The Bear Chair is known for its iconic design, deep seat and natural look. Equally important, the chair is made of Canadian cedar wood. This wood is naturally strong and durable, making the Bear Chair surprisingly low-maintenance. In fact, you hardly need to do anything to it – unless you make certain choices about the look of the chair. Find out how in this blog.
Western Red Cedar, the wood from which the Bear Chair is made, is a type of wood that is naturally resistant to our Dutch weather. Rain, sun, temperature changes…. Canadian cedar can take it just fine. Therefore, the Bear Chair does not need that much maintenance at all, just a few small points of attention.
Why Western Red Cedar is so low-maintenance
Western Red Cedar, the wood from which the Bear Chair is made, has a natural oil that protects against moisture, mold and insects. As a result, the wood will last for years without the need for regular treatment. If you simply leave the chair outside, it will slowly gray to a beautiful silver-gray color. Many people find this to be the charm of the Bear Chair. It acquires character and lives with the seasons.
Important to know: this aging process does not mean a decline in quality. It is purely a change of color. If you are satisfied with this natural look, you hardly need to do anything.
Watch for dirt and leaves during maintenance
Although the Bear Chair requires hardly any maintenance, there is one point of attention. Namely, it is better not to leave dirt or fallen leaves on the chair for long periods of time. This can cause moisture build-up and eventually lead to wood rot. Therefore, remove leaves or dirt regularly, especially in autumn.
If you opt for a more thorough cleaning, you can use the Bear Chair Cleaner. This is specially designed for cedar and removes tarnish and dirt without damaging the wood.
Extra cleaning when used
If you use the Bear Chair a lot in the spring and summer, it may be nice to wipe it down occasionally. Often a soft brush with some water is enough. If you want to keep the wood fresh on a regular basis, you can use the Bear Chair Soap. This is a mild soap that you simply apply with water. This keeps the chair clean and comfortable, without the need for heavy cleaning products.
A tip: place a pillow or plaid on the chair for extra comfort as well as to prevent stains from sunburn or drinks, for example.
Retain the original wood color
Don’t like the graying of the wood as much and prefer to keep the warm, brownish-red hue of the cedar? Then you can treat the chair with the Bear Chair Protector. This product contains pigment and gives the wood a light treatment, preserving the original color longer.
Treatment is simple. Apply the Protector with a cloth or brush, allow the chair to dry, and rub it again if necessary. One treatment per year is usually sufficient.
Winter and storage
Because cedar is so weather-resistant, the Bear Chair can simply be left outside all year round. If you still want to protect it extra well, you can store it dry in the winter, for example in the barn or garage. Some models are collapsible, so they take up little space in storage.
Make sure you never put the chair under a plastic cover. That traps moisture and can actually cause damage. If your Bear Chair is just standing outside, a spring cleaning is more than enough.
Maintenance in brief
- No maintenance required: the chair can simply be left outside and will age naturally.
- Remove leaves and dirt: prevent moisture from getting underneath.
- For cleaning: use water and a soft brush, or the Bear Chair Cleaner.
- For regular freshness: the Bear Chair Soap easily keeps the chair clean.
- Maintain color: use the Bear Chair Protector to retain the warm hue.
So the bottom line remains simple: a Bear Chair requires hardly any maintenance. Whether you opt for the natural silver-gray look or want to keep the original warm wood color, all you have to do are a few simple actions. This way, you will enjoy your chair for years without a care.