- Teak is wood with a high rubber content composed of natural oils and silica sourced from tropical Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. Furniture made from teak wood has been around since the mid-19th century. And today, one can immediately recognize a teak fixture by its deep reddish-brown to golden honey appearance.
Teak wood outdoor furniture is strong and durable enough to withstand intense weather conditions such as snow, heat, rain, or frost. Furthermore, the material is highly resistant to rotting insects, which may cause microorganism infestation. Moreover, these teak products still need maintenance and here are a couple of tips to help you take care of them:
Attend to the Furniture as Soon as It Arrives
Your teak furniture will likely arrive in its natural honey colour at your doorstep. But unfortunately, it has no coat or protection other than its inherent natural oils. Furthermore, you now have a choice of staining the fixture or not.
Teak has a natural aging process that turns its colour into silver-grey over time. And if left untreated, the different weather elements, especially the sun, will eventually cause this change. In addition, air, water, and chemical impurities will leave streaks and blotches on the surface.
● Sealing
Some prefer authentic beauty as the outdoor furniture will eventually turn to grey with streaks made by nature. But, you can maintain the original golden colour as much as possible by lightly sanding the fixture. Alternatively, you can completely sand the teak down and apply a sealer annually to bring out a darker golden-brown colour.
Keep It Clean
Teak furniture requires minimal care unless spills occur, and then it will need immediate cleaning up. Nevertheless, annual cleaning of the fixture before you put it away for a season is ideal. Oiling and staining too often are also not recommended as they can only cause mildew to grow.
● Cleaning Procedure
Using a soft-bristled brush, you first have to remove immediate filth like dirt, leaves, and cobwebs by following the grain of the wood. It helps you to prevent scratching the surface while scrubbing the timber.
Next, you will need to first dampen the wood with water and cloth. Then you can wash the surface using a cloth dipped in either a commercially bought cleaner or a homemade vinegar and water solution. Then, let the solution rest for 15 minutes before rinsing it with a sponge and water.
● Removing Stains
You first have to clean the furniture using the steps mentioned earlier but use plastic or stiff-bristled brush instead this time. And if the stain refuses to let go, you can add some bleach to the cleaning product.
Furthermore, sanding the particular affected area is ideal if the stain is stubborn. But, it is essential to remember to follow the lines all the time. In addition, you should avoid using metal bristled brushes or scrubbing pads to prevent scratching.
Avoid Cracks
If you’re not a fan of letting your furniture naturally age, you should avoid getting cracks. Furthermore, it is natural that the temperature changes that cause the teak to expand and contract. Teak is durable and robust enough to handle a few breaks, but your eyes and heart may not.
Nevertheless, you first have to let a crack settle for three months. After that, you can fill the hole with wood putty that will match the current color of your furniture and seal it using polyurethane. Investing in furniture covers will further prolong their lifespan if you only put them on during extreme weather conditions.
