How to Take Care of Outdoor Teak Furniture

As a leading of premium teak outdoor furniture manufacturer, we at Furniturenesia know that proper care is essential for preserving the natural beauty of teakwood over time. With the right maintenance strategy, teak’s golden honey color, subtle grain patterns, and legendary durability can be enjoyed for decades. Though durable, how to take care of teak wood requires some basic upkeep to limit cracking, greying, staining or other damage from moisture, sunlight and everyday use.

By learning how to care for outdoor teak properly, you can relax and entertain in comfort and style, season after season, while maintaining the aesthetic and sustainability that makes teak furniture so highly valued. With some simple precautions, you can preserve teak’s natural moisture, oil and resin content to enhance its weather-resistance, color and graceful aging over time.

Why is Teak Wood Popular for Outdoor Furniture?

With its legendary durability and weather resistance, it’s no wonder teak remains the gold standard for outdoor living. As a manufacturer, we choose teak for its unique properties ideal for crafting patio sets, pool loungers and garden benches built to last.

Teak wood contains natural oils, resins and silica crystals that shield it from pests, moisture, humidity and other threats. This gives teak an unmatched lifespan compared to cheaper rot-prone woods. Its dense grain also withstands splintering, cracking and surface damage better than pine or cedar.

While all wood grays over time, teak develops an elegant silver patina. Its color changes minimally compared to other woods that can blacken, warp and deteriorate when left unfinished outside. With reasonable care, teak retains its straight grain, smooth texture and structural integrity through decades of UV exposure, backyard barbecues and weather fluctuations.

Key Benefits of Teak Wood

Hard yet lightweight, beautiful yet strong, teak brings unmatched aesthetic and performance perks.

Durability & Longevity – Can remain outdoors with minimal maintenance for 40-80 years based on climate, usage and upkeep. Far outlasts lower-cost wood species.

Pest & Rot Resistance – Impervious to infestations thanks to its natural wood oils. Mold, mildew and fungi won’t take root either.

Sustainability – Teak supplies come from reputable Southeast Asian plantations, not endangered rainforests. New trees are planted to replace harvested mature teak.

Stability & Strength – Dense grain prevents splintering, checking or cupping. Withstands weight, movement and impact without compromise.

Rich Color & Texture – Lovely honey-brown tones patina into an elegant silver-grey. Straight smooth grain provides visual warmth indoors and out.

How to Clean Teak Wood Furniture

As masters of fine teak, we know meticulous cleaning is paramount for longevity. Our simple soap-and-water method lifts away debris to reveal teak’s natural warmth without damage. Regular gentle cleaning keeps patio sets, benches and chairs looking pristine.

Follow our easy how to treat teak wood cleaning process using household items. Simply mix an eco-friendly detergent with lukewarm water and apply with soft brushes. Mild cleaning solution and delicate scrubbing preserve teak’s smooth surface and subtle grain patterns.

Supplies Needed

• 2-4 Tbsp. mild ecologically safe detergent per gallon of lukewarm water
• Soft-bristle scrub brush and sponges
• Clean microfiber cloths
• Garden hose

Step-By-Step Cleaning

1. Mix Detergent Solution – Use warm not hot water.
2. Loosen Debris – Brush entire surface with a solution using a gentle circular scrubbing motion.
3. Rinse – Blast with garden hose; wipe with microfiber cloths to prevent water marks.
4. Allow to Dry – Give 72 hours before sealing or covering to prevent mildew.

For stuck-on soil, sap or pollen, pre-treat with baking soda paste before scrubbing.

Removing Stains on Teak

Minor teak stains often lift off with our detergent-scrub method. For stubborn marks from wine, grease or flowerpots, spray stain directly with a non-toxic teak cleaner before regular cleaning.

Though durable, teak can be damaged, so always use gentle products free from toxic ingredients. Avoid harsh bleach or acid solutions that erode protective oils teak needs to withstand patio punishment. With our simple cleaning solution and soft-touch approach, your furniture stays gorgeous for decades without stripping its natural resilience over time.

How to Protect Teak Wood Furniture

Defense is the best offense when it comes to upholding teak’s integrity over decades outdoors. Though low-maintenance, teak still needs protection to maintain its rich coloration and smooth feel.

Applying protective coatings every few months is key to graceful aging. As masters of fine care of outdoor teak furniture, we recommend using 100% natural teak oils and sealers for the safest preservation with no hazardous chemicals.

Preserving What Makes Teak Special

Left unsealed, teak’s natural oils evaporate over time. This causes the wood to dry out, lose color and become susceptible to surface damage. The right sealants keep essential oils locked in while blocking threats trying to break down this durable hardwood.

