Thank you for choosing AA-Verlichting garden lighting. You have chosen a unique piece that will live with the seasons and give your garden an authentic, warm atmosphere. Wood is a natural product; no two lamps are exactly alike. The grain, knots, and color tones are the signature of the tree from which your lamp is crafted.

To ensure you get the most out of your purchase, we'd like to explain the natural characteristics of the wood types we use (Douglas, oak, and Robinia). These characteristics are proof of authenticity and quality and are not covered by the warranty.

The Unique Appearance of Your Lamp

Every lamp that leaves our workshop has its own unique personality. This is reflected in the following aspects:

• Color and Grain: The photos on our website provide an indication of the color. The exact shade and grain pattern may vary per lamp, depending on the specific piece of wood. This makes your lamp unique.
• Knots: Knots are part of the wood's rustic charm. They vary in size and number and emphasize the natural character of your garden lamp.
• Natural Texture: Your lamp has been carefully sanded for a smooth finish. However, the surface will never feel like plastic. The tactile texture of the wood fibers is a hallmark of this living material.

The Evolution of Your Garden Lamp

Your wooden lamp is made to be outdoors and will age beautifully under the influence of the elements.

• Weathering: Untreated wood will develop a natural, silver-gray patina over time due to sun and rain. This protective layer is a highly valued feature and gives your lamp a timeless, weathered look.
• Douglas: Grays from a warm, pink-yellow shade to silvery gray.
• Oak & Robinia: Evolve from a golden brown/yellow hue to a stately grey colour.
• Working and Dry Cracking: Wood reacts to changes in temperature and humidity. This "working" of the wood is unavoidable and can lead to small cracks or fissures in the surface. This is a completely normal process that does not affect the structural integrity of your lamp and contributes to its robust, natural look.

Specific Features to Consider

• Resin (in Douglas fir lamps) Douglas fir is a resinous wood. Especially in the first year, some resin may bleed from the wood. You can let this harden and then easily scrape it away, or remove it with turpentine.
• Tannic acid (in oak lamps) Oak wood contains tannic acid (tannin). When rainwater flows past the lamp, this acid can wash away and leave (temporary) stains on light surfaces such as tiles or paving. This is a natural phenomenon. To prevent black stains on the wood itself, all our lamps are mounted with stainless steel screws and sockets.

Placement and Care

• Installation: If you receive the lamp but install it later, store it in a dry, ventilated place, flat and off the ground to prevent warping.
• Maintenance: Your lamp requires virtually no maintenance; its natural weathering is the best protection. Any stains, such as bird droppings, can be easily removed with a brush and a little water. If you wish to retain the original color longer, you can have the wood treated (by us) with a suitable, transparent stain. We also recommend that you do not drive the pole into the ground, but use the pin as a barrier between the ground and the pole.