Teak is a tropical hardwood prized for its durability, water-resistance, and beautiful golden hue. Teak outdoor furniture is highly desired for its weather-resistant properties and sophisticated look. However, while teak is more resilient than other woods, it still requires proper care and maintenance to keep it looking its best. Taking the time to care for your teak furniture will help it last for decades. This guide will provide tips on how to clean, seal, store, and restore your cherished teak patio pieces.

Why Choose Teak?

Teak has natural oils that make it highly weather-resistant. The oils help repel water, prevent warping and cracking, and protect against rot, mold, and mildew. Teak also contains silica, which improves its strength and durability. Unlike other woods, teak does not require chemical treatments or paint to withstand the elements.

Benefits of teak outdoor furniture:

Durable – can last 50 years or more with proper care
Weather-resistant – repels water, resists warping and cracking
Low maintenance – does not need frequent staining or painting
Beautiful aesthetic – has a rich, warm golden-brown color
Natural elegance – prized for its beautiful grain patterns
Eco-friendly – requires less maintenance than other woods

With the right care, a high-quality teak patio set can be passed down for generations. The unrivaled resilience and natural beauty of teak make it a worthwhile investment for your outdoor living space.

Cleaning Teak Furniture

Routine cleaning is important for keeping your teak looking its best. Simple soap and water is effective for basic cleaning. Follow these tips:

Wash Regularly

Wash teak pieces every 2-4 weeks during the warmer seasons when furniture is exposed to more dirt and debris
Use a soft scrub brush and mild natural soap
Scrub the entire surface and crevices
Rinse thoroughly with clean water
Allow furniture to completely air dry before using again

Know What to Avoid

Avoid harsh detergents or abrasive cleaners
Don’t use a pressure washer which can damage the surface
Don’t scrub too aggressively – a soft touch prevents discoloration

For Stubborn Dirt or Stains

For tougher dirt, use a wood cleaner containing oxalic or phosphoric acid
For stubborn stains like mold, mildew, or algae growth, use a mild bleach solution of 1 part bleach to 8 parts water
Rinse thoroughly and allow wood to dry completely

Regular washing keeps your teak free of filth that can discolor or degrade the wood over time. Always use a gentle approach when cleaning teak. Harsh scrubbing can damage the surface.

Sealing Teak Furniture

Sealing is an important step for protecting teak furniture exposed to the elements. Sealing involves applying a protective finish that prevents moisture, dirt, and contaminants from penetrating the wood.

Should You Seal Teak?

New teak furniture does not need immediate sealing, as its natural oils help protect the fresh wood
After a year or so, the color will fade to an elegant silver-grey as the surface oils dissipate
At this point, a sealant is recommended to keep your grayed teak looking its best
Sealants help restore color, prevent further fading, and provide added protection

Choosing a Sealant

Teak oil – Contains natural oils and resins that penetrate the wood; Provides a low-gloss finish and enhances the natural color of teak without a “plastic” coated look
Teak sealer – Works below the surface to prevent moisture absorption; Ideal for raw teak or wood with lighter gray patina
Marine varnish – Creates a glossy coating and deeper golden tone; Provides added protection from water damage; Requires more frequent reapplication
Read manufacturer instructions carefully before applying any sealant
Use a small brush to apply an even, thin coat and work into the grain
Let the sealant soak in fully before adding another layer if needed

Sealing is especially important for teak furniture exposed to full sun and rain like poolside loungers or dining sets. Reapply sealant as needed to maintain protection.

Storing Teak Furniture During Winter or Long Periods

Proper storage helps protect your teak investment when not in use. Follow these tips:

Prepare for Storage

Clean the furniture thoroughly before storing
Allow teak to completely dry before covering or moving indoors
Apply a fresh coat of sealant if the existing finish is worn
Buff out any scratches and treat small cracks with teak oil

Choose a Dry Storage Location

Store furniture in a shed, garage, basement, or covered area protected from rain, snow, and moisture
Avoid storing teak in a damp attic or crawlspace
Use breathable furniture covers – plastic traps moisture causing damage

Additional Pointers

Place furniture on blocks or pallets to prevent ground moisture damage
Avoid stacking items on top of one another to prevent dents or scratches
For chairs, cradle the legs to prevent distortion at points of contact
Strap cushions closed tightly so covers don’t get wet or moldy

Taking time to properly store teak furniture for the off-season helps it last for many years. Just be sure all pieces are completely dry before putting them into winter hibernation.

