Caring for Teak Furniture
It sounds odd to talk about caring for teak garden furniture and teak outdoor furniture or
any kind of teak furniture, because teak is known for being the most resilient and
weatherproof of woods. Teak can be left alone outdoors for years and will not rot, which is
why it is the wood most commonly used on ships. However, teak patio furniture is an
investment, because teak is an expensive wood, and like any investment, benefits from being
looked after.
Teak requires no preservatives to maintain its appearance or durability. Left
to its own devices, teak gradually ages to a lovely soft gray color over time. Some people
prefer the look of teak's original color, which can range anywhere from a deep golden tone to
a dark brown. If you prefer teak benches, teak chairs or other teak furniture to remain a
shade of brown other than gray, there are products you can buy that, when applied annually,
will help retain the original color.
Keep in mind that teak garden furniture, unlike other
types of weather-resistant wood, does not require sealing, staining or painting. In fact, any
surface treatments can actually diminish teak's inherent weatherproof qualities. Some oils
that purport to protect teak's natural color may actually sit on the surface and mildew, even
though the teak itself will not mildew or rot. Never use a wood preservative on teak that is
meant for other woods.
Teak is imbued with natural oils as well as some rubber content.
These oils are what give teak is weather-resistant qualities. It is best to leave teak to its
own devices whenever possible; avoid sanding, polishing, buffing, or any surface treatments
that you might have developed a habit of using for other woods.
To clean teak, you will want
to use a special teak cleaner that will not affect its natural oils. If you have applied any
product that has caused the appearance of mildew on the surface of your teak garden furniture,
use teak cleaner or a fine-grit sandpaper. Do not use bleach, as it will not be effective for
mildew on teak.
Teak normally has a noticeable grain. If you have treated teak in error with
products meant for other types of wood outdoor furniture, make sure that after sanding or
using a teak cleaner you can feel a slight grain. If you cannot, keep buffing until you can
see the grain. This will ensure that your teak maintains its optimum condition for many years
to come.
Many beautiful pieces of outdoor furniture are made from teak, from tables and
chairs to benches, planters, settees, loveseats and occasional tables. The decks, railings and
steering wheels of yachts are also often made from teak.
