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Frequently
asked questions:
1) Will a wood bath mat rot out quickly because of the water in the shower? Woods such as cedar, teak, jatoba, and ipe have natural oils that make them resistant to moisture. They are all rated for 50-100 years in moist environments. 2) Are these woods
resistant to bacteria?
Yes! The same oils
that make them water resistant also make them highly resistant to
disease as well as bacteria, mold, and mildew. More and more
studies are coming out linking the presence of mold and mildew to
such health effects as asthma.
3) Which wood is best to use? They are all equaly
rated as far as resistance to moisture and disease. However
each has its own advantages and disadvantages in addition to such
things as color and texture. It really becomes a personal
choice but for more information on each wood, please visit our
special webpage on this topic.
4) Some of your
competitors talk about cabinet grade, FEQ, and plantation teak.
What is the differences?
Cabinet grade or
FEQ, only defines the quality of the wood, not the source. In
actual fact, the majority of cabinet grade teak is plantation teak.
With teak in high demand, and in low supply from its traditional
sources in Indonesia, locations in South America and Africa have been beginning
to farm teak, hence the term plantation teak. Plantation teak
is far better for the earth, and especially in Central and South
America, many farms are now rebuilding the lost rainforest through
transplanted teak trees and other endangered tree species.
Effective November
1, 2005 we have also begun planting our
own teak trees in Costa Rica through our own reforestation efforts.
Currently 5% of all sales goes to these reforestation efforts.
5) Do you use genuine teak from Burma? Some of your competitors say they use US Certified Reforested Burmese Teak. Genuine teak from the rainforests of Asia are well known to have special properties to resist bacteria and weather. Unfortunately the majority of genuine teak lumber is only available from Burma, where a corrupt military regime holds onto its power through the sale of its natural forests. This is why the US Government has banned the direct import of all Burmese Teak. If anyone tells you they are purchasing US Certified Reclaimed or Sustainable Burmese Teak, read the articles through the above hyperlinks, and then judge for yourself.
6) Doesn't Burmese Teak come from Burma? One of your competitors appears to be trying to redefine the English Language by stating that Burmese teak doesn't come from Burma. Funny you should mention that. All forestry, lumber, and wood experts agree. It is kind of like the old saying about the duck. If it looks like Burmese teak, and smells like Burmese teak, and is called Burmese teak, then yes, it is Burmese Teak.
Please keep in mind this is probably the same competitor who has redefined the term sustainable forestry to mean that if you cut down a 20 year old tree, you must first plant a tree 20 years before hand. Whether nature or man planted the tree, this goes without saying doesn't it? Our reforestation efforts means that for every tree we cut down today, we plant 7 trees for future generations!
7) Where do you import your plantation teak from? Our plantation teak comes from Central and South America. This region has comparable weather patterns to Asia, where teak is native, and it is believed that the old growth teak from these regions will result in the same properties as Burmese Teak. Effective November 1, 2005 we have also begun planting our own teak trees in Costa Rica through our own reforestation efforts. Currently 5% of all sales goes to these reforestation efforts.
8)
Why should I purchase a bath mat with your special finish?
Our special finish is a blend of oils, each chosen to penetrate the wood to a different depth, thus bringing out the beauty and character of the wood like no single oil can. Special non-slip waxes are also part of the blend. These sit on the surface and create a smoother feel while bonding to the surface so that the finish will last 10 times longer than our competitors finish. For more information please go to our finishing
page.
9) Can I use other finishes? You may also purchase special treatment oils and waxes from your local hardware store. Please follow the directions carefully and be sure to speak with them about the best solutions for this environment. And despite what anyone else tells you...Never, ever, ever apply teak oil to teak. 10) Won't the bath mat slip? I see other competitive products that come with rubber feet or strips. In a nutshell, until we can source true bacteria-resistant rubber, we refuse to apply this material to a bathmat that should last many lifetimes. Despite what anyone else says, rubber has a shelf-life of 5-10 years. Rubber is a natural material and all experts I have spoken with agree that there is no such thing as bacteria-resistant rubber. However, we have spent the past six months researching this issue with all of our suppliers, and will continue to do so. In
the meantime, our bath mats are made with the necessary weight and
huge surface area to the floor, that we have only ever had one
problem. In that situation, the contractor had placed a high
gloss wall tile on the floor by mistake. And in this situation
we happily offered to take the bath mat back for a full credit
including shipping! The client still chose to keep the bath
mat because of its inherent beauty and character.
11) What if I have a problem? What do I do? Call us. All of our products are guaranteed for our life, your happiness. If you ever have a problem or question just give us a call. 12) Still have questions? Call us. We are open 9AM-9PM ETD M-F and 9AM-6PM weekends. |