Our eco-friendly sealants absorb deeply to nourish wood cells, unlike surface-only stains. This allows the wood to breathe while repelling water, resistant to peeling or flaking over time. The result is fortified moisture and oil balance for enhanced longevity and aesthetics.

Simple Application Process

When applied properly every 2-4 months, the steps are simple:

1. Clean thoroughly with mild detergent
2. Allow 72+ hours to fully dry
3. Apply thin even coat with grain using lint-free cloth or foam brush
4. Allow 24 hours for drying time
5. Enjoy months of additional protection

Rotate between teak protector and teak oil for best results. The protector shields from weathering while the oil nourishes. This combination keeps furniture gorgeous season after season.

How to Store Teak Wood Furniture

To keep treasured teak patio sets pristine in off-season, proper storage is a must. Improper conditions hasten deterioration causing warping, greying and susceptibility to surface damage over time.

The keys are maintaining stable temperature, humidity and airflow around furniture pieces while providing padding from direct ground contact. Follow our tips to help aging gracefully through seasons of non-use.

Ideal Teak Storage Conditions

Cool & Dry – Drastic temp/humidity shifts cause expansion and contraction that strains wood. Keep storage area climate stable.

Enclosed Space – Pad dust-free garage floor or garden shed to prevent ground moisture. Allow airflow so no moisture gets trapped near wood.

Breathable Protection – Drape breathable (not plastic) covers to allow needed ventilation while limiting light damage.

Elevated Surfaces – Set furniture atop wooden shipping pallets or moving blankets to minimize direct floor contact over months.

Periodic Inspections – Check for any post-storage maintenance needs like surface cleaning, sealing or maintenance before placing back outdoors.

How to Maintain Teak Wood Furniture

With reasonable precautions, teak stands the test of time better than any patio wood. Maintenance strategies that work with teak’s natural resilience keep furniture structurally sound and stunning. We recommend methods that balance preservation with eco-safety for long-lasting set durability.

Follow our guide for maintaining how to take care of teak wood as a lasting backyard investment.

Gentle Handling

• Lift don’t drag pieces to avoid scuffing
• Set down gently on soft surfaces
• Pad frames when stacking items
• Consider furniture covers for extra protection when not in use

Simple Storage

• Use breathable coverings to protect while allowing wood to breathe
• Keep indoor storage space clean, climate-controlled and ventilated
• Inspect after seasons of non-use for any needed rehabilitation

No High Pressure!

• Skip the power washer to avoid stripping protective oils from density within grain
• Stick to mild cleaners with soft scrub brushes only

Follow these guidelines as needed between our recommended simple sealing steps every few months.

How to Restore Teak Wood Furniture

Even durable teak can show wear after years outdoors. Restoration maintains integrity, beauty and value. Follow our process for maintaining gorgeous, even coloration and a smooth feel.

Evaluating Need for Restoration

Inspect annually for possible signs warranting refreshment:

• Noticeable greying from sun, pollution exposure
• Splits, cracks, gouges from use/abuse
• Water marks, stains from wine, sap, bird droppings
• Mold, mildew taking hold in damp crevices

Restoration reverses damage before compromising structural soundness. At first signs, take action.

Restore Natural Richness

Clean – Use mild cleanser with soft brushes; avoid toxic chemicals

Lightly Sand – Smooth any rough spots with fine 120+ grit sandpaper

Penetrating Teak Brightener – Lifts stains; balances color

Teak Protector/Sealer – Enriches tone; blocks UV rays

Premium Teak Oil – Nourishes wood cells; maintains golden richness

With reasonable restoration every few years, your furniture ages gracefully like a fine antique.

Teak Furniture Maintenance Schedule

To make caring for your valuable teak patio sets effortless, follow this simple timeline:

Early Spring

• Inspect furniture for any needed repairs
• Wash away winter grime; allow wood to fully dry
• Apply fresh teak protector to shield from upcoming season

Every 2 Months During Season

• Clean with mild detergent mixed with warm water
• Allow 72 hours drying time
• Apply teak oil to nourish and maintain golden color

Before Storage for Winter

• Deep clean & inspection for deterioration
• Touch up nicks, cracks with wood filler
• Replace broken pieces for uniformity
• Store properly away from elements

Every Few Years

• Evaluate if more extensive restoration needed
• Consider partial disassembly for thorough rehabilitation
• Start fresh with deep conditioning and protection

Follow this schedule to keep your furniture like new for decades.

With proper maintenance, your teak furniture serves you beautifully for generations, not just seasons. Follow our care, cleaning and restoration tips as needed to maintain integrity and beauty no matter the climate or use. Keep our guidance on hand and refer back whenever questions arise. We wish you endless memorable gatherings outside surrounded by gorgeous, resilient teak.