Restoring Weathered Teak Furniture

Over time, the golden honey tone of new teak transitions into a stately silver-gray. This weathered patina has its own beauty, but you may wish to restore some of the original color. With a little care, it is possible to rejuvenate the warm, golden color of your treasured teak.

Clean Thoroughly

Strip away built-up grime, mold, and old sealant:

Scrub with a teak cleaner and stiff nylon brush
For stubborn stains, use a wood brightener
Rinse off all residue until water sheets off the surface
Allow teak to completely dry before sealing

Apply Teak Sealer

Choose a penetrating sealer formulated for grayed teak
Apply a thin, even layer following product directions
Allow sealer to soak in fully before adding another coat
Buff lightly with fine grit sandpaper between coats

Consider Teak Oil for Deeper Color Restoration

Teak oil contains oils that seep into the pores to revitalize color
Wipe on a thin coat with a clean, soft cloth
Allow oil to absorb fully before wiping away any excess after 10-15 minutes
Repeat process 1-2 more times until desired tone is achieved

With some gentle cleaning and a fresh sealant, it is possible to spruce up dingy teak and restore it to its former glory. Be patient, as full results may take several weeks.

Teak Furniture FAQs

How long does teak furniture last?

With proper care and maintenance, high-quality teak furniture can last 50 years or longer. Teak is highly resilient against rot, pests, weather, and moisture damage.

Does teak furniture require staining or painting?

No. One benefit of teak is that it has natural oils that help protect the wood. Teak does not require stains, paints, or chemical treatments. Clear sealants can help maintain beauty and provide added protection.

Should teak furniture be oiled?

Teak oil helps restore color and protect teak. New furniture does not need oiling, but after a year or so, teak oil helps enhances color. Reapply annually or as needed. Penetrating teak sealers also protect weathered wood.

Can teak furniture be left outside year-round?

Teak is very weather-resistant, but leaving it permanently outdoors exposed to sun, rain, and snow will accelerate wear. It is best to cover or store teak furniture during harsh winters.

How often does teak need to be sealed?

Reapply teak sealant about once per year, or more often if the finish seems to be wearing. Teak in consistently wet, sunny areas may need sealing 2-3 times per year. Listen for a slight hollow sound when tapping sealed teak to test if it’s time to reseal.

What is the best way to get stains off teak?

For light stains, mild soap and water should suffice. For tougher stains from food, grease, wine or mildew, use a wood brightener, teak cleaner, or very mild bleach solution. Avoid aggressive scrubbing and immediately rinse away any cleaning products.

How do you treat cracks in old teak furniture?

Using a flexible epoxy glue formulated for outdoor woods, fill any small cracks or defects. Allow glue to dry fully, then sand gently flush with the wood grain. Apply teak oil or furniture polish to help blend repaired areas. Seek professional help for significant structural damage.

Can teak furniture be restored after turning gray?

Yes! Clean thoroughly and apply a fresh coat of high-quality teak sealant to help restore color and protect wood. For extra color renewal, apply teak oil. Don’t force a bright golden tone on silvered teak – a natural, warm patina has beauty.

Keeping your prized teak furniture well-maintained will help ensure it stays gorgeous and durable for decades of use. With the right care, your teak patio set or loungers will provide many years of stylish outdoor living. Follow these tips and enjoy your lovely teak pieces for generations to come!

Conclusion

Teak is a smart investment for outdoor furniture given its natural durability and weather resistance. With proper maintenance, high-quality teak furniture can remain beautiful for 50 years or more. Key care tips include washing regularly with mild soap and water, applying teak sealants annually, proper off-season storage, and restoring faded color as desired. While teak is low maintenance compared to other woods, taking the time to properly clean and seal it will help your furniture last. With a bit of care and maintenance, your teak patio furniture will provide lasting sophistication, comfort, and quality for your outdoor living space.

How to Take Care of Teak Outdoor Furniture