Question 1

Natural Timber

Accepted Answer

When you purchase any product from Urbanmac, you are buying a natural timber product, straight from our Mill. It's important to understand that while we attempt to make you products as perfect as possible, it will never be like manufactured/engineered wood, glass or plastic. Part of the character of our timber are in some of the imperfections that come from the logs and the milling process. These can include natural cracks, checks, wane and sometimes milling defects. But these are minimal and we aim to remove these 90% of the time.

How long will my macrocarpa beds last for?
Under testing macrocarpa has a similar durability to H3.1 treated pine, in its natural form. It is moderately durable and strong.  Untreated macrocarpa, in contact with soil should last between 3-8 years but this can vary due to the nature of environmental factors outside of our control.  Some our customers boxes have lasted 10 years or so in the soil, however we have had reports of others lasting 3-4 years. If you want to increase the lifespan of your boxes even further, we recommend using a woodoil which absorbs deep into the timber, rather than coating it (preventing the oil from soaking into the dirt).  We supply this oil, so email us if you wish to add this to your purchase.

Question 2

Garden Bed Disclaimer and Warranty

Accepted Answer

Garden Bed Disclaimer and WarrantyOur aim is to provide you with a chemical free natural timber product and while it is our hope that our garden beds will last a long time, the reality is they have a limited life span when in wet soil.Our Garden beds have an expected life span of 3-8 years.The science suggests - “Natural durability is very variable within species and even within trees. Hence there will always be specific examples of timber from a species that fall outside the durability range given for that species”.​Warranty Terms Updated 9/7/2024Because of the nature of natural mac in the ground, MacDirect Limited offer a parts replacement warranty for garden beds and compost bins for 2 years from date of purchase for garden beds that are install in a natural state.  After two years MacDirect offers post and rail replacement at your cost. This means you can change out the rails and posts that are affected.(To be eligible for parts replacement warranty, a proof or purchase is required. Evidence of rot or decay is required before replacement will be issued. Under this warranty a maximum of 50% of the garden can be replaced, as it is unusual for a garden bed to rot under 3 years.)Dry Rot: Dry Rot is a fungus that feeds on the timber. We recommend that if you suspect that Dry Rot may be present at your property, to use a fungicide on your garden bed. Dryden wood oil for example has a fungicide. Unfortunately, MacDirect are unable to guarantee our timber beds if Dry Rot is present. MeasurementsPlease note that all kitsets are built to the "outside measurement" not the "inside measurement" so please factor this in when considering which bed to purchase. ​Thanks and enjoy gardening that’s chemical free!

Question 3

Weatherboard (External Cladding) Maintenance and Repair

Accepted Answer

Using natural timber comes with a number of natural occurrences when timber is exposed to the elements. Below are some of these issues explained and how to both minimise them and repair them. Also below are some recommendations around installation and care.

Cracking and Checking
This is a natural part of the timber as the fibers dry. While it is very rare that these cracks allow water ingress, cracks, if large need to be repaired.

If there is no water entry, the timber is sound and the crack or split is not more than 2 mm wide and 400mm long, it can be filled with putty or exterior-grade flexible filler, then sanded and painted over. If the crack or split allows water entry into the wall cavity, the board should be replaced.

Information is from the Branz Bulletin
https://www.buildmagazine.org.nz/articles/show/horizontal-timber-weatherboards

Bowing and Cupping
If the bowing or cupping is minor and no water is getting behind the cladding, the boards may be left. Ensure that all nails are fully punched and stopped. If the boards had been finished with a clear coating or stain, new coatings should be applied. If the timber had been uncoated, the application of a clear finish, paint or stain to reduce moisture absorption is recommended.
If bowing or cupping is pronounced and water is getting in, the boards should be replaced. Do not attempt to remedy the problem by double nailing as this will almost certainly cause the boards to crack in the future.

Please note that improper installation can cause the cladding to perform poorly. Please ensure best and recommended practice is always followed

Information is from the Branz Bulletin
https://www.buildmagazine.org.nz/articles/show/horizontal-timber-weatherboards

Please request our installation guide and view our Masterspec information before installing MacDirect Cladding.

Recommendations:

Please ensure to follow the installation specs provided. 
While you don't have to oil your cladding, we do recommend one coat of woodoil, front and back minimum, to ensure best performance. This includes oiling the cut ends before install. This helps minimise checking and cracking and cupping of the timber. While this is a natural occurrence and won't completely stop it, oiling will minimise it.

Question 4

Furniture Care

Accepted Answer

When you purchase any product from Urbanmac, you are buying a natural timber product, straight from our Mill. It's important to understand that while we attempt to make you products as perfect as possible, it will never be like manufactured/engineered wood, glass or plastic. Part of the character of our timber are in some of the imperfections that come from the logs and the milling process. These can include natural cracks, checks, wane and sometimes milling defects. But these are minimal and we aim to remove these 90% of the time.

Tables/Benches - Recommend for Care in the first 3 months:
Due to the fact Mac timber is a dense softwood, we recommend keeping the table out of direct sunlight for the first 3 months to minimise checking and cracking or ensure your give this table a few coats of wood oil to keep it lubricated. All this is to slow down the drying of the timber.

Question 5

What is the size of the timber you use in your garden beds?

