How You Can Restore Teak Furniture

Teak is a durable tropical wood that is quite well-known for its strength, weather-proof qualities, and distinctive grain pattern. It is best known for its rich golden-brown colour, but this dense tropical hardwood can also be found in different colours and shades. Teak wood can be restored and is also extremely resistant to moisture, mould and decay, making it an excellent choice for outdoor furniture. It’s no wonder that outdoor teak furniture can last for 30 years or more, even when left exposed to different weather elements and conditions, including sun, sleet, hail, snow, rain and wind.

But as time passes, outdoor teak furniture undergoes a colour transformation, changing from its original golden-brown to a rustic, silvery grey. In most cases, this is okay since it is a natural ageing process of teak wood. And also, many homeowners prefer an aged greyish look over its natural colour. However, if you want to restore your teak furniture, we've shared a few tips below for cleaning, restoring, and maintaining it to its original condition.

Cleaning a teak furniture 

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 keeping the surface clean of dust and dirt. While cleaning the surface, you can also check its current state and 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.

How to restore teak furniture to its original condition

• You can use a sponge or a soft cloth and soapy water to clean your teak furniture. You can then buff it with a dry cloth to restore teak furniture to its natural lustre. If you want better peace of mind, you can use a water-based teak cleaner, which is much more effective in removing surface grime and stains and restoring it to its original condition.
• Allow the teak to dry for two to three weeks in a well-ventilated and sunny area after cleaning.
  It might also be handy to sand down any surface splits and cracks or fill them with sealant to give them a smoother finish.
• Apply a teak protector to restore the appearance of the teak outdoor furniture to a golden or lighter brown colour. This can also protect the teak from permanent food and drink stains, such as tea, coffee, ketchup, oil, red wine, etc.
• You can then apply a teak protector every 6 to 8 months to maintain the natural colour of your teak furniture.

Also, teak furniture normally does not require any type of oil finish since the timber is naturally high in oil and resin content, protecting the teak from various weather conditions as well as enhancing the inherent beauty of the distinctive grain pattern.

How do I restore sun damaged teak furniture?

While teak furniture is well-known for its strength and durability, prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause damage to teak wood, especially if your furniture is left in direct sunlight. This can cause a variety of issues, including unsightly discolouration, weakening of timber, moisture leaks, and even crack formation. To avoid sun damage to the teak wood, you can cover or store your outdoor furniture in a well-ventilated space when not in use. 

To restore sun-damaged teak furniture, you can use a teak cleaner and a teak protector, which may be able to bring back its natural colour. However, if you are having difficulty repairing, it’s best to get in touch with professionals for sun-damaged teak furniture restoration.