How Do I Treat Natural Teak Furniture?

About Teak

• Teak is a hardwood, which means that the tree grows slowly and produces dense wood. The density of the wood is what gives teak its strength and durability. Because it grows in only a few places in the world, teak is relatively rare and therefore can be quite expensive. Teak is used extensively in the production of outdoor furniture because it is rot-resistant and will not become brittle or splinter. Additionally, teak wood contains natural resins that are antibacterial and help to repel insects. Teak wood is resistant to mold and fungus, and will not warp in an outdoor setting, although the furniture should not be allowed to remain sitting in puddles.

Basic Teak Care

• Furniture made from teak wood has a medium brown color when it is first made. Unfinished teak furniture that is exposed to the weather for some time will slowly fade to a medium silver-gray. Clean the wood with mild soapy water and scrub gently with a soft brush to get rid of dirt. You can use a pressure washer to clean your teak furniture, but be sure to keep the water pressure low to avoid damaging the teak wood. Use a wide spray pattern instead of a focused jet of water.

  Allow the teak to dry, preferably overnight, and then sand it lightly using fine-grit sandpaper. Follow the direction of the wood grain to avoid scratching the wood. Use a clean soft rag to wipe off any dust after sanding, but avoid getting the dust on your skin because teak dust can cause contact dermatitis, a rash.

  After sanding, use a brush to apply teak oil or a sealer. Follow the directions that come with the oil or sealer, and apply one to three light coats. Do not apply so much product that it puddles up on the wood. A sealer will preserve the brown color and prevent graying. Sealer should be reapplied yearly.

Teak Oil

• Some furniture manufacturers caution against oiling outdoor teak furniture because the oil will not prevent the graying of the wood and may, in fact, help to promote mildew growth. Indoor furniture should be oiled occasionally, especially if the relative humidity in your home is very low.