You love your classy and beautiful outdoor teak furniture. That's why you take good care of it to maintain its lush vibrance.
Here's an interesting factoid to remember: Did you know that teak's natural golden honey hue can turn into a terribly bland silver-gray patina if you leave it untreated?
Don't worry; you can prevent that with a few simple teak outdoor furniture maintenance tricks that seal your furniture's color.
In this article, we'll show you the most helpful DIY hacks for caring for your teak outdoor furniture and some tips on what to look for when shopping for new outdoor teak furniture.
Best Outdoor Teak Furniture
Before we get started with tips on caring for your outdoor teak furniture, let's do a quick round-up of the best outdoor teak furniture you can buy today.
Here are your top picks for the finest teak outdoor furniture to lighten your backyard and patio.
Tortuga Outdoor Jakarta Teak 20" Lazy Susan
Top Features:
- Grade A certified teak hardwood
- Umbrella hole
- Smooth rotation
- Kiln dried
The Lazy Susan is a classy teak dining table with a smoothly rotating head that makes a stop exactly where you need it if you use the right amount of energy. Made using the finest grade A certified teak hardwood, aka pure virgin teak, this hardwood table is decay-resistant and easy to dust off.
The table is kiln-dried to prevent it from warping or cracking when left in your backyard or patio for a few summers. It also has a central umbrella hole to erect a sun umbrella to protect yourself, your friends, and the table from the scorching sun.
Forever Patio 4 Piece Miramar Plantation Sofa Set
Top Features:
- Sunbrella cushion covers
- Made with reclaimed wood
- Plush, overstaffed cushion
- It is zinc steel plated in brass
The Forever Patio 4-Piece Miramar Plantation Sofa Set is a naturally beautiful set of outdoor zinc-coated seats with the capacity for five adults to sit and chat. This furniture set includes a coffee table, sofa, and two armchairs. The comfortable seats are stuffed with quick-drying, mildew, and fade-resistant Sunbrella cushions that feel like settled clouds.
The seat is reinforced with zinc-coated steel that's strong and less corrosive, so your seats last a lifetime.
Lloyd Flanders Teak 48" Round Cross Dining Table
Top Features:
- Made using certified Brazilian teak wood
- Accommodates up to four people
- Classic design
- Decay-resistant frames
This Lloyd Flanders teak 48" Round Cross Dining Table is carved out of the finest certified Brazilian teak that always looks as good as new. It has a stylized cross base for a good balance with decay-resistant frames that don't get brittle.
This dining table has a classic slat design top and is available in brown antique coloring, which blends seamlessly with your other furniture. The 48-inch wide and 30-inch tall outdoor table is spacious enough for up to four people and takes up little space in the yard.
How To Care for Teak Outdoor Furniture
Teak is a rare hardwood harvested in the tropical rainforests of Africa, Asia, and South America. It is a valuable asset because of its high mineral and natural oil content. This combination locks in moisture and prevents water absorption.
This natural seal makes teak the strongest, most durable, and virtually waterproof material for outdoor furniture, giving wicker outdoor furniture a run for its money.
Unlike synthetic wicker, teak outdoor furniture is naturally water resistant and resilient to sunlight exposure If well cared for.
Features of Teak Outdoor Furniture
Teak hardwood has unique characteristics that qualify it as an ideal raw material for authentic outdoor furniture.
There are admirable qualities that make maintenance of teak outdoor furniture a walk in the park. Let’s look at a few of them.
Water and Rot-Resistant
Teak might be a porous wood, but it is known to be highly waterproof. This ability results from teak's high concentration of natural oils and salts. These oils remove moisture and make your teak high-top tables and chairs rot-resistant.
Naturally Aromatic
Teak has natural resin that gives it a smoky, exotic, unmistakable scent while still new. The naturally perfumed teak chairs and coffee tables smell refreshing and give your outdoors an exotic radiance.
Pest Resistant
Teak's natural resin and oils are natural pest repellents that keep pesky termites and marine borers from turning your outdoor furniture into dinner.
