1. Take the precious out of metals. At Crate and Barrel, we design hardworking, contemporary metal furnishings with a heart of steel. In fact, most often low-carbon steel (a mixture of carbon and iron) that is hand forged, welded or cast. When appropriate, we may occasionally use wrought iron.

2. Outside in. While you may be more familiar with our metal furnishings as a great choice for outdoor use, new technologies have brought metal’s durability and unique designs inside. Put a metal piece up against a room of wood and upholstery and you’ve got instant visual interest. Blackened steel, brushed aluminum, warm copper. Industrial and urban. Or aged and rustic. From the deck to the kitchen to the media room. From patio tables to coffee tables to beds. Metal’s on the cutting edge.

3. The Finishing Touch. The finishes we apply to our metal furnishings do double duty. Finishes both enhance the design aesthetic and protect the metal from unwanted oxidation. Depending on the look and style of the piece, we may apply the following finishes:

Oil. The most basic metal finish. Penetrating oils retard rust and add color and depth to the metal. Re-oiling is recommended for maintenance.

Paint. Sprayed and/or applied by hand for color and decorative effect.

Polyurethane. Hand-brushed or sprayed application to seal and protect the look of natural metal or to serve as a protective topcoat for more delicate finishes.

Oxidation. Induced either by chemicals or natural exposure for the look of naturally aged metal. Upon reaching the desired effect and color, the metal is then cleaned and sealed to prevent further change.

Electrostatic Powder Coat. An extremely durable baked on coating of paint powder. By giving the metal and the paint powder opposite electric charges, the powder adheres to the metal evenly and completely. The powder-coated metal is then baked at temperatures exceeding 500 degrees to fuse the paint to the metal. The result is smooth, even, durable.

Electrocathotic Plating. A unique finish originally designed for the automotive industry. In fact, our furniture featuring this finish is plated on the same production line as many luxury car parts are. This state of the art process actually plates the paint onto the metal. The result is an exceptionally durable outdoor finish that can tolerate even the most extreme weather conditions. These products have the highest salt spray resistance available for outdoor use.

Important: While finishes are your best defense against rusting, it’s important to remember that whenever the surface of a finish is scratched through or penetrated, the metal is exposed to oxidation. Never use harsh chemical cleaning agents that may scratch the surface. To protect outdoor furniture, a light application of a natural paste wax or automotive wax is recommended. Oil finishes may be maintained by rubbing with fine steel wool and applying Watco Oil lightly.