FOUR TIPS TO MAINTAIN YOUR TEAK FURNITURE
Teak wood furniture is popular due to its natural beauty and its durability. It is an ideal material for outdoor furniture because it can withstand moisture and is resistant to mold and mildew.
The scientific name for the teak tree is Tectona grandis. Tectona comes from tekton, the Greek word for carpenter or artisan, and grandis, which means large. The trees are indigenous to Asia but are now cultivated in Brazil and other parts of the world due to the high demand for the wood. Historically, teak has been used in ship building because of its high oil content and low permeability, both of which enable it to withstand extended periods in the water.
If you invest in teak furniture, it is essential to care for it properly and use the right products to keep it looking its best. Here are four tips to help you.
#1: DECIDE ON THE FINISH YOU PREFER
When it is newly cut, teak has a beautiful golden color. Over time and with exposure to the elements, it will weather to a silvery gray finish. The way you care for teak furniture is dependent on the finish you prefer.
If you like the weathered finish, then you can simply use your teak furniture as you wish. Within 5 months to a year of use, the teak will fade and weather until it has a silvery appearance. There is little you need to do to maintain the weathered appearance other than washing the furniture as needed.
On the other hand, if you prefer the golden color of new teak, you will need to take steps to preserve it. Some of the care tips below will help you keep—and if necessary, restore—the golden color of your teak furniture.
#2: KEEP YOUR TEAK OUT OF THE SUN
If your preference is to keep your teak furniture looking as new as possible, the best way to minimize weathering and maintain the golden color is to keep your furniture out of the sun. That means using it indoors or beneath an awning or deck roof.
On many materials, including wood such as teak, the sun can produce a bleaching and dehydrating effect. While avoiding direct sunlight will help to preserve your teak furniture’s golden hue, you will still need to take other steps to preserve it.
#3: WASH YOUR TEAK FURNITURE WITH SOAP AND WATER
Although teak furniture is highly resistant to water, mold, and mildew, it still needs to be cleaned regularly. We recommend cleaning your teak furniture with mild dish soap and water once a year to remove excess dirt and keep it looking its best.
Using a brush with soft bristles can help you to remove dirt. We do not recommend using a power washer, since the force may be strong enough to damage the wood permanently. Do not use steel wool as it may leave behind metal residue that may, over time, cause rust stains.
After you wash teak furniture, let it sit for about 15 minutes. Then rinse it with clean water and allow it to air dry.
#4: SEAL TEAK FURNITURE TO PRESERVE ITS COLOR
Applying a product that creates a hydrophobic seal on your teak furniture can help to preserve the golden color and slow the weathering process. A sealant will also keep moisture and liquids from penetrating the pores of the wood, helping to avoid water marks and spots on your teak furniture. Make sure your teak furniture is clean and completely dry, then follow these steps:
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Using a lint-free cloth, apply a layer of sealant. Choose a sealant that is nontoxic and odorless to avoid any harsh chemicals and noxious odors..
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Wipe away excess product with a clean, lint-free cloth.
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Repeat until water beads up on the surface of the wood.
You may reapply sealant every three or four months to preserve the natural appearance of teak. We should also note that if your teak is weathered, sanding it prior to sealing will reveal the golden color beneath the weathering and lock in the color.
CONCLUSION
Teak furniture can make a beautiful and hardy addition to your home, patio, or yard. To keep it looking its best, make sure to seal and protect it with a product that is free of toxic chemicals, good for the environment, and safe for your family and pets.
