Materials

We manufacture our teak products in Indonesia, near controlled regrowth plantations which are protected and guaranteed by certifications, a precise choice to reduce CO2 emissions. Each tree is carefully selected before being sent for processing, in total compliance with eco-sustainability procedures. The teak wood in warm shades used by Unopiù is sourced exclusively from controlled regrowth plantations in accordance with strict reforestation processes and is grade A only, which is the highest grade in terms of quality, by selecting the middle part of the trunk to ensure durability and dimensional stability. Naturally rich in mineral salts and oils, it is particularly resistant to atmospheric conditions such as sun, rain and sea salt, as well as being naturally resistant to parasites, making it especially suitable for outdoor use.

Teak is a very valuable wood that by its very nature has exceptional weather resistant characteristics. Unopiù uses it by leaving it natural, without any treatment; therefore, colour variations between one element and another are to be considered normal. Any cracks that may occur on the surface are not to be considered a defect, and their visibility will vary depending on changes in temperature and humidity. Before using it for the first time, Unopiù recommends leaving the furniture in the open air for 24-48 hours, helping the reactivation of the fibres which, by nature, will expel the excess natural oil produced during storage. It is then advisable to wipe the entire surface with a damp cloth made of natural fibres such as cotton or jute.  It is good practice to repeat this process periodically. When left exposed to the elements, it tends to turn silvery-grey in colour; this phenomenon is testimony to the natural state of the wood that lives and reacts to the external environment with a maturation/oxidation process that in no way alters the structural integrity of the product. The honey shade can be maintained or restored by using the specific maintenance products that Unopiù offers its customers. 

This high-quality wood is popular due to its fine grain, elegance and finish. Mahogany is a wood that comes in warm red to dark brown tones and has a tendency to darken over time, a distinctive and elegant feature. With a very pleasant appearance, in the past it was used for elegant English drawing rooms as well as vessels and fleets. It is easy to process, enabling precise and refined details to be created. Unopiù treats mahogany with a special polishing process that enhances its elegance and makes it very pleasant to the touch and aesthetically appealing. 

As far as cleaning is concerned, there are certain things to bear in mind: if the mahogany is processed and has hollows, a soft bristle brush can be used gently to clean these thoroughly. Unopiù then suggests wringing out a soft cloth, first soaked in a solution of lukewarm water with a mild liquid soap, and wiping it all over the wood. Once all the surfaces have been cleaned, dry them immediately and thoroughly. Unopiù recommends that mahogany products are used under a covered exterior, such as a pergola.

Unopiù uses top-quality Nordic pine for its structures, a material which is particularly resistant and durable due to the cold climate in which it grows. Unopiù's Nordic pine effectively undergoes a vacuum pressure impregnation process and is then treated with specific plant oil-based products, which strengthen its resistance to weathering. Thanks to these treatments, which also protect it from attacks by insects, mould and fungi, it is able to maintain its attractive appearance even in harsh atmospheric conditions. The life of properly impregnated and regularly maintained wood is almost unlimited.

Unopiù's Nordic pine undergoes effective preliminary impregnation processes, providing the material surface with an adequate protective layer, which can be renewed using our specific maintenance products.

Iron is one of the most common elements on the planet and is characterised by high resistance to harsh weather conditions. It is the material that belongs to Unopiù's heritage and it features in some of its timelessly stylish collections. The ductility of iron lends itself very well to artisanal or industrial processing in multiple morphologies, being malleable both for creations with linear and minimalist aesthetics and for more detailed and creative products.  The Unopiù wrought iron is entirely handmade by skilled craftsmen using old-fashioned techniques and is galvanised to achieve an even-looking and resistant surface. The galvanising process is commonly used to protect iron from atmospheric and water corrosion. The Unopiù wrought iron outdoor furniture combines aesthetics, durability and practicality, as it does not have to be stored inside during the winter season. 

Wash with natural mild soap, wipe with Vaseline oil once dry. In order to avoid water stagnation, when it rains it is advisable to leave it to dry in the sun before covering it.

Aluminium is a lightweight and strong metal which is one of the most naturally occurring elements. It has a high level of corrosion resistance, allowing the products to have excellent durability. Its high malleability and ductility and extreme lightness make it a very supple metal. In addition to being easy to handle and process, its versatility makes it suitable for producing various kinds of objects, from tables and lamps to chairs and armchairs. Aluminium is environmentally friendly, being an infinitely recyclable material that can be transformed and reintroduced into the production cycle, taking on a new aesthetic and functional value each time while being kind to the environment. The Unopiù aluminium alloy furniture, which is lightweight and easy to move despite its elegance, is treated with a coating that involves the electrostatic application of thermosetting polyester powders, with subsequent polymerisation in an oven at temperatures of 180-200°. 

Wash with natural mild soap, wipe with Vaseline oil once dry. In order to avoid water stagnation, when it rains it is advisable to leave it to dry in the sun before covering it.

