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How to Care for Teak Outdoor Furniture?
September 19, 2023

How to Care for Teak Outdoor Furniture?

Custom commercial outdoor furniture can transform your business’ outdoor spaces into inviting retreats for your customers and guests. If you’ve recently invested in contract-grade teak outdoor furniture, you’ve chosen a material known for its beauty, durability, and resilience.

Read our guide to the best way to care for outdoor teak furniture and ensure your pieces remain in good condition for the long term.

Understanding Teak Wood

Teak wood is known for its natural oils and high-density grain, making it an ideal choice for outdoor furniture. These characteristics make teak resistant to moisture, rot, insects, and decay. Additionally, teak’s attractive golden-brown color naturally weathers to an elegant silver-grey patina over time, adding to its charm.

However, even with these remarkable qualities, teak furniture does require some maintenance to retain its appearance and durability. Here’s how to care for your contract-grade teak outdoor furniture:

1. Regular Cleaning

Start by regularly cleaning your teak furniture to remove dust, dirt, and stains. You can use a simple mixture of warm water and mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals or power washers, as these can strip the natural oils from the wood. Gently scrub the furniture with a soft-bristle brush, rinse thoroughly with clean water, and allow it to dry completely.

2. Seasonal Deep Cleaning

In addition to regular cleaning, it’s a good idea to give your teak furniture a more thorough cleaning at the beginning and end of the outdoor season. For this, you can use a teak cleaner specifically designed for outdoor furniture. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, typically involving applying the cleaner, scrubbing with a brush, and rinsing thoroughly.

3. Preventing Stains

Teak wood can be susceptible to stains from food, beverages, and other organic materials. To prevent stains, it’s crucial to clean spills as soon as they occur. Blot the area gently with a clean cloth, and if necessary, use a mild soap solution to remove any residue. Prompt action can help preserve the wood’s natural beauty.

4. Color Protector

Many teak furniture owners prefer to maintain the wood’s original golden-brown color by applying teak protector. We do not recommend using teak oil or sealer. Using a teak color protector is entirely optional and depends on your personal preference. If you choose to protect the color of your teak furniture, do so sparingly and only when the wood is completely dry. Be aware that this will slow down the natural weathering process, so the furniture will not develop the silver-grey patina as quickly.

5. Protecting from the Elements

To extend the life of your contract-grade teak outdoor furniture, consider providing protection from harsh weather conditions. During the off-season or when not in use, it’s advisable to cover your furniture with high-quality outdoor furniture covers. This will shield the wood from direct sunlight, rain, and snow, preventing unnecessary wear and tear.

6. Regular Inspections

Make it a habit to inspect your teak furniture regularly. Check for loose screws, bolts, or any signs of wear and tear. Tighten any loose hardware promptly to ensure the structural integrity of your furniture.

7. Professional Restoration

If your teak furniture begins to show significant signs of wear, or if you decide you want to restore it to its original color, consider hiring a professional to perform a restoration. They can sand the wood to remove the silver-grey patina and apply a teak color protector to bring back its golden-brown hue.

8. Proper Storage

If you live in an area with harsh winters, you may want to consider storing your teak furniture indoors during the colder months. Proper storage can help protect it from extreme temperature fluctuations and moisture, increasing its longevity.

Create Custom Commercial Teak Furniture with Caluco

By following these care instructions for teak outdoor furniture, you can maintain the beauty and durability of your contract-grade teak furniture for many seasons to come. Remember that teak’s natural ability to withstand the elements is one of its greatest strengths, so with the right care, your investment will continue to provide comfort in your outdoor commercial space.

To create your own custom, commercial-grade teak furniture for your hotel, golf course, park, or other business, contact us today. We can’t wait to hear about your project.

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