Teak root

Root wood is cut from stumps left after the timber harvest. It is dense, unpredictable, and it moves with humidity: hairline cracks open along the grain in dry air and close again when it is wet. Keep pieces away from radiators, direct sun and standing water. Dust with a dry cloth.

Re-oil every 12–18 months with a food-safe wood oil or beeswax. Apply thin, leave for twenty minutes, buff off the excess. Never use lacquer or polyurethane — it traps moisture and the piece will crack for real.

Rattan and cane

Rattan bends, dries and darkens with age. Covered outdoor areas are fine; direct rain and constant sun are not. Wipe with a barely damp cloth and let it dry fully before use.

Macramé

Cotton cord stretches slightly under its own weight in the first months, then settles. Spot clean with cool water and mild soap; do not machine wash or tumble dry. Trim loose ends with sharp scissors, never pull them.

Ceramics

Glazed pieces marked food safe can be used for food and drink. Decorative and unglazed vessels are for dry use or lined plants only. Avoid thermal shock — no pouring boiling water into a cold vessel.