CARING
FOR TEAK GARDEN FURNITURE (OUTDOOR TEAK)
Recognized for its durability and stability under
severe climate conditions, teak is an extremely
dense hardwood that resists rot, warping, shrinking,
and swelling. Able to withstand moisture, it has
been used for centuries as the preferred wood
for shipbuilding. It is also prized as one of
the best woods for outdoor furniture. Its high
natural oil content continually preserves the
wood, protecting it from Mother Nature and enabling
it to be left outdoors for decades.
Over time, untreated natural teak garden furniture
will gradually change from its honey color to
a silvery gray. This graying effect usually begins
after about 3 months, with the total process taking
6-9 months.
If you choose to maintain the smooth finish and
golden color of your teak garden furniture, you
will need to apply teak oil. Some sources recommend
oiling each season; others say that oiling once
a year will suffice. We suggest following the
manufacturer instructions for whatever oil you
use, keeping in mind that oil should never be
applied over dirt or grime. Teak wood must be
thoroughly cleaned before each application of
teak oil.
NOTE: Applying teak oil or other preservatives
is not needed to protect your teak furniture.
It will not extend its life; its benefits are
purely cosmetic. Teak oil merely maintains the
golden brown color.
If you choose to let your teak weather to gray,
we recommend that you keep it looking nice by
washing it with mild soap and warm water and rinsing
well. Try to remove food spills and bird droppings
as soon as they appear to keep them from staining
the wood (although rain and sun will bleach stains
over time). If washing your furniture regularly
seems like too much work, at least plan on doing
one annual scrubbing to remove accumulated dirt.
Do not be alarmed if you notice small surface
cracks on your teak furniture. These are very
common and are due to the teak wood adjusting
to moisture in the air. The cracks will not affect
the strength or durability of the teak.
Although teak garden furniture will last for generations
with little to no maintenance, be sensible with
your purchase. As with any good wood, do not leave
teak furniture in puddles of water or wet ground
for extended periods of time. Do not let snow
collect on the furniture. If possible, cover the
furniture (or move it into storage) during the
harsh winter months.
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