Teak Care Guide

Why Choose Teak?

Teak is a standout material for outdoor furniture for a number of key reasons:

Natural Durability: Teak contains natural oils and rubber, making it highly resistant to decay, pests, and rot. This allows teak furniture to withstand outdoor conditions for years without significant deterioration.
Weather Resistance: Teak performs exceptionally well in various weather conditions, enduring rain, humidity, extreme temperatures, and sunlight without warping or cracking.
Low Maintenance: Unlike many other woods, teak doesn’t require painting or staining. Its natural oils provide protection, so regular cleaning is usually sufficient to keep it looking great.
Longevity: With proper care, teak furniture can last for decades, making it a cost-effective investment.
Timeless Aesthetic: Teak’s classic, golden-brown hue weathers to a beautiful silvery-gray over time, complementing many different outdoor settings and styles.
Stability: Teak is dimensionally stable, meaning it resists warping or cracking when exposed to fluctuating temperatures and humidity.
Strength: Its robust nature ensures that teak furniture can support weight and withstand regular use.
Resistance to Corrosion: Teak’s natural resistance to corrosion makes it an ideal choice for coastal environments where salt air and moisture are common.
Versatility: Teak can be used to create various furniture styles, from traditional to modern, offering flexibility for design preferences.

When exposed to the elements, teak goes through a series of changes:

Color Transformation: Freshly cut teak is a warm, golden-brown. Over time, exposure to the elements causes it to fade to a silvery-gray. This change can vary depending on environmental conditions.
Surface Erosion and Bleeding: Over time, teak releases its natural oils, causing a temporary oily or dusty appearance. This is a normal process that typically subsides within a few months.
Surface Cracking: As teak ages, minor surface cracks may appear, but they are superficial and don’t impact the wood’s strength or durability.
Weathering Marks: Exposure to the elements may leave some minor weathering marks or stains, but they can be cleaned using proper methods.
Gray Patina: After weathering, teak develops an attractive gray patina, signaling its maturity and continued resilience.

Despite these surface changes, teak’s core remains strong, durable, and resistant to decay, making it a long-lasting choice for outdoor furniture.

Teak requires minimal maintenance, and over time, the wood naturally weathers to a silvery-gray hue. To care for your teak furniture:

Cleaning: Clean your teak furniture once or twice a year with a mild detergent or a teak cleaner. Avoid power washing, which can damage the wood’s surface.
Sanding: Occasionally, light sanding can help eliminate raised grain and restore a smooth finish.
Moisture and Stain Protection: Apply Teak Shield to repel moisture and protect against food and beverage stains, especially for tabletops.
Maintaining Color: To preserve teak’s original color, apply a Teak Color Protector annually.
Avoid Oils: Do not use teak oil or other wood oils, as they can promote mildew growth and turn the teak black. If this happens, aggressive sanding is required to restore the wood.

Teak Cleaner: Moisten the surface, apply cleaner, scrub gently, rinse thoroughly, and let it dry.
Teak Color Protector: Ensure the wood is clean and dry, apply a thin layer of protector, and let it dry.
Teak Shield: Apply after cleaning and allow it to dry for at least 4 hours. Repeat annually or semi-annually for best results.

DO: Wear protective gear, clean with appropriate cleaners, sand if necessary, and apply protectors annually.

DON’T: Use bleach or apply paints, oils, or varnishes other than Teak Sealer and Protector.