Teak Wood Care

Typically, teak products are sold with a natural wood finish. This means that no stain or sealer is applied, and you are left with deciding on how you would like to protect it. The great thing about teak is that you don’t have to stain or seal it at all because it produces its own natural oils that keep the wood in good condition. When exposed to the elements or placed in direct sunlight, teak will slowly turn from its original golden honey color to a soft, silvery gray. This patina process is completely normal and serves as a natural way to protect the wood. Teak furniture left in this state is easily maintained and needs no treatment whatsoever to give many years of service and this is about as easy as outdoor furniture maintenance can get!  Like all woods, teak expands and contracts in the heat and cold. If left outdoors, extreme weather changes can cause the wood to crack, so it is recommended to cover the furniture or bring it indoors when not in use. For cleaning, use a cleaner that is formulated specifically for teak. A hardwood protector can also be applied to protect from stains and mildew.

Now days, because of new design trends many teak customers really do not want the golden look at all. In fact, they actually want to speed up the aging process to achieve a desired patina silvery gray look. Of course, others still desire the original golden tone and this is where the restoration and proprietary product choices come in to play. Regardless of which way you decide to go and no matter how gray your teak becomes, it can always be restored to a golden look later. The natural silver patina color is just a very thin film layer of oxidation and can be cleaned and sanded off to expose the original teak color tone if desired.

If your furniture is to be used indoors and away from a lot of natural sunlight, over a period of time the wood will gradually become a darker shade of golden brown. Plus, if you buff the wood aggressively with a clean dry cloth the natural oils will migrate to the surface and provide a beautiful satin look.

Many people choose to preserve the golden-honey pigment by applying a teak sealer. Doing so will not affect the durability or longevity of the wood but will help to preserve its color by slowing down the patina process. A proper teak sealer will protect the wood from the sun’s UV rays, and inhibits the growth of mildew. If you choose to seal your furniture, be sure that you use a sealer that is environmentally friendly and designed specifically for teak. Before sealing, clean the surface with a teak cleaning agent. Apply the sealer with a soft cloth; using a brush is not recommended.

Applying a teak oil to your furniture will help to restore its original finish, however, it will quickly revert to its weathered look if the oil is not applied every couple of months. Over time, the teak will become reliant on the manual oil application and slow its own natural oiling process, which will weaken the wood’s durability if left unmaintained.

If you choose to seal your teak or purchase a product that is already coated with a clear or colored sealant, maintenance will be very similar to natural teak. You should never oil sealed teak—it's unnecessary since the sealant will already preserve the wood’s color. Applying teak oil could also reverse the sealant’s effect and promote the growth of fungus and mildew. Sealed teak should be cleaned with an environmentally friendly cleaner formulated specifically for teak products. Resealing will be needed once per year to remain effective, however if you choose to switch to the naturally weathered gray appearance, simply let the sealer fade.

Teak should not be painted or varnished. The oil that teak naturally produces rises to the surface of the wood, which will prevent paints and varnishes from properly adhering to the wood. After a relatively short period, the paint or varnish will chip and peel, which creates an unsightly appearance. Teak is best left to patina naturally, or to be protected using a few coats of sealant.

While teak is resistant to water and rot, mildew and dirt accumulation can occur, and your furniture should be cleaned as needed. It is very important that you use a cleaner made specifically for teak. For a homemade cleaning solution, mix 1 cup of vinegar with 1 gallon of warm water.

Before cleaning, dampen the surface with clean water. Any cleaning solution should be applied evenly using a soft cloth or sponge and allowed to soak into the wood for 10–15 minutes. Clean the surface using a sponge, scrubbing in-line with the grain of the wood. Avoid using any metal scrubbing pads, metal brushes, or rough sponges which can scratch or splinter the wood’s surface. When finished, lightly rinse the furniture with clean water. Pressure washers should never be used on teak, as it will splinter and damage the wood causing discoloration.

To remove stains, a plastic-bristled brush can be used if needed. For tougher stains, adding a little bleach or oxalic acid to the mix may be necessary. If a stain cannot be removed with a cleaning mixture, you may resort to lightly sanding away the affected area with a fine-grit sandpaper. Keep in mind that sanding will remove any sealer or patina on the wood’s surface. If you plan to apply a sealer or a teak protectant, allow the teak to dry completely before applying.

With minimal care, teak can last a lifetime. This amazingly low-maintenance wood is often considered the gold standard for outdoor furniture. The classic styling and superior longevity of teak furniture will bring both elegance and comfort to your outdoor living spaces for years to come.