Frequently Asked Questions
Isn't it risky to buy such a large priced item Online?
No not at all. You can order with confidence, in the knowledge that you have 10 days within which to claim a full refund (minus delivery and collection) on our standard products if for any reason you're not absolutely delighted with your purchase.
Opening Times:
You can order from our website 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you would like to speak to us personally, you can telephone us Monday to Friday - 9am till 6 pm and Saturday 10am till 6pm.
Public Holidays:
Office closed, but orders will continue to be processed on the website. Should you wish to speak to someone urgently, please leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
How long will delivery take?
This is dependent on the manufacturer of the product you are buying. Most of our stock should be with you within 1-2 weeks. However some of the custom made items can take up to 5 weeks. Each product listed has an indication of expected delivery times.
Do you charge for delivery?
We only ask you to contribute £48 towards the delivery of your furniture, no matter how many items you buy. This is heavily subsidised by Dekkers and Darling and makes buying your furniture from us cheaper for you.
What if I'm not in when you deliver?
Once you have placed your order you will receive a phone call to agree a delivery time. It is essential that someone is there to sign for the furniture. We will endeavour to fit around your schedule. Most of our products are delivered with a 'white glove service' - i.e. direct to the position you would like in your garden. The 'standard service' will still require a signature. Please see the individual item description for information on which service will be used.
Do you deliver abroad?
Not at the moment. If you would like furniture delivered abroad please contact us and we will quote individually for delivery to your chosen destination. call Customer Services on 020 7289 0875 or email: help@dekkersanddarling.com
Is it safe to buy from Dekkers and Darling over the Internet?
All our payments are processed by Protx which ensures that all transaction information passed between our website and the Protx VSP System is encrypted using 128-bit SSL certificates. No cardholder information is ever passed unencrypted and any messages sent to our servers from Protx are signed using MD5 hashing to prevent tampering. You can be completely secure in the knowledge that nothing we pass to the Protx servers can be examined, used or modified by any third parties attempting to gain access to sensitive information. Our secure-server software encrypts all your personal information including credit or debit card number and name and address.
Encryption and Data Storage
Once on our Protx system, all sensitive data is secured using the same internationally recognised 256-bit encryption standards used by, among others, the US Government. The encryption keys are held on state-of-the-art, tamper proof systems in the same family as those used to secure VeriSign's Global Root certificate, making them all but impossible to extract. The data Protx holds is extremely secure and we are regularly audited by the banks and banking authorities to ensure it remains so.
Does your furniture come with a warranty?
All of our furniture comes with a minimum five year warranty. The following ranges have a lifetime warranty:
Classic Dining Range
Eclipse Range
Easy Range
Lazy Range
Panama Range
Can I buy without having to do it over the internet?
Of course, we can take your order by:
Phone: 020 7289 0875
Fax:
Email: orders@dekkersanddarling.com
We also accept cheques (made payable to Dekkers and Darling Ltd.), bank transfers and cash if preferred.
When is my card charged?
Your card will be charged the full amount in order to process your order.
Do you use environmentally sound teak?
Absolutely, we pride ourselves on only using teak sourced from the finest Grade A eco friendly teak. Environmental integrity is of the utmost importance. Many of our products have even been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
What are the benefits of teak?
No other wood shares teak's exceptional strength and durability. Its unique texture and leathery smell are due to its high oil content. These characteristics, coupled with the wood's high density, prevent warping and rot, allowing Dekkers and Darling furniture to stay outdoors in all conditions, without maintenance or preservatives.
FURNITURE CARE ADVICE
- Teak Furniture
Do I need to oil my teak furniture?
Treating with teak oil or other preservatives is not necessary; it will not extend the life of your furniture and is purely cosmetic. We do not recommend oiling your furniture as it creates unnecessary maintenance. However, if you wish to preserve the 'just bought' look of your furniture you should apply teak oil or wood stain when the furniture is new. Follow the manufacturer's recommended application, taking care with oil-soaked rags as they are highly combustible.
How do you clean teak?
Once teakwood has weathered the colour will be enhanced by an annual scrub, in the Spring, with soapy water to remove accumulated dirt. Alternatively you may use a pressure hose with a fan or multi-nozzle jet. However, great care should be used since failure to abide by recommended procedures may result in permanent damage to the furniture. Where a gauge is fitted it should be set to a pressure of 60-80 bar (900-1200 psi). A distance of 15-20cm (6-8") should be maintained between the nozzle and the surface to be cleaned. Care should be taken not to direct the water jet directly into joints.
How do you remove grease spots?
To remove grease spots we recommend a degreasing agent and gentle scrubbing brush, rinsing off with clean water.
Will the metal fittings on my furniture last as long as the teak?
We only use the best marine quality solid brass and stainless steel on our furniture. Neither of these will rust or deteriorate with age.
Do I need to store my furniture during the winter?
No, Dekkers and Darling teak furniture can be left outdoors, uncovered, all year round. If you choose to cover your furniture outdoors during the winter then you should use a material that allows the wood to breathe.
- Hardwood Furniture
Like Teak wood, the natural appearance of hardwood will change when left outdoors, so to ensure it stays in good condition you will need to look after it.
Left on its own, your hardwood furniture will naturally change colour to a silver greyish tone, the exact colour dependant on the environment conditions. For example, dark spots may occur if the furniture is place in the shady spot under a tree.
During long dry spells, small cracks may appear in the untreated wood, especially on the end grain. These cracks are a perfectly normal characteristic and will not affect the strength of durability of the furniture. The cracks should disappear once the conditions become damp again.
It is usual for small amounts of sap resin to appear on the surface of the wood in certain climatic conditions. If the resin has crystallised, it can be removed using a stiff brush. If it is sticky to the touch, use a sharp knife to remove the majority of the resin and use white spirit to wipe clean the surface affected.
If, however, you would like to preserve the original colour of your furniture, Teak Oil should be applied every three to six weeks. Regular treatments will slow down the weathering process and will minimise surface cracks.
Before re-applying, it is essential that any dirt that may have accumulated be removed by scrubbing with a stiff brush and soapy warm water. When the furniture is completely dry, any rough areas should be lightly sanded. If the dirt and any excess oil are not removed before re-treatment black areas will appear on the surface where the oil and dirt have mixed.
Finally, apply the oil giving particular care to the end grain, hidden surface areas and any joints or services, any excess oil can be wiped off with a clean cloth.
It goes without saying that you should ensure that the Teak Oil is fully dry before using the furniture.
Does your furniture require assembly?
Most pieces are supplied fully assembled whilst others will need minor assembly, in which case instructions are given inside each box. Please see individual products for information on whether assembly is required.
Do your prices include VAT?
Yes
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