How to Oil Teak Patio Furniture

Take care of your teak

Teak has a classic look on the patio. It's sturdy and withstands the weather quite well. Over time, it gets dull from exposure to rain and sun, so get out the teak oil. It's time to tend to your teak patio furniture.

Things You'll Need

• teak oil
• soap suitable for wood (optional)
• rags, like an old cotton sock
• plastic or rubber gloves
• old toothbrush

Instructions

1. Take a cloth or soft brush and clean off any dust or splashed on dirt. If the patio furniture has a grimy look, it may need some washing to remove pollution and soot accumulation on the wood. I used Murphy's Oil Soap on mine. Regular detergent is a little harsh for wood. Let it dry thoroughly before proceeding to the oil treatment.

2. 

   Get a large can of teak oil for your patio furniture project. Any brand will do. Shake up the oil and open the can. Wear plastic or rubber gloves. Put a soft rag over the opening and tilt the can.

3. 

   Wipe the oiled rag over the wood, following the grain. Look for lines in the wood and follow their direction (that's the grain).

4. 

   Stand back and look for lighter colored areas. That's where you applied the oil too lightly or the rag was too dry. Go over those spots again so the teak patio furniture is completely covered.

5. 

   Dip the old toothbrush in the oil. Use it to get oil into narrow areas around joints or around screw heads. You can't reach these with the oily rag.

6. 

   The next day, check the teak patio tables and chairs to see if they need further touch up with the teak oil. If the wood was very dehydrated, it soaks up the oil and may still look dried out in some areas. Apply more oil with the rag to areas that look lighter in color.

Tips & Warnings

• How frequently you oil your teak patio furniture depends on how many months it's out in the weather, how clean/dirty the air is in your area, and how much energy you have.

• Don't sit on the chairs until you're sure the oil is well-absorbed. Test it with a light colored rag or paper towel. If the rag shows an oil residue, that would stain your clothing.

• If you put too much oil on, wipe the teak patio furniture down with a clean, absorbent rag.

Resources

• Teak oil (available from Amazon)