How-to Guide: Caring for Teak Garden Furniture

When it comes to outdoor furniture, teak is an excellent choice for introducing a touch of class to your garden. It also adds a bit of extra flair and is a great piece of garden decor for your outdoor living space. The good news is that teak garden furniture doesn't require as much care and attention as other types of furniture, and it can also be left outside all year. Even so, it is still important to take care of it from time to time to keep it looking its best. With that in mind, here are some tips on how to care for teak garden furniture so that it can last for many years to come.

Clean it with soap and water to remove dirt and grime build up

Whether you have indoor or outdoor teak furniture, surface cleaning is the first step to restoring teak furniture. This can include brushing to keep loose fibres from getting caught in the cracks and cleaning the surfaces with soapy water or a non-abrasive multi-purpose cleaner. While cleaning, you can also check its current state for any signs of wear and damage.

The best way to know if your teak furniture has been damaged is to examine the grain pattern under direct lighting for any cracks while ensuring it is uniform throughout the piece. If you notice any major signs of wear and tear, it might be better to have it professionally restored, either by a certified wood crafter or by a company that specialises in restoring teak products.

Place teak garden furniture in a shaded location away from direct sunlight

Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and heat can lead to permanent discolouration and UV damage to any wooden furniture, including teak garden furniture. Also, teak that is exposed to all weather conditions is known to fade to grey with time. However, this usually has little to no effect on its durability and strength, unless your teak garden furniture is showing major signs of wear and tear.

Nevertheless, one of the best ways to extend the life of your teak furniture is by finding the perfect shaded spot for it in your garden. You don’t want the furniture to be in direct sunlight all day long, as this can make it more susceptible to discolouration and damage. You can also get a garden umbrella, which can be placed on top of your teak garden furniture to protect it from the sun.

Protect it from the elements with a weatherproof cover when it is not in use

You can also choose to protect your teak garden furniture from the elements with a weatherproof cover when not in use. It's important to choose a durable, breathable fabric for the cover to ensure proper ventilation while protecting against UV rays, rain, snow, and dirt buildup. You may also clean and store the teak furniture in a well-ventilated space at the end of each season to prolong its lifespan.

A few additional tips on caring for teak garden furniture

• It’s always best to ensure that the teak surface is clean and dry before storage, usage, or when working on areas that are showing signs of wear and tear. 
• After cleaning, you might also want to rub some fine sandpaper gently over the teak surface to give it a smooth finish. A little bit of TLC will go a long way to making your teak garden furniture look like new again! 
• Apply a teak protector every 6-8 months to restore its appearance to its natural golden or lighter brown colour. This will also protect the hardwood from any permanent stains such as tea, coffee, or wine spillages. 
• Inspect your teak garden furniture for any signs of damage from time to time, especially if it is old furniture.

Does teak outdoor furniture need to be oiled?

Teak wood already has a high natural oil and resin content, making it waterproof and resistant to rot, fungi, mildew, and insect damage. As a result, it is generally recommended not to apply any wood oil on your teak furniture because it may have unintended side effects. You can use a teak protector instead to protect your teak outdoor furniture and restore it to its original condition.