Jarrah is the common name for Eucalyptus Marginata, a relatively large tree which attains a height of up to 130 feet, with a straight trunk up to 50 feet or more and a diameter up to 6 ½ feet. The wood is typically a rich, reddish brown color, with a pale whitish-yellow sapwood band around the outside of the log.

In common with most large trees of Western Australia, Jarrah occurs only in the far south-western corner of the State, where the climate is temperate. During the early years of the British colony Jarrah was known as Swan River mahogany. The name Jarrah was used from the mid-1840’s onwards.

Jarrah is one of the hardest and most durable timbers in the world. An evergreen eucalypt tree, it grows in infertile soils. The mature trees use clever techniques for survival. One adaptation is that most of the nutrients in the leaves are drawn back into the tree before they fall to make way for new growth. Another is an extensive deep root system, often traveling over 30 yards.

Jarrah has proven to be a remarkable timber, with many and varied uses over more than 160 years. An historic use of Jarrah was its specification for sleepers in the London Underground. Some of those sleepers have given in excess of 70 years’ service.

During the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, many of the streets of Perth, Melbourne, London, Manchester, Southampton, Edinburgh and Cape Town were paved with Jarrah blocks in a cobblestone style. Jarrah was selected for its excellent durability and because it made the ride more comfortable on the horses and buggies of the day. Not the least important quality was Jarrah’s resistance to the acid in the horses’ urine!

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The amount of care required by your Jensen Jarrah furniture is directly related to the amount of exposure to the weather and the color you wish to maintain. Maintenance is as easy as you want it to be.

• coating regularly with a timber treatment such as Jarrah Colorguard
  
• storing it under a covered patio and re-coating annually
  
• using a breathable protective cover, available at specialist stores. As wood is a natural product it should not be stored under plastic as this will inhibit the flow of air around the furniture and may cause mildew to form or distort the wood.
  Of course, your setting will stand up to the elements quite well, even if totally neglected! All that will happen is that the original color will change to silver gray on the timber surface. You will see this begin to happen as soon as three to four months in harsh conditions, if the timber is left untreated.

If your setting has become silver gray it is possible to restore the original color, too.

The following sections explain how to restore the furniture and how to apply Colorguard.

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Application of timber treatments such as Jarrah Colorguard

Use a plastic pump spray bottle to apply the Colorguard lightly to the furniture, then wipe off with a lint-free rag leaving a thin coating. It is easy and fast! Just be sure that no over spray lands on any surface nearby (such as concrete flooring) because the pigment in the Colorguard will stain.

Here is an extract from the instructions on the label of Jarrah Colorguard:

Colorguard is a water-soluble finish that helps to safeguard Jarrah from the effects of weather and sunlight. The unique formula has a powerful “sun block” which helps to preserve the richness of Jarrah’s natural color. Use on all Jarrah outdoor furniture.

STIR WELL BEFORE AND DURING USE

General instructions

• Wear suitable clothing including gloves and eye protection
• Always wash the surface with a mild detergent before treatment
• Use a suitable groundsheet to contain the effect of any spills
• Remove or protect any fabric furniture components as required
• Wash skin, equipment and spills immediately with water
• Check and re-tighten all furniture hardware with the Allen key provided
  

New Timber

To maintain the original timber color and surface in ‘as new’ condition and for ongoing protection of your furniture we recommend applying Jarrah Colorguard immediately upon assembly of your furniture.

Well preserved timber

Do not apply Colorguard Jarrah if any form of timber oil has been applied within 8 weeks. Application should not be commenced if the timber is wet or likely to become wet within 24 hours. The timber surface should be clean and free from paint, varnish or other non-porous coatings. Apply straight from the can using a lint-free rag. Use of a brush, roller or spray is optional. Do not over-wet the timber surface. Wipe off excess while still wet.

Gray or weathered Jarrah

To return timber to close to the original color, completely clean the surface of dirt, bird droppings, tree sap, grease and oil borne stains etc. Use a sponge or bristle brush and mild detergent then rinse thoroughly. Allow the timber to dry completely, then sand with a 120 grit sandpaper on all weathered surfaces until new wood is exposed. For best results finish sanding along the grain with 180 grit sandpaper. Finish with Jarrah Colorguard as for ‘well preserved’ timber.

Drying and Recoat

Allow 48 hours prior to use. If a second coat is required allow extra drying time. Apply at least once every 12 months when furniture is in a protected environment. If furniture is fully exposed to the elements we recommend 2-3 times per year. For best results in these circumstances 2 coats are recommended.

Coverage

The contents of this can will cover 50-100 sq. ft. depending upon method of application and texture and porosity of timber surface. Thinning is not recommended.

Clean up

Water.

Do not use or store in extremes of temperature and protect from frost and freezing. Do not use product below 50 F.

 

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If Jarrah Colorguard is not available there are other oils that can be used to treat wooden furniture. Check with your local hardware store and remember:

i) Follow manufacturer's instructions carefully
ii) If the product is tinted check it will not affect the color of your furniture
iii) Do not use Linseed Oil
iv) See Do’s and Don’ts below for more tips

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Do pay particular attention to any safety instructions with treatment products.

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Jensen Jarrah uses zinc coated steel fittings. The steel provides strength and the zinc coating will prevent rust. An occasional wipe with a light oil will provide additional protection in harsh environments.

It is recommended that the furniture hardware be regularly tightened to offset the natural movement of the timber caused by changing weather conditions and general use. An Allen key (small L shaped tool) is provided with your furniture for this purpose. A coin can be used for the stainless steel fittings. We recommend under normal conditions that you check the hardware every six months and re-tighten accordingly.

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In these notes we have endeavored to provide detailed instructions for the benefit of you, our customer. In regard to timber treatments we ask you to read and follow the instructions carefully. We can provide you with advice when necessary but we cannot be held responsible for any undesirable outcome resulting from your use of third party products.

Please complete and return the Warranty Registration card supplied with your furniture to your nearest Jensen Jarrah office. One card per setting is sufficient. Your quality Jensen Jarrah furniture has a "no nonsense" limited warranty for five years from the date of purchase against any defects in manufacturing, timber or hardware. The warranty extends to the Jarrah wood for serious faults (such as severe twisting or splitting). The fabric slings are covered by a two year warranty and lounge cushions for twelve months. Jensen Jarrah will provide repair options and make available parts or complete items free of charge at our discretion. No terms in our warranty will affect your legal rights.

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