Question 1

What is Rattan

Accepted Answer

Rattan is a natural, vine-like plant that grows abundantly in the tropical forests of Indonesia. It is known for its strength, flexibility, and versatility. Rattan is used to create a wide range of beautiful and eco-friendly furniture and decorative items, showcasing Indonesia's rich tradition of craftsmanship and sustainable material use.

Question 2

Do you deliver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide delivery services. Typically, we aim to dispatch your order within 24 hours of receiving your payment. To facilitate this process, our logistics manager will promptly provide you with a payment link, allowing you to conveniently make your payment using Snapscan, instant Electronic Funds Transfer (ETF), or your credit/debit card. We do not add a mark-up to the delivery fee. Our warehouse is conveniently located in Westlake, Cape Town, and we have established reliable partnerships with trusted courier services to facilitate nationwide delivery. To ensure your shopping experience is hassle-free, please select the most suitable delivery option at the checkout.

Question 3

Do you rent your furniture?

Accepted Answer

No, we do not offer furniture rental services. However, we can recommend a reputable furniture hire company that purchases from us. They may be able to assist you with your furniture rental needs.

Question 4

Are you open on the weekends?

Accepted Answer

We are open from Monday to Friday, and we also extend our availability to the first Saturday of each month. Please feel free to visit or contact us during these business hours. We look forward to serving you on these days.

Question 5

Can you make the container ship go faster if I pre-order something?

Accepted Answer

Answer: No, we are unable to expedite the shipping process for pre-orders. Eight Degrees makes every effort to deliver orders promptly, but please note that delivery dates and estimates are not guaranteed. We disclaim any liability for delayed deliveries and cannot accept cancellations based on delays. Refunds are not available for pre-ordered products, and all sales for such items are considered final. Please understand that no refunds can be provided under any circumstances. We appreciate your understanding.

Question 6

How long will a pre-order take?

Accepted Answer

The timeline for a pre-order can vary depending on when it was placed and the quantity ordered. Our pre-order products are crafted especially for you and can be customized. Manufacturing typically takes 3-6 weeks. Once your order is ready, it will be included in our container for shipping, which can take an additional 6-8 weeks. Please note that these timeframes are estimates, and the actual duration may vary based on specific factors. If you wish to make changes to the size or finish, please inform us within 24 hours of placing your order. Our products are meticulously handcrafted, one piece at a time, to ensure the highest quality.

Question 7

Do you custom manufacture?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer custom manufacturing services. Simply send us your design, and we will provide you with a quote based on your specific requirements and specifications.

Question 8

Do you have any black lampshades/pendants?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can accommodate requests for black finishes on our pendants. Please let us know, and we will arrange for the pendant to be sprayed black to meet your preferences.

Question 9

Can I return my order after 7 days?

Accepted Answer

We want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. You may request a refund within seven days of placing your order. Please be aware that the following costs may be deducted from your refund: the direct cost of returning the goods to our warehouse, banking fees, and packaging expenses. Refunds or store credits will not be considered after the seven-day return period, and shipping and handling fees are non-refundable.

Additionally, we do not accept exchanges, returns, or refunds for goods purchased during a sale or for pre-orders, custom orders, containers on the water, or containers in production. Products expected to arrive in future-dated containers are categorized as pre-orders. All refunds will be processed within 30 days.

Question 10

Can Rattan furniture be left outiside?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Rattan products are well-suited for outdoor use. Rattan's natural resilience and resistance to the elements make it a popular choice for outdoor furniture and decor. However, to ensure longevity, it's advisable to protect Rattan items from prolonged exposure to harsh weather conditions and to use appropriate protective measures, such as covers, to maintain their quality.

Can reclaimed teak furniture be left outside?Weather Resistance: Reclaimed teak is naturally resistant to decay, insects, and moisture due to the wood's natural oils and silica content. This makes it suitable for outdoor use. However, exposure to the elements, especially harsh sun and rain, may lead to some weathering and fading over time.

Maintenance: To maintain the wood's original appearance, it's recommended to regularly clean and treat reclaimed teak furniture with teak oil or a suitable wood finish. This helps protect the wood from UV damage and moisture.