Long-Lasting Beauty
Teak's original honey brown hue lasts as long as you follow the proper teak outdoor furniture maintenance procedures, which we shall cover shortly. Furthermore, teak furniture doesn't rust when attached to metallic bits that come in contact with water, so it doesn't get selectively discolored.
Low Maintenance
Protecting teak outdoor furniture is a simple process that requires a suitable teak sealer, finish, or paint. Cleaning sealed and unsealed teak furniture involves water, detergent solution, and a soft brush/cloth that doesn't require a manual.
Caring for Outdoor Teak Furniture
Teak outdoor furniture is highly durable. Still, it needs more attention and care to stay in tip-top top shape year in and out.
Here are some everyday teak outdoor furniture care and maintenance tips that you can use to preserve your outdoor furniture for another generation.
Regular Cleaning
Cleaning your teak outdoor furniture regularly removes dust using water and a soft detergent that won't mess with the finish or paint.
Steps to properly clean teak outdoor furniture:
- Remove sensitive components that may get stained while cleaning, like cushions.
- Mix a mild serving of disinfectant/detergent with water.
- Wipe off the accumulated dirt, dust, and debris from all corners and surfaces with a cloth and water.
- Rinse your furniture with clean water and a soft brush to remove all the dirt from all corners of the furniture.
- Wipe off the water with a dry cloth and leave your teak outdoors to dry in the sun.
Apply Teak Sealers
Teak sealers lock the natural oils and salts in your teak furniture so it doesn't absorb rainwater when left outdoors. Sealing your teak outdoor furniture is a simple process using oil, water, or solvent-based sealers to protect your outdoor furniture from attracting mold and rotting.
When sealing your teak outdoor furniture, apply at least two layers to form a fully waterproof coat over your furniture.
Painting Your Furniture
You can opt to repaint your outdoor teak furniture afresh using an oil or water-based paint (oil-based paint is most preferred) that helps it maintain its natural look for decades.
You can also use chalk paint, which only adds color to your teak furniture and doesn't guarantee added protection. Apply at least two coats of paint to ensure the coat is impermissible.
Move Teak Furniture Carefully
Always move your teak furniture with care. Dragging your furniture roughly generates friction, which erodes the furniture base and frames and eventually causes the legs to lose balance.
FAQs About Caring for Teak Outdoor Furniture
Here are a few common questions asked by teak outdoor furniture owners and enthusiasts that might help you make the final decision to buy.
What is the best finish for teak outdoor furniture?
The best finish for teak outdoor furniture is a teak sealer. Teak sealer is a long-lasting coat that holds up after many years of outdoor exposure.
Why should I seal teak outdoor furniture?
Teak sealer is the best way to protect your teak outdoor furniture from absorbing water, attracting mold, and eventually decaying.
The best sealer for teak outdoor furniture is an oil-based sealer, which locks the natural oils inside the wood instead of introducing oils and resin. Teak sealer also protects your furniture from fading when exposed to prolonged sunlight and the elements in general.
Should I stain my teak outdoor furniture?
You have the option to refinish your teak furniture with stain or varnish, though it is not recommended because water eventually gets through after some years of facing the outdoors.
Is it safe to refinish teak outdoor furniture with paint?
Painting is not recommended as your first teak outdoor furniture refinishing option.
Chalk paint is ideal for teak outdoor furniture, but it hides the teak's natural color and causes the paint to flake and peel under the sun's heat.
What should I use to clean teak outdoor furniture?
You can scrub your teak outdoor furniture with soapy water to remove dust and solid particles. Use a cloth or soft brush to move along the grain when scrubbing the wood. You can also use teak cleaners, though it is expensive compared to a simple wash.
Takeaway: Caring for Teak Outdoor Furniture
You want your teak pieces to look beautiful and last long. That's why you need to start caring for teak outdoor furniture.
Teak has natural abilities that protect it from decay, but you can enhance that protection and extend your furniture's life span with some simple teak outdoor furniture maintenance tips. Don't settle for fake or low-quality teak furniture.
Contact us today and get the best deal on brand-new teak outdoor furniture.
