The bench's slotted surface allows rain to flow through, rather than collect and damage the wood. The piece is made from kapur wood, a high-density Southeast Asian hardwood with excellent weather-resistant properties. Light enough to move easily around deck or lawn, kapur requires no finishing and is exceptionally-sturdy--with enough oil to repel the ravages of rain, sun, and dew. Rust-resistant hardware and mortise and tenon construction also add to the piece's strength and durability.

Before shipment, your new furniture received a generous application of teak oil. Teak oil provides protection from the ultraviolet sunrays. Left untreated, Kapur will weather to a soft warm shade of gray similar to the weathering of teak. If you prefer to prevent this weathering process, you may apply additional coats of teak oil. The frequency of necessary teak oil applications will depend on the intensity of the sun in your environment, but typically, one or two coats per year is sufficient. Teak oil can usually be found at a marine dealer, hardware store, or internet dealer. If you allow your furniture to weather, you may later decide that you would want to restore it to its original condition. This is possible by using teak cleaner products, also available at most marine dealers and internet dealers. After following the instructions for cleaning, you will want to apply a coat of teak oil to prevent the weathering process.

The lounge's preassembled components fit together easily with the help of an included allen wrench. This item measures 74 inches long, 24 inches wide, and 12-1/2 inches tall. --Mary Park