HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR TEAK PATIO FURNITURE

Teak is an excellent choice for any patio. This durable and beautiful material is impervious to water, mildew, and wood-eating insects and adds timeless charm to any outdoor space. 

Teak furniture is not only beautiful, it is also very easy to maintain. If left untreated and exposed to the elements for at least six months it silvers into a beautiful patina colour. This transformation will not compromise the structural integrity of your furniture.

MAINTAINING UNTREATED TEAK

Untreated teak furniture requires little maintenance beyond an annual cleaning to remove dust and dirt. 

Simple Teak Cleaning Solution

1. Add ¼ cup of dish soap and 1 tablespoon of bleach to 3.75 litres of water. 
2. Use a soft bristle brush to scrub your teak furniture thoroughly.
3. Rinse your furniture with fresh water when you are finished.

For stubborn stains such as oil or wine use a fine grit sandpaper to gently sand the stain away. Be sure to work in the direction of the grain.

MAINTAINING TREATED TEAK

While the silvery patina of untreated teak can lend any space an elegant, rustic look, some people prefer to maintain teak’s original deep honey colour. To do this, you will need to treat and maintain your teak furniture annually, especially if your furniture sees a lot of sunlight during the summer months.

How to Restore Your Teak Furniture

1. Before you begin, make sure you wash your teak furniture with dish soap and water. Use a soft bristle brush to gently scrub away any dirt or dust that has accumulated. Once your furniture is clean, let it dry completely before continuing.
2. Apply a teak brightener to your furniture according to the product’s directions. When you have finished applying the brightener rinse your teak furniture with fresh water. If you do not want to use teak brightener you can also restore your furniture’s original colours by lightly sanding away the weathered outer surface of your furniture, revealing the untouched wood underneath.
3. Once you have restored your teak to its original colour be sure to apply a UV blocking teak sealant and allow it to dry. This will help slow the weathering process and should let your teak maintain its original colour for about a year. 

GENERAL CARE TIPS

To avoid rot and mildew be sure to keep your furniture out of damp, shady areas. If you are looking to achieve a patina finish on your teak furniture, you can leave it outdoors, uncovered throughout the winter months. If you wish to cover your furniture be sure to use a cloth that will let the wood breath, and do not store it in a heated room. The heat can dry out the wood, causing unsightly cracks.

Over time you may notice the grains in the legs and arms lifting and small cracks appearing. This is a normal side effect of the wood expanding and contracting in response to fluctuating weather patterns. It will not compromise the structural integrity of your furniture. 

Teak’s beauty and durability has made it a top choice for families around the globe for generations. A well-maintained teak patio set can bring your family decades of enjoyment and makes it a great addition to any outdoor space.