Care & Maintenance
Universal Garden Products items come pre-finished on all sides with a redwood-toned stain. In addition to enhancing the appearance of the wood, this also means there is no need to apply stain to the products prior to installation. While not required, we recommend applying a high-quality clear water repellent to all sides of your Universal Garden Products items prior to use.
Over time, color can be maintained by periodically cleaning the product and reapplying the stain. Cleaning frequency will depend on several factors, including climate and the product's application and location. Every one to two years is sufficient in most cases. Begin by cleaning the wood with a cleaner/brightener that contains a mildewcide. Next, apply a semitransparent stain with water repellent.
If left natural, Universal Garden Products items will weather to a gray patina as they continue to enhance your outdoor living area for years to come. If you choose to let your Universal Garden Products item weather naturally, we recommend periodically applying a high-quality clear water repellent to preserve the wood’s natural beauty over time. Continuous water absorption and water loss in the wood used to make your Universal Garden Products item will cause its natural defects to surface. While even a well-maintained outdoor product will experience some natural defects over time, your efforts can minimize the extent.
Composite Maintenance
Our composite products are virtually maintenance-free. As with any outdoor product, they may become dirty when exposed to the elements. Typically, rinsing dirt and debris off with a garden hose is all that’s needed to keep your project looking great. For stubborn stains, use a nonabrasive cleanser and a soft-bristled brush.
