Natural Characteristics of Teak Wood

Our premium furniture is crafted from solid teak, a high-density, high-oil content hardwood prized for its outdoor suitability. Understanding its natural behavior will help you appreciate its durability.

Characteristic	Description & Expectation
Graining & Color	Due to natural variations in the wood, graining and color may differ between pieces.
Natural Weathering	Over time, unsealed teak will weather to a beautiful silver-gray patina. This process varies based on climate, exposure, and care.
Expansion & Contraction	Teak is a natural material and will expand and contract with changes in climate and moisture.
Checking (Cracks)	Shrinking of the wood can result in small cracks (known as “checking”) in assembly joints or the grain itself. This is a characteristic of all hardwood timbers and does not affect the structural integrity or durability of the furniture.
Oil Content	Teak’s natural oils prevent rotting and provide resistance to fungus, termites, and wood-boring pests.
Oil Surfacing	Natural oils may temporarily surface due to rain/humidity, appearing like water stains. This may occur multiple times before naturally subsiding over several months.

 

General Recommendations & Care

A. Cleaning Oil Surfacing

Address surfaced oil by following these steps:

1. Rinse the furniture frames with water.
2. Clean using a mild detergent solution.
3. After air drying, any residual stains can be lightly sanded with a 120-grit paper to remove them.

B. Cushion Care (Mold & Mildew Prevention)

• Standing Water: Avoid letting water stand on the surface of furniture and cushions.
• Storage: When items are not in use for longer than a few days, cushions should be removed to avoid mold and mildew build-up.
• Drying: If cushions get wet, tip them on their sides with the zipper facing down and unzipped to ensure that all water drains completely.

C. Teak Longevity & Placement

• Surface Contact: Bear in mind that while teak is extremely resistant to rot and extreme weather, if placed in direct contact with dirt or grass for extended periods, it will eventually suffer the adverse effects of moisture, mold, bacteria, and fungus, which can lead to rotting.

Periodic Cleaning & Maintenance

Teak furniture requires regular maintenance to stay beautiful, and it is well worth the effort and time.

To Keep Surfaces Clean:

• Basic Cleaning: Periodically hose the furniture with water and a mild detergent solution, scrubbing in the direction of the grain to remove dirt, mold, and mildew.
• Smoothing: Exposure to moisture over time can naturally raise the wood grain. A light sanding with fine 120-grit sandpaper will smooth the surface.

For Stubborn Mold & Mildew:

• Prevention: To prevent mold & mildew from forming, wash the furniture when new and then occasionally with a mixture of detergent or bleach.
• Removal: Existing mold & mildew may be removed with an outdoor bleach solution (e.g., Clorox) using a regular garden sprayer. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for dilution strength and safety.
• Stubborn Areas: For stubborn areas, the use of a professional teak cleaner or light sanding may be necessary.
• Frequency: Ideally, cleaning should be done every Spring and Fall, or simply as required.

Staining/Sealing

If you prefer to maintain the golden teak look rather than let it weather naturally to silver-gray, follow these steps to apply a suitable stain or finish.

A suitable stain or clear finish will help maintain the original color and quality, increasing surface resistance to moisture, UV rays, mold, mildew, and food/drink stains.

Step 1: Surface Preparation

Surfaces must be clean, dry, and free of dirt, mildew, oil, or grease.

1. Removal of Previous Treatment: Sand and clean the wood to remove all debris and previous treatment. You may find that the careful use of a pressure washer will achieve a quicker result.
2. Sanding: Sand using medium-grade sandpaper to bare wood until a smooth, even surface is achieved.
3. Mildew Check: If mildew or mold is evident, use detergent, teak cleaner, or bleach to remove it prior to staining, as mildew will grow through the stain if not removed.
4. Oil/Grease: To clean oil and grease stains, use a domestic detergent or chlorine bleach.

Step 2: Stain/Teak Oil Application

1. Avoid Lap Marks: Do not stain in direct hot sun to avoid lap marks.
2. Application: Apply using a natural or polyester brush.
3. Removal of Excess: Wipe off any excess material with a rag.