Teak Care



Teak Care

Teak is the most weather resistant wood in the world. Historically, shipbuilders have used teak due to its high oil content which resists rotting and insects. No other wood is comparable. You have the luxury of choosing how you would like your teak to age. You have two options:

The Weathered Look
If you prefer a weathered, silver-gray look, then do nothing. Over time, weather will cause some surface erosion leading to slight surface roughness, possible mildew and checking. Checking is a natural process that occurs when teak develops small cracks in the end grain of the furniture. A check is small and caused by teak continuing to age, weather and dry. Checking does not affect the integrity of teak furniture and will virtually disappear over time. The appeal of a weathered look is just that - a weathered look.

If you simply allow your furniture to weather naturally this way, you can maintain the silver patina with regular, gentle cleaning with soft-soap flakes dissolved in warm water (not detergent). However, if a regular cleaning regime is neglected, furniture can become badly weathered (gray-black in color) or extremely dirty, in which case you can use a cleaner and brightener product designed to help restore the surface color of the teak.

Looking Like New
If you prefer to retain the natural, golden color of new teak, then we recommend that you seal your furniture with a teak sealer. Manufacturers differ in their recommendations between a teak oil and a water-based product. A sealer helps to resist normal weathering and mildew growth. Checking will still occur. Previously sealed teak should be resealed to compensate for traffic and environmental wear and tear. You will be the best judge as to when your furniture needs to be resealed. Typically once a year is sufficient for residential use.

If your furniture is weathered and you have changed your mind...

Restoring Teak Furniture
You may restore your weathered furniture back to the golden color of new teak by applying a recommended teak cleaner and brightener.

Storing teak furniture during the winter