I can see cracks in the Douglas wood. Is that normal or is the product damaged?
Cracking is a natural characteristic of Douglas wood and is normal, even over time. We minimise the chance of deep drying cracks by using a specific sawing method where the heart lies outside the centre. These cracks do not affect the strength of the wood and are not covered by the warranty.
I can see "lumpy" spots in the wood. Is that something to worry about or a sign of lower quality?
These are knots, areas where branches once grew on the tree, and they are a natural characteristic of softwoods such as Douglas. They are part of the charm of a natural product and do not have a negative effect on the quality or durability of the wood. The presence of knots is not a reason for a warranty claim.
There is resin in the wood and it sticks to my hands. Is this covered by the warranty?
Resin is a natural substance found in the Douglas wood of Linea playsets and it can sometimes come out. This is not a defect and is not covered by the warranty. You can carefully remove any leaking resin with a cloth, or let it harden and then scrape it off.
In some places my Linea picnic table doesn't turn a nice grey, but really dark grey or black. Is the wood rotting?
We understand this can look alarming at first, but rest assured: in 99% of cases this is not wood rot. There are two main causes for this black colour:
- Natural weathering: due to a combination of a lot of moisture (rain) and little sunlight, the silver-grey colour can turn into a dark grey or black tone.
- Surface mould (the weather): Douglas fir wood is a natural product that 'lives'. When the wood stays wet for a long time, microscopically small mould spores from the air can settle on the surface. This does not affect the construction or the strength of the wood, but only gives a black visual discolouration on the outside.
Can I remove black stains on my Linea picnic table?
You can often easily remove the black residue with a stiff brush and a solution of biological soap or soda. For stubborn stains or 'weathering' in the wood you can use de-greying water (based on oxalic acid). This mixture 'bleaches' the black stains away without damaging the wood.
How do I prevent black stains on my Linea picnic table?
The best way to prevent this is to treat the wood with a breathable outdoor stain or oil. This applies a protective layer over the wood so moisture penetrates less quickly, while the wood can still 'breathe'. Good ventilation around the equipment (clear of bushes or walls) also helps the wood dry faster after rain.
Is black discolouration of the wood covered by the warranty?
Because this is a natural reaction of untreated wood to environmental factors, such as moisture and the location of the playset, this visual discolouration is not covered by the warranty. This surface discolouration does not affect the strength of the playset. The warranty is aimed at structural safety and preventing wood rot from the inside.
Can I also reorder parts for Linea products?
You can order new parts for your Linea playset through our webshop. You can read how ordering parts works in our blog: "How do I order new parts for my EXIT outdoor toys?"
Please note: before ordering a part, it is a good idea to check the warranty periods for your Linea playset. Is your warranty still valid? Then go to the EXIT Service Portal and let us know which part you want to replace. We will get started for you.