Accepted Answer

The timber we use for the corner and centre posts is Dressed 90mm/90mm. The rails are 40mm finished. Size may reduce by 2 to 3mm due to the timber drying.

Question 6

If I don’t oil or treat my table will the colour fade?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  Our tables are sold mostly untreated as most people like the natural look.  The timber will fade into a soft honey blonde colour and then to a silver grey.

Question 7

Can I use a natural stain on my macrocarpa table?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for a natural stain you can use any cooking oil and rub it on.  You can contact us regarding stains that we think are pretty cool (we love Dryden, and Woca Denmark and can supply and/or apply).

Question 8

Does macrocarpa crack?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all timber cracks and splits, this is normal and a natural part of weathering.  Even houses made of timber crack and it has no impact on the structural strength of the timber. You can reduce cracking and splitting by using woodoil..

Question 9

How do I order a garden bed or table?

Accepted Answer

Purchase straight off our website under the Shop Now category, or for custom orders email us with your request.  We will reply within the day and will send you an invoice with our bank account number.  Once payment is made, we will process your order and have your items delivered within 5-7 working days!

Question 10

What if I am not happy with my purchase?

Accepted Answer

We don't do refunds for changing minds due to the cost of producing products and delivery. If you are seriously unhappy with your product because it is not up to the standard, you expected (this is very unlikely to occur) we will discuss options with you. If a decision is made to refund your product, we will collect it from you and refund you the purchase price.

Question 11

How can I get the best life out of my macrocarpa products?

Accepted Answer

Macrocarpa and Cypress are some of the most sought-after timbers which are ideal for many outdoor and indoor uses.  It is a fine-grained wood which is durable and resistant to rotting and insects.  Because Macrocarpa is a top choice for carefree living, it can be left natural, or it can be painted or stained to match any decor.

Left un-tinted, Macrocarpa will weather to a beautiful soft silver grey.  Untreated Macrocarpa is natural and pleasing, however the wood is porous and over the long term may become discoloured if left in damp or shaded areas.  A 20 percent solution of household bleach in water with one ounce of detergent per gallon will usually remove the stain. Even after years of exposure Macrocarpa can be refinished to its natural bright, clean appearance.  Many people prefer to allow their Macrocarpa furniture to age naturally outdoors.

Over time the colour will weather to a handsome silver grey highlighted by darker streaks, and the grain of the wood will become slightly raised. For protection that helps enhance and maintain the wood's natural colour, there are several wood oils available, which will need to be re-applied to maintain their look.  If you would like to preserve the freshly sanded Macrocarpa with some added colour, we recommend that you use two coats of stain with an UV inhibitor.  Every second year you might re-apply a coat of stain to freshen the finish.  Little or no sanding preparation or primer is needed when you use a stain.  Stain is breathable and will repel moisture, therefore, no blistering or peeling should occur.  Well dried Macrocarpa accepts paint well.
​

Question 12

How do I set up my kitset table?

Accepted Answer

Our tables are delivered in kitset form, with easy to install pieces.  They are very heavy and need at least 2 people to help lift and assemble. We can send instructions on how to do this if you need it and you are welcome to ring us with any questions. Each piece of timber is very heavy, and it is important that the table is set up correctly to prevent any injury.  Please note this is your responsibility as owners to make sure the table is installed safely.  Any queries about this please call us.

Question 13

Where is your macrocarpa sourced from?

Accepted Answer

urbanmac  is the online store for one of NZ's largest macrocarpa timber company,  Macdirect Ltd.  As a sawmill we aim get our mac from sustainably grown  plantation forests in New Zealand.

Question 14

Building Timber - Visual vs Rough Sawn

Accepted Answer

MacDirect supply timber based on both visual and non-visual for our building products. We supply RS, D4S and Bandsawn options.

RS - This is an unfinished product. RS timber is finished to size in both wet and dry options. You may see some minor marks, fillet marks from drying, silvering etc. So if you are ordering RS, please note that we do not consider this product as "Visual".

VISUAL - Bandsawn 4 Sides - This is a finished sawn product which goes through our finishing bandsaw. Our BS4S Visual product

VISUAL - MG Dressed 4 Sides - This is a finished machine gauged product. This is product by our four-side planer.

Our finished products factor in this finishing in pricing.

Question 15

Finished Timber - Expectations - Bandsawn and Dressed

Accepted Answer

We offer two finishes to our profiled timber.

Bandsawn Visual. This is considered a rough finish, however, is normally finer that Rough Sawn. While we aim for consistency across every length, there may be fluctuations in the quality of the finish. These includes BS ripples which sometimes appear due to the blade used.

Dressed/Machined timber. This is the most accurate finish we offer for size. It's important to note that this is not a "Sanded" finish. If you would like a sanded finish please specify this. Dressed timber can come with minor skipping (which we attempt to finish or remove) and sometime furriness if the timber is green. Sometimes a minor ripple may appear in processing but this can be viewed as acceptable if minor.

It's important to also note that any finish of natural timber is unlikely to be 100% blemish free.

If you are unhappy with your purchase, please contact MacDirect. We will review the issues and if deemed not to our standard we will arrange for the timber to be replaced. If you simply require a different finish, then we can organize this for you (at your cost).

For best results, please ensure to let us know what the exact finish is you require at the time of ordered.

FAQ