Teak Furniture: Care & Maintenance
The selection of teak outdoor furniture is an excellent and enduring investment. Teak is a classic, quality wood that can be passed down as an heirloom to the next generation, owing to its durability and timelessness. Maintaining teak furniture is easy and manageable especially if you follow the suggestions provided here.
Teak is a superb choice for outdoor furniture. It can remain outside in any climate throughout the year, and heartily stands up to the elements without the need for protection. Teak’s natural oils protect the wood from water, which renders the material inherently weather-proof and resistant to decay. Over time with sun exposure, untreated teak will turn a lovely silvery gray color, but this is solely a cosmetic process that doesn’t weaken the wood. If the preservation of its natural honey color is desired, teak can be sealed with a breathable UV protectant that has been specially developed for teak surfaces.
Now that you have made this wise investment, how best to care for your teak outdoor furniture? Giving your outdoor furniture an annual spring cleaning will help preserve its peak condition. To clean weathered teak, a specially formulated teak cleaner is recommended. Use a dishwashing abrasive sponge such as a Scotch Brite Pad or a soft bristle brush to work the cleanser in, covering small areas at a time, working from top to bottom. A thorough rinsing with a hose is important, as the cleaner should not be allowed to dry on the wood. A quick pat dry completes the process, followed by a full air-dry in the sunlight.
If you choose to preserve the natural amber coloring of the teak, a teak sealer is recommended. The sealer can be applied with a spray bottle, brush, or rag. Once the first layer is applied, let the teak dry for one hour, followed by a second applied layer. The applications of sealer will dry quickly, and the furniture can be used the following day. Sealer works best on a clean surface, so give the teak a cleaning before starting the sealing process. Sealer must be regularly applied for continuous protection — once per year is adequate.
To prevent stains from spills onto your teak furniture, they will not be a problem if wiped up quickly and followed with a quick spot wash with soapy water and a soft bristled scrub brush. A spill of coffee or red wine might require a more thorough spot cleaning with the teak cleaner. If a stain is stubborn and has already set into the teak, it can be lightly sanded out, and soon there will be no evidence it ever existed.
In order to keep your teak in the best quality condition, make sure to never use a brass brush, steel wool, or a pressure washer to clean. The use of steel wool will result in rust spots on your furniture. Using a pressure washer or a brass brush can lead to a rough, splintery surface. However, any splintery wood can be rectified with a good sanding if needed.
With minimal care, teak can last a lifetime. This amazingly low-maintenance wood is often considered the gold standard for outdoor furniture. The classic styling and superior longevity of teak furniture will bring both elegance and comfort to your outdoor living spaces for years to come.