How to Maintain Teak Furniture

Teak is a naturally golden, tropical hardwood commonly used for outdoor furniture. Teak is a very oily wood that resists rot and warping as well as expansion and contraction due to extreme weather conditions. Here's how to maintain your teak furniture so it lasts for generations.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Decide whether to let your teak turn gray or to preserve the original brown color. Over time, teak will take on a silvery-gray appearance due to exposure to the elements. Some people prefer the weathered look of older teak and it's possible to speed up the graying process. Consistently wipe off all natural oil produced by the teak and your furniture will be gray in several months.

2. Sand the surface of your teak furniture, if desired. This will remove old cells from teak that caused it to turn gray. Use fine sandpaper and sand with the wood grain. Wipe away dust with a damp cloth before applying oil.

3. Maintain teak furniture's natural brown color with proper cleaning and oiling. Oil teak furniture every three months to maintain its original honey brown color. Apply several coats of oil, which will soak into the wood and form a protective layer. Use either teak or tung oil, both of which are natural products that will not damage your wood.

4. Clean teak furniture regularly. Whether your furniture is brand new, or is gray from years of aging, proper cleaning is key to prolong the wood's life. Use a soft rag or sponge and soapy water for quick clean ups. Clean messes that can stain teak, like bird droppings, with a furniture cleaner and copper scrubber.
   
   

5. Apply a teak brightener after cleaning if you want to preserve the brown color. The brightener will enhance teak's wood grain and sharpen contrasting tones in your furniture. Some teak brighteners also clean furniture, allowing for quick maintenance. Brightener works best if applied every six to eight months.
   
   

Tips & Warnings

• If your weathered teak has severe stains, you may need to restore it to the original color through cleaning and oiling. Once you've removed the stains, begin wiping away natural oils again to encourage the graying process.
• Make sure that any furniture cleaner you use is safe for teak furniture. Test the cleaner in an inconspicuous place before applying to an entire piece of furniture.
• To maintain your teak furniture in the winter, protect it from extreme weather conditions by storing it inside. Be cautious of moving teak from extreme cold to heat, or vice versa, which can cause damage.
• Mildew can form on your teak furniture if left in standing water. Mold can turn your furniture to an unattractive shade of dark gray or green.
• Staining teak furniture is permanent. Although you can easily make old teak look like new, you cannot reverse the effects of staining the wood.