Introduction to Teak- A detailed guide to Teak outdoor furniture

by Andrew swell Contemporary outdoor Furniture

Teak is the most suitable species of wood for high-quality outdoor furniture. Beyond its beauty, teak has some unique natural properties not found in other woods. It is durable, stable, water-resistant, and insect-resistant because teak wood contains natural oils that minimize water absorption and provide excellent stability. In addition, the teak is immune to insects, fungi and parasites.

Maintenance of Teak-

Teak wood left in its natural state is usually maintenance-free. It can be left outside all year round, and it will survive even in the most extreme weather conditions. New teak wood experience a surface of natural oil that looks like a "watermark" or an irregular discolouration pattern. These areas are part of the natural maturation process and can be removed by gentle washing with a bristle brush and diluted pH neutral soapy water.

Over time, untreated teak outdoor furniture exposed to the sun and rain will turn silver grey. This process is superficial and does not compromise the strength or quality of the wood. You can apply a teak sealer to avoid the annual cleaning of the wood.

After cleaning, you can apply the teak sealer to new or old teak furniture. You can use the teak sealer seasonally. Washing it with water and pH-neutral soap will work well for years. Teak is not the same as a varnish. It is breathable and allows natural oils to escape without foaming or peeling like varnish. The teak protector protects the wood from dirt and green deposits without colouring the wood. It is recommended to apply it after each wash to prevent stains of food and wine.

● Do not use varnish or oil on teak outdoor furniture- Teak is protected by a unique natural oil that travels to the surface of the wood and keeps the wood virtually impervious to water. Therefore, using varnish and oil (especially flaxseed oil) is not recommended for teak furniture. Products such as varnish and polyurethane can come off or chip and must be sanded hard to remove. Oiling teak does not prevent the wood from turning grey and often causes mould on furniture. It would be best to wash the furniture with bleach to remove mould and mildew from the surface.

● Teak stains on cushions- The weathering process involves oil surfacing, as teak does not absorb water and is rich in natural oils and silicates. This natural teak oil can cause stains on outdoor cushions sitting on teak furniture. Cloths soiled with teak oil can be washed with soap and water or a special eucalyptus-based cleaner. Please note that oil surfing is a naturally repetitive process and cannot be prevented.

Buying teak outdoor furniture is a reasonable and economical choice. With teak, you buy one of the best and most durable furniture in the world. Furniture made of teak wood placed in the outdoor area will last very long with little or no maintenance. Visit a nearby teak outdoor furniture store or search online for a variety of outdoor furniture that can make a difference in your outdoor space.