Our teak is delivered in its natural condition and untreated.

Over time & with exposure to the elements, teak develops a soft grey patina. If this is the look you prefer, simply clean your teak every spring (or every few years – you do not need to baby this furniture).

Clean with a medium grade nylon brush and a small amount of liquid detergent, mixed with 3 tablespoons of household bleach dissolved in a bucket of warm water. This will remove dirt, air pollution and mildew, and will brighten the teak markedly.

Rinse thoroughly.

If you prefer to maintain the original teak color, follow the cleaning with an application of teak sealer (available at BYL) after the teak has been allowed to dry, simply spray the sealer on with a pump spray bottle or rub on with the provided cloth and wipe off.

DO NOT OIL TEAK – because of the density of the wood, and the naturally high oil content, oil will sit on the surface of the wood, and get gummy, leaving a film that prevents the wood from breathing properly, and promoting mildew growth.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What’s the expected lifespan?
A: Decades – you’ll likely pass this down to your kids. Teak benches lining public gardens throughout England have been there for well over 100 years.

Q: Do you offer cushions?
A: Yes – Gloster has a full line of cushions custom-fit for every piece. We also order them through Classic Cushions.

Q: Does it go gray? Does it splinter?
A: Over a year or two, it will lighten & change to a soft gray. Over time, the furniture develops ‘checking’ (small cracks along the end grain). You see it best at the end of any cut piece. Checking is normal; it always happens with any raw wood when it is cut. Both the gray and checking are normal – remember, teak has been used for centuries.

Q: Bees are attacking my teak! What do I do?
A: Rub Avon Skin So Soft or Aniseed oil on the area.