Shelter and Cover: While reclaimed teak is robust, providing shelter or using covers during extreme weather conditions or long periods of inactivity can significantly extend the lifespan and appearance of the furniture.

Cleaning: Periodically clean the furniture to remove dirt and prevent mildew growth. A mild soapy solution and a soft brush work well. Rinse thoroughly and let the furniture dry completely.

Storage: If you live in an area with harsh winters, consider storing the furniture indoors or in a sheltered area during the colder months

Question 11

Do you ship internationally?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do ship internationally, but exclusively for full container loads. For wholesale purchases or furnishing needs for lodges, hotels, and restaurants, we invite you to explore our dedicated platform at www.eightdegreessouthexport.com. This platform is designed to accommodate bulk orders and container loads, and for personalized guidance, you can connect with Jodi at jodi@eightdegreessouth.com. Please keep in mind that our wholesale and bulk purchase options are specifically tailored to clients experienced in the import and export of goods on a larger scale.

Question 12

Are your products fumigated?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our furniture undergoes a comprehensive fumigation process. Legally, we are required to fumigate the container on the day of packing it, ensuring that the shipment is free from any potential pests or insects. Additionally, our commitment to quality and safety extends to the very beginning of the manufacturing process. Before we even begin crafting our furniture, the wood is meticulously submerged in an insecticide solution.

We are proud to hold fumigation certificates from authorized companies that have been approved by the Indonesian government. This certification underscores our dedication to providing you with the highest standard of quality and safety in our products.

Question 13

What is Suar?

Accepted Answer

Suar wood, also known as rain tree or monkey pod wood, is a hardwood native to Southeast Asia, including Indonesia. Suar is typically sourced from managed plantations and controlled harvesting, making it a responsible and sustainable material choice when correctly produced. It is valued for its dramatic grain, rich tonal variation and organic shape, making it a popular choice for statement furniture pieces.

Suar is commonly used in large, solid slabs and sculptural forms, including dining tables, benches, coffee tables, stump chairs, side tables and table bases. These pieces often retain the natural edge and shape of the tree, which is part of their appeal. No two pieces are ever the same.

Due to the extreme thickness of Suar stumps, particularly in items such as stump chairs, side tables and dining table bases (often ranging from 35cm to 80cm thick), natural drying processes will continue to occur over time. This includes cracking, checking, leaching, expansion and contraction, surface movement and minor shifting within the timber. Hairline cracks may appear or widen, joins may move slightly and moisture may be released as the wood continues to settle. These are not defects, but a normal and expected part of how solid Suar behaves.

Suar wood is a strong and durable timber, but it is also a living material. Its character, markings and changes over time are what make each piece unique. Variations in colour, grain, texture and finish are to be expected and are a key part of the material’s natural beauty.

Question 14

Where does your new Teak come from?

Accepted Answer

A: Teak (Tectona grandis) is native to South and Southeast Asia, and it grows naturally in several countries in the region, including Indonesia. In Indonesia, teak is primarily sourced from various islands and regions, with the island of Java being one of the most significant teak-producing areas. Here are some of the key regions where teak is commonly harvested in Indonesia:

Java: Java has a long history of teak production and is well-known for its high-quality teak. The Central Java and East Java provinces are particularly renowned for teak plantations.

Central Kalimantan (Borneo): Central Kalimantan, located on the island of Borneo, is another important region for teak production in Indonesia.

East Kalimantan (Borneo): Teak is also cultivated in parts of East Kalimantan, contributing to the country's teak production.

North Sumatra: In North Sumatra, you can find teak plantations that contribute to Indonesia's teak resources.

Yogyakarta: Yogyakarta, a province on Java, is another significant teak-producing region known for its high-quality teak wood.

Teak is highly valued for its durability, natural resistance to decay and insects, and the distinctive color and grain of the wood. It is used in various applications, including furniture, flooring, boat building, and architectural woodwork. In Indonesia, teak is often cultivated in teak plantations, where it is carefully managed to ensure sustainable harvesting and replanting practices to protect the long-term viability of teak resources.

