact us at [email protected] or call 0333 400 6400.
• You can book an appointment at our factory showroom in Lowestoft, Suffolk Book a Showroom Visit
• We exhibit at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show each year during the month of May
• Some pieces are displayed at RHS Wisley in the New Trials Garden
• A number of retail centres across the UK display parts of the collection too. Find out the nearest one to you We recommend calling before travelling to find out which pieces remain on display. Where to see the Southwold Collection

Yes, we can arrange for a material sample to be sent directly to you which gives a sense of the finish and the grade of material.  Please contact us at [email protected] or call 0333 400 6400.

No, unfortunately this is not something we are currently able to offer.

No customer assembly is required at all.  All dining table sets are delivered on Harrod transport with a 2 man service to lift the set into position after the table legs are secured to the table top by the delivery team.  Bistro, Coffee and Casual furniture sets may also be delivered on Harrod Transport with a 2 man service but depending on delivery schedules they may be delivered on a commercial pallet service with kerbside drop off (no assembly required).  For more details see here.

Typically 3-4 weeks for table set orders and 2 weeks for benches but this can vary either way so for the very latest click here <link>

Furniture Stains (excluding cushions)

Please do not use scouring pads or anything aggressively abrasive to repeatedly rub at stains.  Also please do not use acid-based or aggressive chemical cleaners other than those mentioned here, these may dissolve the zinc coating and cause the steel to rust. 

If you spill vinegar or other acidic food or drink onto surfaces, please rinse off immediately with fresh water as this can strip off the aged patina if left sitting.

Please Note: most organic stains will degrade in sunlight (UV radiation). The furniture needs to be fully dry before cleaning so that the surface in question can be properly inspected.  Also, for best results the outside temperature needs to be >10°C to help lift any oils.

Maintenance cleaning 

In most situations clean your furniture using washing up liquid, hot water and a dish sponge or microfibre cloth. Always rinse off the furniture with plenty of fresh water after cleaning.

Food and Drink Stains

These stains should be cleaned from the furniture as soon as possible after eating - to remove the stain follow the instructions below:

Equipment

• washing-up liquid
• clean microfibre cloths
• soft sponge for agitating surface
• hot water from the kettle 

Table and weather must be completely dry so that the effect of the cleaning can be clearly seen. Also, the for best results the outside temperature needs to be >10°C, otherwise oils will not lift easily into the microfibre cloth 

Step 1 - Apply undiluted washing up liquid to stain

Step 2 - Work washing up liquid into stain in a circular motion with soft sponge

Step 3 - Place microfibre cloth over stain as shown and thoroughly soak the cloth with just boiled water. Leave cloth in place for 15 minutes to let the heat and detergent carry the oil into the cloth.

Step 4 - Remove Microfibre Cloth and thoroughly rinse the area. Mop up any excess water and leave to dry naturally. Repeat process if stain persists. 

Persistent stains

Stains caused by tree sap, leaf tannins and oils from salad dressing/cooking oils and fats etc... that have not been cleaned immediately after eating can be removed using household bleach or ‘spray’ bleach – this should be applied neat to a dish sponge and used to agitate the stain on the furniture and left for a few minutes to act - remember wear protective gloves! It is very important to thoroughly rinse the area with clean water shortly after application. Repeat as necessary.

Appearance After Cleaning

Cleaning may remove natural white oxides/carbonates and temporarily reveal darker patches. Allow the tabletop to weather naturally and the appearance will generally even out over several months.

Salty air

If you live very close to the sea (within 500m), please be aware that a salt laden atmosphere can greatly accelerate corrosion, so we recommend washing in fresh water frequently but note our structural guarantee is reduced.

Cushions

Please note that cushions are not machine washable and should be sponge cleaned as required. Inner fillings/stuffing are not designed to be removed from the cushion. If they become wet allow to dry in a warm ventilated area, we recommend storing inside when the furniture is not being used especially during the winter months.

Surface marks and scratches that occur in use add to the character of each piece.  Rest assured that the furniture is strong and sturdy - please don’t be too precious about using it!  It is absolutely intended to have variation and weather with age, quite the opposite from mass produced painted products that we are all used to!

If a bright scratch appears it will fade back with time, it is an intrinsic quality of the zinc finish that means it will effectively ‘self-heal’. 

Our furniture can be left outside all year long in all weathers. 

In most situations clean your furniture using washing up liquid, hot water and a dish sponge or microfibre cloth. Always rinse off the furniture with plenty of fresh water after cleaning.

Please do not use scouring pads or anything aggressively abrasive to repeatedly rub at stains. Also please do not use acid-based or aggressive chemical cleaners other than those mentioned here, these may dissolve the zinc coating and cause the steel to rust. 

We recommend that pressure washing the furniture is avoided because it may mark the aged patina.  Instead clean your furniture using washing up liquid, hot water and a dish sponge or microfibre cloth. Always rinse off the furniture with plenty of fresh water after cleaning.

Not at all. One of the many advantages of the collection is that the nature of the patination ensures the surface will improve as it weathers. It means you can enjoy seeing your stylish furniture all year round. Obviously furniture should ideally be situated away from any overhanging trees that are known to drop sticky sap or where birds roost to avoid unsightly fouling.

Please note that cushions are not machine washable and should be sponge cleaned as required. Inner fillings/stuffing are not designed to be removed from the cushion. If they become wet allow to dry in a warm ventilated area, we recommend storing inside when the furniture is not being used especially during the winter months.

The cushions are designed for outside use and have a free draining stuffing. If they become wet allow to dry in a warm ventilated area. 

We recommend storing inside away from damp when the furniture is not being used especially during the winter months.