CARING FOR TEAK FURNITURE

                

    Several years ago, our son had major double hip surgery.  I knew that one of his challenges with recovery would be showering so we bought a teak shower bench to go in our walk in shower.  It was indeed a great help to him as he recovered.  

    Fast forward a few years when Brian and I were doing a pool/patio remodel and were looking for outdoor furniture.   We found two beautiful, large, teak rocking chairs that I immediately knew we had to have.  I love wood furniture.  Whether inside or out, wood requires care.  Cleaning and moisturizing are important in order to extend the life of a piece of furniture and keep it looking its best.  

    After purchasing the rockers I realized that although they are incredibly durable they do require some upkeep.  Taking care of teak isn't hard and doesn't even require anything more than a little time and some simple tools.  Here are a few things to know if you have or are thinking about buying a teak piece of furniture.

    Teak trees are native to tropical forests and grown in South America and Southeast Asia in countries like Indonesia, Thailand, and India. Teak  is prized for its durability and density but can vary depending on the tree's maturity. The highest quality of teak wood is Grade A teak. Grade A teak comes from the densest part of the teak timber and contains the highest concentration of natural oils that protect the wood from water damage, rot, and insects.

    Grade A teak has the highest concentration of natural oils and the least amount of gaps in the wood which can cause warping and cracking over time.  We certainly discovered this before we were aware that there were different grades of teak!  Grade A teak is the most expensive but can last nearly 100 years if properly cared for.

    Teak wood is super sturdy and will last for decades, even in cold and rainy weather. It is one of the strongest hardwoods and will naturally resistant  splitting, cracking, mold, mildew, and weathering. Teak is ideal for outdoor furniture because it lasts much longer than other outdoor materials.  It's super stylish and I just loved the look of it on my pool deck and now out on our Lanai.  Just be aware of the quality of teak you purchase as not all teak is equal!

Caring for teak furniture is relatively easy. Keep the right products on hand to clean, remove stains, and restore color. Let's walk through step-by-step instructions on how to care for teak furniture, how not to treat your teak, and what to do when stains and scratches happen.           

Teak’s natural aging process

    New teak comes as a beautiful honey color with natural oils that make it water-repellant and rot-resistant. Over time transforms into a silver or grey patina color as it ages. This color change happens as the teak adapts to its surroundings and is exposed to sun, rain, and humidity. The timeline for aging and color change will depend on the conditions in your outdoor space. Remember, you can clean and restore your teak to its original honey color at any time.

    During the first few weeks or months, you might notice what looks like oil on the surface of your teak, water spots, discoloration, or color bleeding as the color gradually washes out. This is normal and will go away over time. You can speed up the aging process and achieve a more uniform look by washing your teak furniture with a mild soap and warm water and letting it dry in the sun.

    One of the things I didn't realize when I purchased what I thought was teak oil, was that there is another product called teak sealer!  The two products are very different and perform different functions.

Teak oil vs.Teak sealer

    Teak oil is not necessary for extending the life of your teak furniture—it is used to give the surface of teak furniture a glossy, deeper color and only lasts for a few weeks. Teak oil is not the same as teak’s natural oils. Natural teak oil protects the wood from water damage, rot, and insects and is most present in high-quality teak.

    Teak sealer, on the other hand, is helpful for teak protection. Teak sealer/protector helps maintain the golden color of teak by protecting your furniture from UV.  If you want to prevent your furniture from aging to a grey color, use a teak sealer/protector on an annual or bi-annual basis.

 

    Unlike indoor furniture, you never know what your outdoor furniture will be exposed to over its lifetime. Outdoor furniture will endure everything from food and drink stains to bird poop, mold, and torrential rain. However, with proper care, your teak wood outdoor will remain strong and usable for decades. Here’s our start to finish guide on caring for and cleaning teak.

Protecting the surface

    Teak outdoor furniture arrives untreated. If you leave it alone, it will weather to a grey color over time. It's recommended that you leave  the teak untreated and allow the wood to adjust to the climate of your space. You can apply a teak shield to prevent surface stains and watermarks and clean the teak with soap and water as often as it ages.

Maintaining color

    If you prefer to maintain the original honey color of your furniture, deep clean and apply a teak protector when you get your furniture. Use a cloth to apply an even coat of teak protecter/sealer and dry it in the sun. Depending on where you live, you will need to re-seal your teak furniture once or twice a year. Honey-colored teak is sleek and stylish but requires regular care and maintenance. We often recommend letting the teak age to grey since it requires less overall maintenance.

Removing stains

Clean spills as they happen with mild soap and water and a sponge or soft bristle brush. Teak is naturally mold resistant; however, dirt and debris that linger on the product are not. Remove dirt and debris and keep an eye on the surface your teak furniture stands on for built-up water or debris. For annual cleaning or mold, we recommend using a teak cleaner.  If the furniture gets very damp, dry it out in the sunlight before covering it to avoid mildew growth. After cleaning your teak furniture, rinse thoroughly and allow it to dry in the sun if possible.

Items needed for at-home teak cleaning and care:

• Mild dish-soap
• A sponge
• A gentle scrub brush
• Fine Sandpaper
• Teak Oil
• Teak Sealer

Storage and off-season protection

    Covering your furniture with a waterproof, tear-proof protective cover will significantly prolong its lifespan. You’ll want a cover that has vents for airflow and buckles or cinches so that it will stay in place on windy days. 

    Again, watch for mold and mildew in shaded areas and humid climates, even when the protective cover is on. If you think your furniture is damp, remove the cover and let it dry out. You might also want to check on the wood underneath the cover periodically. If the furniture is sitting in a snowy, damp, or shaded area, mold growth can happen if the furniture does not have a chance to dry out.

    We absolutely love our teak furniture and look forward to using it for many, many years to come.

Until next time!

~Sue