Steel is an alloy consisting mainly of iron and carbon. Stainless steel is a durable stainless material with exceptional technical and aesthetic properties. High corrosion resistance makes it more long-lasting and reliable over time. The contemporary appeal of steel is perfectly matched by its extreme versatility, making it a superior material with an almost infinite number of uses. Unopiù chooses steel as the go-to material for many of its outdoor products, taking advantage of its exceptional characteristics to create durable, high-quality furniture in a refined version, successfully enhancing a material that is considered industrial by combining it with elegantly designed pieces. Unopiù uses AISI304 stainless steel, a fine material with high resistance in harsh environments, especially to corrosion and all weathering.

It is an exceptional material, able to withstand weathering while maintaining its appeal over time. To maintain it, it must be cleaned and polished with specific products and when unused for prolonged periods and exposed to UV rays, Unopiù recommends storing the furniture in a sheltered place. 

WaProlace® is a state-of-the-art synthetic material, registered by Unopiù and designed to withstand the challenges of outdoor environments - such as the attack of climatic agents, salt, chlorine, mould, parasites, fungi, bacteria and sunscreens - while maintaining its colour and characteristics and perfectly reproducing the warm, genuine appearance of natural fibre texture. WaProlace® is a recyclable and biodegradable material that is lightweight, smooth to the touch, impermeable to liquids, stain-resistant, antistatic and easy to clean; it is resistant to temperature variations and can withstand harsh winter weather. WaProlace® synthetic fibre is made of polyethylene, treated to make it anti-oxidising, UV-resistant and fireproof. Unopiù's decision to use WaProlace® in the creation of many of its outdoor furniture lines reflects the company's commitment to creating weather-resistant furniture. Both aesthetically and in terms of performance, the remarkable features of this synthetic fibre are guaranteed, making WaProlace® a high-quality and sustainable material.

WaProlace® fibre can be washed with water and mild soap, and rinsed well. Once dry, it can be treated with a special product that revives the colour and protects the fibres. Everything you need is contained in the Unopiù cleaning kit.

Compared to any other man-made fibre, including polyester and nylon, polypropylene rope is more resistant to chemicals - at room temperature, this rope has a high resistance to the effects of alkaline acids. Polypropylene rope is resistant to fungi and bacteria and is well tolerated by living tissue, as long as it does not contain any special stabilisers or additives that - if they were to transpire to the outside - could alter its strength properties. The polypropylene rope chosen by Unopiù is solution-dyed using pigments purchased from a few selected, highly qualified suppliers: this dyeing process guarantees not only excellent colour uniformity but also very high resistance. Polypropylene rope perfectly combines the typical characteristics of the finest natural fabrics, such as their soft, pleasant feel and practicality, with the strength of a synthetic fibre. 

Woven polyolefin rope is a material that provides excellent performance in outdoor environments due to its practicality and softness, which is typical of natural fabrics, combined with the extreme resistance resulting from the use of a synthetic material. To keep its attractive appearance over time, it does not require any maintenance treatment, but if desired, it can be washed periodically to remove dirt and dust that may get stuck in the weave. To avoid damaging the material during this process, Unopiù suggests using lukewarm clean water (max. 30°), a mild detergent such as Marseille soap or one for delicate fabrics (never bleach or ammonia), and a soft synthetic brush. After washing, Unopiù recommends drying the rope in the shade, possibly in the open air but away from heat sources.

Unopiù offers a wide range of fabrics that are resistant to sunlight and bad weather, available in a range of no less than 39 colours in different weights and finishes, enabling you to create multiple colour combinations of seat, back and decorative cushions. The fabrics are made of 100% acrylic, solution-dyed with stain- and mould-resistant fibre, and are characterised by their soft, cool and pleasant feel. All the Unopiù fabrics are certified as Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex® - the textile industry's highest safety standard.

Acrylic fabrics should be brushed occasionally and can be washed by hand or in the washing machine (max. 30°) without a spin cycle using a mild soap such as Marseille soap. Unopiù recommends drying them naturally in sunlight. When ironing them, insert a damp cloth between the iron and the fabric to protect against excessive heat and to restore the fabric's natural softness. During the winter or long periods of inactivity or persistent rain, Unopiù suggests storing the cushions under cover. All the cleaning and washing instructions can be found on the label inside the cushion.

The Unopiù rug collection is made of 100% recycled PET. The continuous polyester yarn is produced by recycling common PET bottles, which are collected and sent for recycling to create a handmade, innovative and sustainable product. Unopiù carpets made of recycled PET are certified as Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex® – the textile industry’s highest safety standard, guaranteed by independent institutes - which certifies products in the textile industry that have passed specific tests for harmful substances and meet certain ecological and safety requirements. Oeko-Tex® certification also ensures that products comply with REACH, the European regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals. The absence of substances that are hazardous to human health - and therefore potentially poisonous to ecosystems - also guarantees that the materials bearing this certification are environmentally sustainable. 

Rugs made of recycled PET should be washed outdoors with mild soap and water, rubbing them by hand with gentle movements.