Teak wood maintenance: how to keep your outdoor furniture in good condition
Proper maintenance of your teak garden furniture will help it to look its best and last longer. Teak is a noble wood that naturally withstands the elements and external damage without harsh chemical treatments. However, its golden hue can quickly turn gray if left to age without care. To maintain the warm look of this exotic wood, or to prevent it from fading too quickly, a few simple gestures can make all the difference. Whether your furniture is new or has been sitting on your terrace for years, it deserves special attention. Find out how to effectively care for your teak.
Why do you need to care for teak wood?
Teak wood is naturally exceptional, boasting a high oil content and resistance to rot, insects, and mildew. But these qualities don’t prevent it from needing regular maintenance. The aim is not just to prevent deterioration – it’s more about controlling the natural ageing process. Untreated teak will eventually take on a silvery-gray patina. While some find this graying elegant and natural, others prefer to retain the golden hue of new wood. In both cases, the aim of maintenance is to prevent the furniture from getting dirty, cracking or losing its softness to the touch. It also protects the surface from stains caused by oils, dead leaves or food residues from outdoor dining.
Cleaning teak to preserve its unique characteristics
Cleaning your teak furniture gets rid of surface dirt, brings back its color, and helps maintain its special characteristics. Cleaning teak furniture serves two main purposes: to remove dirt and to prepare the wood for treatments like oiling or varnishing.
A simple wash with warm water and mild soap is enough in most cases. Avoid using abrasive products or hard brushes that could damage the wood fibers. Use a sponge to scrub in the direction of the wood grain, then give the wood a good rinse with clear water. Once clean, furniture should be left to air-dry, uncovered, to avoid condensation. This easy task only needs to be done two or three times per season, depending on how much the furniture is exposed to the elements and how often it’s used.
Oiling teak to restore its color
Oiling teak furniture is an effective way to nourish the wood and restore its golden color. Contrary to popular belief, teak oil is not a protective treatment in the strict sense: it does not increase the wood’s resistance, which is already excellent on its own. It does, however, slow down the graying process by partially blocking the action of UV rays.
By applying a special non-sticky and non-greasy teak oil, you can instantly restore depth to the wood’s color. Before oiling, make sure the surface is perfectly clean and dry. Then apply the oil with a lint-free cloth or flat brush, in thin, even coats. After a few hours, remove any excess oil so that the wood doesn’t get sticky. This treatment can be repeated once or twice a year, ideally in early spring and before autumn, depending on how much the furniture has gone through in terms of use and weather.
Varnish teak for a glossier finish
Varnishing teak is an alternative to oiling for those who want a glossier, tighter finish, or want a surface protected against greasy stains. Varnish forms a surface layer, unlike oil (oil penetrates the wood). The decision to apply varnish often comes down to how you want the furniture to look, since a surface finish will change the teak’s natural appearance. It also requires a certain amount of care, as a poorly maintained varnish can flake off.
Before application, the furniture should be lightly sanded and dusted. Apply the varnish in several thin coats and leave it to dry completely between each application. We recommend using a marine varnish or one specifically designed for exotic woods. Once applied, varnish requires little maintenance, but should be completely removed and redone at the first signs of wear to avoid chipping and staining.
Degreasing teak by sanding or using products
If your teak has already grayed and you want to restore it to its original lustre, there are two possible approaches.
The first is to lightly sand the surface to remove the oxidized layer. Fine-grain sandpaper can be used without damaging the wood, as long as you follow the direction of the grain. This approach will restore the teak to its original color, but it will also expose its fibers, which means it will need to be protected immediately after sanding.
The second method involves using a degreaser. This is a liquid product that acts chemically to remove surface greyness. It is simple to apply: spread the product on the wood, leave for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly. This method is particularly practical when dealing with large surfaces or highly exposed teak garden furniture.
In both cases, a subsequent treatment, such as oiling, is recommended to protect the exposed wood.
Proper winter storage for teak furniture
Teak can be left outside all year round. But it still needs some special winter care. Proper storage will extend the life of your furniture, reduce the need for spring cleaning and keep the wood looking even.
If your furniture is stored outdoors, it’s best to elevate it to avoid contact with the wet ground. You can use a breathable cover to protect it, as long as the wood is perfectly dry before it is covered. Avoid using waterproof plastic covers, as they encourage condensation and mold growth.
Storing your furniture away from frost and damp is ideal, for example in an unheated shed or garage. Wood should always be clean and dry when stored.
Choose high-quality teak outdoor furniture
Teak is a wood with plenty of personality, and it ages gracefully if you look after it. Fortunately, maintaining teak wood is easy and primarily involves taking the right steps at the right time. The decision to clean, oil, varnish, and sand your teak, or to allow it to develop a natural patina over time, is a reflection of your personal preference. The important thing is to remain consistent in your approach and to treat your outdoor furniture with the same care as when you first installed it on a terrace or in a garden.
At JML, we offer teak and ipe outdoor furniture that is built to last and crafted with care. Contact our team for all your outdoor furniture needs.
