How To Preserve Your Teak Wood Furniture
Published January 9, 2024
Have you ever been captivated by the timeless allure of teak wood furniture? Have you seen its natural evolution as it gracefully weathers and matures over time? Teak is renowned for its exceptional resilience and enduring charm. The wood undergoes a fascinating transformation. It transitions from a warm golden brown to an elegant silver-gray patina.
While this natural aging process is a testament to its teak wood finish, many seek ways to preserve its original splendor. In this article, we’ll explore ways to safeguard your teak wood pieces with proper preservation and maintenance. Doing so ensures your furniture maintains its exquisite beauty over time.
Why Teak Wood Is Highly Prized
Teak wood is one of the most expensive lumber, but why is it so prized? First, teak wood contains resin that gives it natural resistance against water and rot. This makes it the gold standard of decay resistance. Teak doesn’t shrink and fares well in different environments. This wood is so durable that it was widely used for warships in the Ming Dynasty and is still used by shipbuilders today! Furniture made from this wood lasts decades, some lasting over 100 years.
Second, it has high silica content and natural oils, which make the lumber extremely dense. The silica also makes this material impermeable to insects that bore holes and compromise its strength. Due to the silica and oils, it doesn’t corrode metals with which it comes in contact.
Lastly, the teak tree takes a long time to mature (at least 25 years), while demand remains high. Because of the high demand, its prices naturally rise.
Is Teak Good For Outdoor Or Indoor Furniture?
Teak wood is strong and durable, so it’s great for outdoor furniture. It’s particularly ideal for patio furniture and flooring. While it’s great outdoors, it can last a lifetime and also a functional and aesthetic element indoors.
Teak wood isn’t prized only for its durability but for its beauty. Its golden brown finish instantly adds style to any room. Aside from furniture, teak is also a suitable choice as flooring. If you have an upcoming home renovation project, make sure you buy wood flooring from a reputable source.
Ways To Preserve Teak Wood Furniture
Teak wood furniture is usually left unfinished. Its natural properties allow it to withstand many conditions and environments. However, this lumber has one tendency: it discolors over time, turning a light silvery hue. This can be desirable for some, but others want to keep their furniture golden brown. Here are some finishes you can apply to preserve the appearance of teak wood:
Oil
If you want to maintain the golden-brown shade of your teak wood indoors, you’ll want to finish it with oil. Teak oil treatments contain tung, lemon, walnut, or linseed oil and solvents. These oil treatments will protect your indoor furniture from UV rays. They’ll also prevent the furniture from turning gray.
However, oil treatments draw natural moisture from your teak wood. This could shorten its usable life. You’ll need to treat your furniture with oil about once a year to maintain its effects.
Lacquer
Teak indoors can be used for flooring, handrails, and posts. Wood lacquer is the best finish for indoor teak. You can select different finishes for lacquer in satin, medium, and high gloss.
Varnish
Sometimes, you may use marine varnish for exterior doors and trims, but this is typically applied to teak wood on decks and ships. Varnish gives your wood a hard, shiny finish, protecting it from water. Due to this, it may be the best finish for teak outdoor furniture. It’s tedious as you’ll have to periodically coat, strip, and re-varnish treated pieces.
Methods To Effectively Clean Teak Wood Furniture
Cleaning your teak furniture keeps them looking spick and span. There’s a recommended cleaning method that won’t harm the wood’s natural properties and beauty. The list below starts from the least intense to the most intense.
Mild Dish Soap
You’ll need around six drops of dishwashing liquid for every two cups of water. Mix these in a small bucket, then dip a soft-bristle brush into the liquid. After this, you’ll want to scrub down the furniture, targeting the tough spots of gunk. Once you’ve scrubbed the piece, hose it down with water and let it dry for 24 hours.
Vinegar Solution
Vinegar has antimicrobial properties that protect your furniture from bacteria and germs. Mix one cup of vinegar into one gallon of water. Then, you repeat the process from the previous method.
