Teak outdoor furniture is valued for its natural beauty, durability, and weather-resistance. However, like any wood furniture, teak requires occasional maintenance and care to keep it looking its best. Properly treating teak patio furniture helps preserve its golden-brown color, prevents drying and cracking, and protects it against mold, mildew, and other damage.
With the right teak care products and techniques, maintaining outdoor teak furniture is straightforward. This guide covers everything you need to know about how to properly treat teak patio sets, tables, chairs, and other outdoor teak items to extend their lifespan.
Cleaning Teak Outdoor Furniture
Regular cleaning is the first step in caring for outdoor teak. While teak has natural oils that make it resistant to weathering, dirt and debris can still build up on the surface over time. Here are some tips for properly cleaning teak patio furniture:
Remove Loose Dirt and Debris
Use a soft bristle brush to remove any loose dirt, leaves, pollen or bird droppings. Avoid using a wire outdoor furniture brush, which could scratch the wood. Wipe down with a damp cloth.
Wash with Teak Cleaner
For a deeper clean, use a teak cleaner formulated for outdoor furniture. Quality teak cleaners contain detergents to break down built-up grime along with brighteners to restore the honey color.
- Spray cleaner across the entire surface and use a soft scrub brush to work it into the grain.
- Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. This prevents the cleaner from drying on the furniture.
- Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions. Some cleaners require dilution with water before application.
Avoid Bleach and Abrasives
Do not use bleach, ammonia, or abrasive scrub brushes on teak, which can damage the surface and finish. Stick to specially-made teak cleaners.
Clean Annually or as Needed
For routine maintenance, clean teak outdoor furniture at least once a year at the start of the season. Clean more frequently if it gets particularly dirty from outdoor use.
Sealing & Protecting Teak Furniture
After cleaning, a protective sealer is highly recommended to shield teak patio furniture from weathering and extend its life. Sealing options include:
Teak Sealer
Applying a penetrating teak sealer helps reduce moisture loss and prevents checking, splintering and greying. It blocks out ultraviolet rays from the sun to avoid damage.
- Use a sealant made specifically for teak. Coat the wood every 2-3 years.
- Thoroughly clean and dry the furniture first. Apply an even thin coat with a foam brush.
- Allow sealer to soak in for 5-10 minutes before wiping away any excess.
- Read the directions; some sealers require periodic reapplication after a certain window of time.
Teak Oil
Teak oil works similar to a sealer by replenishing natural oils lost through weathering. It also creates a protective barrier against moisture and UV rays.
- Choose a high-quality, 100% teak oil formula for the best results.
- Wipe furniture down with a dry cloth and allow it to completely dry.
- Apply a thin coat of oil across the wood grain using a clean lint-free cloth or foam applicator.
- Buff off any excess after 10-15 minutes. Apply additional coats until the wood is saturated.
Marine Varnish
Applying a marine-grade varnish is a suitable option for protecting teak patio furniture. Look for a UV-inhibiting formula.
- Clean and dry the teak before applying varnish.
- Use a foam brush to apply an even, thin coat. Let dry fully before adding more coats.
- Apply at least 2-3 coats for sufficient protection, letting each dry completely before adding another layer.
- Reapply varnish once a year or as needed when it starts wearing.
Restoring Grey Teak Furniture
Over time, untreated teak will turn a weathered grey color from sun exposure. If your patio furniture has started to lose its warm honey-brown color, there are products available to restore it:
Teak Restorer
Specialized teak restorers can rejuvenate greyed teak back to its original golden shade.
- Clean the grey wood thoroughly before applying restorer.
- Use a scrub brush to work the solution into the grain. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Scrub again to remove the grey layer and reveal the fresh color underneath. Rinse off completely.
- Applying a teak sealer afterward will help maintain the restored color.
Oxalic Acid
As a mild acid, oxalic acid removes the grey oxidized layer while minimizing damage to the wood.
- Mix with warm water according to package directions. Apply using a garden sprayer or brush.
- Let the solution sit for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing off. Wear gloves when handling.
- Be sure to neutralize the acidity afterwards with a base solution like baking soda and water.
Bleach
For more extensive greying, bleach can help strip away the top weathered layer. Use caution as too much bleach can damage the wood.
- Make a 10:1 bleach-to-water solution. Wet the furniture and work the solution in with a scrub brush.
- Let it sit briefly before thoroughly rinsing. Wear proper eye and hand protection when handling bleach.
- Follow up with a teak restorer to bring back the natural color. Seal after to prevent re-greying.
Teak Furniture Maintenance Schedule
Follow this general timeline for keeping your teak patio furniture looking its best:
- Clean teak at the start of the outdoor season in spring to remove built-up grime after winter.
- Apply protective sealer or teak oil at the beginning of spring to shield from summer UV rays and moisture. Re-apply as directed on product instructions.
- Inspect furniture regularly and re-clean as needed throughout the season if dirt or stains appear.
- At end of season in fall, clean thoroughly again and consider applying a fresh coat of sealer if needed.
- Before storing furniture away for winter, clean the teak to remove all dirt, dust and debris that can damage the wood if left for an extended time.
- Restore greyed teak as necessary to remove oxidation and restore the warm natural color.
Frequently Asked Questions About Caring for Teak Furniture
Teak care does not have to be complicated, but there are some common questions that arise. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
Does Teak Furniture Need to Be Sealed or Treated?
Teak has natural oils that make it resistant to weathering. However, applying a sealer or protective oil will extend its lifespan and help it retain its rich color longer. Left untreated, teak will eventually weather to a silvery-grey patina.
How Often Should Teak Furniture Be Cleaned?
For routine maintenance, teak patio furniture should be thoroughly cleaned at least once a year in the spring. Clean more frequently if the furniture gets noticeably dirty from regular use throughout the season.
Can Teak Furniture Be Left Outside in Winter?
Teak is relatively hardy and can withstand cold, wet weather. However, leaving it outside permanently can shorten its lifespan. It’s best to store it in a shed or garage over winter if possible. Otherwise, ensure it is completely clean and dry first.
What Is the Best Way to Restore Grey Teak?
Specialty teak restorers work well to rejuvenate the original warm brown color of greyed teak. Oxalic acid also effectively removes the top grey layer. Avoid abrasives or wire brushes which could scratch the surface.
How Long Does Teak Furniture Last?
With proper care and maintenance, high quality teak furniture can last 50 years or longer. The key is regularly cleaning and sealing it to prevent damage from moisture, sunlight, dirt, and other elements that break down wood over time.
Maintaining the Beauty of Teak
Teak is a wise investment for outdoor furniture given its natural beauty, durability, and weather-resistance. With the proper care, your teak patio furniture can last for decades looking fantastic. Follow these tips on how to treat teak outdoor furniture to preserve its rich color and keep it in the best condition season after season.