Outdoor Guarantee

At The Hairpin Leg Co., we’re committed to quality. Outdoor environments vary widely, and different materials perform very differently depending on conditions. That’s why our Outdoor Guarantee is tailored specifically to the product type and its intended use.

Transparency Matters

We believe in giving you the full picture. Most outdoor furniture on the market—unless you're spending thousands—is made from coated steel, known as residential grade. It offers a great balance of performance and cost.

Real-world performance depends on both usage and location. A table in a sheltered patio will last far longer than one exposed year-round in a coastal garden. These factors affect only a small number of customers, but we think it’s important to be clear—so you know what to expect and how to get the best from your furniture.

Understanding Outdoor Use

There’s a big difference between commercial-grade and residential-grade outdoor furniture:

Commercial Grade – Typically made from rust-resistant materials like stainless steel, galvanised steel or aluminium. Colour finishes are purely aesthetic, and these products can often last 20+ years—even in harsh environments like coastal locations.
Residential Grade – Made from durable, powder-coated mild steel. The powder coating provides both the colour and protection. If this coating is chipped or damaged, the exposed steel underneath can rust.

Our Residential Outdoor Guarantee

We offer a 2-Year Guarantee on our residential-grade outdoor products, subject to the following conditions:

Location – Applies only in non-coastal areas (5 miles inland+), where salt levels in the air are less elevated.
Use Case – For residential/home use only. Commercial use is not covered under this guarantee.
Maintenance – Chips and scratches should be touched up with outdoor paint to prevent rusting of the underlying steel.
Fixings – Use only outdoor-grade hardware such as stainless steel screws, washers, and protective feet.
Placement – Products should be used on solid surfaces like patios or decking. Soft ground (e.g. gravel, soil, bark) will make the protective feet ineffective.

Real-World Performance

Outdoor furniture made from powder-coated mild steel performs well across a wide range of environments—but care and conditions matter:

In harsher climates (coastal / industrial) or with poor maintenance, light surface rust may appear within 6 months.
In sheltered outdoor spaces, items can last 10+ years with minimal wear.
In most home settings, two years of reliable outdoor use is easily achievable.
Even if rust appears, it typically does not affect structural strength for many years.
And even after long periods of neglect, items can usually be restored with a simple touch-up and some care.

Outdoor Care Guide

Use within the intended limits of the guarantee (e.g. non-coastal, residential settings).
Touch up any scratches, chips, or worn areas using an outdoor-suitable paint like Hammerite. This can be applied even over minor rust.
Cover furniture during the winter to reduce weather exposure.
Avoid standing water or consistently damp environments.

Additional Resources

For further guidance on material choice and usage, you may find these support articles helpful:

Outdoor Projects, Made to Last

We love seeing our products used in creative outdoor spaces. With the right care and setup, our furniture can be a reliable, long-lasting part of your outdoor living area. If you have questions, we're always happy to advise.

The Hairpin Leg Co. – Made for Makers, Built for the Elements.