A Guide to the Best of Southern California : DESIGN : Aussie Import: Longer-Life Wooden Garden Furniture

THE WORLD’S ONLY SUPPLY of jarrah timber--one of the strongest and most durable of woods--is cultivated in the southwest corner of Australia. M. A. Jensen Timber Products maximizes jarrah’s exquisite grain patterns and natural resistance to damage by insects, rot and fungus in a line of outdoor furniture. The Jensen incarnation of jarrah has won the prestigious Australian Design Award for quality, beauty of design and ergonomic comfort. Unlike most traditional wooden garden furniture, the seats and backs of these chairs are contoured for better support. And although most wooden pieces start deteriorating after a year or so of exposure to the elements, Jensen pieces are guaranteed for at least three years.

The furniture (which runs from about $200 to $2,900) requires simple assembly--anyone remotely handy with a wrench can put together a chair in 20 minutes. Really.

M.A. Jensen Timber Products are available at San Marino Pool & Patio, 100 E. California Blvd., Pasadena, (818) 795-4386; or through Pacific Group Marketing, (714) 964-0133.