Question 15

Where does your old/antique wood come from?

Accepted Answer

Suar wood, often referred to as rain tree wood or monkey pod wood, is a type of hardwood that is native to Southeast Asia, including Indonesia. The Suar tree (Albizia saman) is a large tropical tree known for its expansive canopy, providing ample shade in the regions where it grows. Suar wood has gained popularity in the woodworking and furniture industry for several reasons:

Unique Aesthetics: Suar wood is celebrated for its distinctive and irregular grain patterns, rich earthy tones, and striking natural beauty. It often features a blend of light and dark brown hues, which gives it a captivating, organic appearance.

Sustainability: Suar wood is considered a sustainable choice as it is typically sourced from responsibly managed plantations or forests. This makes it an eco-friendly option for those who are concerned about the environmental impact of their furniture choices.

Durability: Suar wood is known for its durability and resistance to environmental factors, such as moisture and pests. This makes it a robust choice for furniture, ensuring that pieces crafted from Suar wood can withstand the test of time.

Large Slabs: Suar wood is often used to create large, solid wood slabs that retain the natural, irregular shape of the tree trunk. These slabs are favored for crafting dining tables, coffee tables, benches, and other substantial pieces of furniture.

One-of-a-Kind Pieces: Each piece of Suar wood furniture is unique because the natural shape of the tree from which it is sourced is retained. This organic shape gives Suar wood furniture an individual character, making it highly desirable for those seeking distinctive, one-of-a-kind pieces.

Suar wood is a popular choice for crafting a wide range of furniture items, including dining tables, coffee tables, benches, and live-edge slabs. Its combination of aesthetic appeal, sustainability, and durability has made it a preferred material in the world of woodworking and interior design, and it is particularly associated with high-quality, artisanal furniture production in Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries.

Question 16

Why don't you manufacture in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

We have chosen to manufacture in Indonesia for several important reasons. Over the years, we've developed strong relationships with our Indonesian partners, and they have become like family. Additionally, Indonesia has restrictions on the export of raw materials, which aligns with our commitment to responsible sourcing. Our manufacturing in Indonesia allows us to maintain the quality and integrity of our products while supporting the local communities where we operate. We are proud to mention that we also employ a dozen South Africans, contributing to local employment and fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Question 17

Do you work with decorators?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do collaborate with decorators. For more information, please visit our trade section on the website to explore how we can assist and partner with decorators on their projects.

Question 18

Where is your store?

Accepted Answer

We have both an online store and a physical store located at 10 Stibitz Street, Westlake, Cape Town. You're welcome to visit us at our physical store or explore our products through our online store.

Question 19

What is Terrazzo?

Accepted Answer

Terrazzo in Indonesia, as elsewhere, is primarily made from a blend of aggregates, which can include marble, granite, quartz, or glass chips, combined with a binding material, commonly cement or epoxy resin. This mixture is then polished to create the characteristic smooth, colorful surface that terrazzo is known for.

Question 20

What is Water Hyacinth, I see a lot of your products are manufactured using it?

Accepted Answer

Water hyacinth, known as "Eceng Gondok" in Indonesian, is a free-floating aquatic plant that can be found in various water bodies across Indonesia, particularly in its many rivers, lakes, and wetlands. The plant is native to South America but has become widespread in Indonesia and other tropical regions.

In the context of manufacturing products, water hyacinth is typically used for its natural fibers, which are extracted from the plant's stems and leaves. These fibers are dried and then woven into various items such as furniture, baskets, and home decor.

The water hyacinth plant in Indonesia, like in other parts of the world, is considered an invasive species due to its rapid growth and ability to clog waterways. However, its use in crafts and furniture production has provided an environmentally friendly way to control its spread and generate income for local communities. When harvested responsibly, water hyacinth can be a sustainable and renewable material for crafting a variety of products, showcasing its versatility and potential as a natural resource.

Question 21

Is your wood legally sourced?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all of our wood is V-legal verified in Indonesia and comes through channels approved by the government. This verification ensures that our wood is sourced in compliance with legal and sustainable forestry practices.

Frequently asked questions