Bleach
You can clean your teak patio furniture using this method. Bleach can be somewhat corrosive, causing discoloration in some wood. Mix in 1/4 cup liquid dish soap, 2 quarts of chlorine bleach, and 2 gallons of water. This method is more aggressive than the previous two. You’ll want to test the solution on a concealed section before proceeding.
You’ll want to move your furniture to a concrete surface for this method. Gloves and aprons are also recommended since the solution can be harsh on the skin. It can also discolor clothes.
You’ll want to apply this solution similarly to the previous two methods. Thoroughly wash the furniture with water to prevent discoloration or fading.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teak Wood Furniture
1. Is teak durable?
Teak, renowned for its durability, is classified as one of the sturdiest hardwoods. Teak is exceptionally strong because it has a fine grain, plenty of minerals, and natural oils. It’s virtually invulnerable to adverse weather conditions and decay.
2. Is teak wood expensive?
Teak wood is a favorite for its unparalleled durability, exquisite appearance, and resistance to rot, pests, and water. However, these desirable qualities come with a higher price tag. The limited supply of teak wood on the market and regulations on teak forests further contribute to its hefty price.
3. Does teak age?
Over time, teak wood gracefully matures. It develops a gorgeous silvery-gray patina. This happens because the surface layer oxidizes from exposure to UV rays and rain. This aging process is purely cosmetic, only influencing the wood’s outermost layer.
4. Should I apply oil on outdoor teak furniture?
Avoid oiling teak furniture for outdoor use. Preservatives and treatments are unnecessary to maintain its longevity. Oiling is only recommended for indoor pieces. Applying oil to outdoor teak will not prolong its lifespan. Instead, it creates a burdensome maintenance routine. Mildew will likely form, and irregular coloring may occur as the oiled teak weathers.
5. What should I do if I don’t like the gray look of teak wood?
When teak wood starts to turn gray, it indicates that the surface oil is evaporating. Clean the wood using soapy water. This will restore the beautiful honey or golden brown color. Teak cleaners can also be used for effective cleaning. After cleaning, apply a teak sealant to preserve and maintain the wood’s natural beauty. Make sure you know how to seal teak wood properly to ensure the best results.
6. What else can I do to protect and care for my teak?
In addition to regular cleaning, it’s advisable to protect your teak furniture when not in use for extended periods. Opt for breathable covers that allow proper ventilation while preventing humidity buildup. Doing so will help maintain the quality and longevity of your furniture.
7. Can you stain teak wood?
Staining teak wood can be a bit more challenging compared to other types of wood due to its high oil content. However, there are steps you can take to achieve great results. Before staining, it’s important to sand the wood. This removes any previous finish and ensures better absorption of the stain. Use a teak-specific stain or oil to enhance the natural color. It also provides long-term protection against UV rays and weathering.
8. What can I do for scratches and stubborn stains?
Teak, known for its forgiving nature, can withstand scratches and stubborn stains. These imperfections can be easily eliminated using light to medium-grade sandpaper.
Preserving The Timeless Charm Of Teak Wood Furniture
Teak wood furniture exemplifies the artistry of nature. It gracefully matures while retaining its remarkable strength and timeless beauty. By embracing its natural evolution and using preservation techniques, you can honor its legacy. Whether you’re captivated by its golden-brown hues or the aging silver patina, proper care ensures its lasting elegance. Start preserving your teak today and safeguard its timeless allure for years.
Hire The Timber Experts For Your Next Project
Vintage & Specialty Wood should be your source of the highest quality timbers from around the world. When it comes to fabricating and installing reclaimed wood or specialty wood products in your home, we don’t cut corners. We offer many reclaimed wood and specialty wood products such as Douglas Fir, white oak, and much more. We also offer timber framing and wood flooring services as well. Contact our team today to speak to a timber expert about what Vintage & Specialty Wood can do for you.
This Blog Is Fact Checked
This content has undergone meticulous fact-checking by our team of internal experts. Gain a deeper understanding of the high editorial standards we uphold on our website here.
About The Author
Experience, exploration, and knowledge are the hallmarks of writer Rei Bayucca. Her dedication to crafting articles that both inspire and educate will leave you thinking long after you’ve finished reading.
