The teak, scientifically known as Tectona grandis, is a deciduous tree native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia and India. It is highly valued for its exceptional strength and natural resistance to rotting, fungus, and weathering. Teak furniture has been used for generations all over the world for its durability and classic beauty. If you want to keep your furniture looking its best, there are a few tips you can follow to ensure longevity and lasting beauty.
Benefits of Teak Furniture
Teak furniture is a timeless choice for increasing your home’s beauty and functionality. With proper maintenance, it can last for decades. Teak wood is an ideal choice because of its durability and weather resistance. The oil naturally found in the wood helps make it 1000x more resistant to rot, decay, and warping than other types of wood. Teak furniture from British Gardens also has a beautiful golden-brown color that can enhance any indoor or outdoor décor scheme.
Compared to other furniture materials such as plastic or iron, teak will not rust or warp due to rain or sun exposure over time. Its natural resistance resists the elements to ensure that your outdoor pieces have long-lasting beauty and durability for many years.
Apart from its physical traits, teakwood’s subtle grain adds an elegant style that can be both modern and classic at once – it pairs well with almost any design aesthetic you go for. Additionally, because teak is a hardwood type – meaning it keeps its shape much better than softwoods such as pine, cedar, or redwood – it offers more versatility in terms of furnishing options like benches & chairs and accent tables that are designed with intricate carvings or patterns.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
Here are some tips to keep your furniture looking like new:
- Clean teak furniture regularly with a soft sponge or rag, mild soap, and warm water. Harsh chemicals can damage the wood so it’s important to use gentle cleaning products when caring for teak furniture.
- To maintain the wood’s color or bring out its golden hue, use a semi-gloss clear sealant or boiled linseed oil every 6-12 months. Avoid using too much sealant as it can obscure the natural grains of the wood.
- To prevent cracking, avoid prolonged contact between teak furniture and direct sunlight. When possible, rearrange outdoor pieces to reduce wear in high-traffic areas, or consider placing an outdoor rug beneath them.
- To fend against mold and mildew growth on outdoor pieces, use a mild detergent mixed with 1 part bleach/9 parts water solution to clean affected surfaces. Rinse off residue anytime cleaning products are used as they may cause discoloration if left on the surface of your furniture too long.
- For continual protection from moisture damage such as splitting or warping due to wetness, always store cushions separately from teak furniture when not in use; this will help them dry faster in the event of rain or dew formation overnight.
How to repair it?
When teak furniture has been out in the elements and suffers damage, there are some steps to consider before attempting repairs. Always use tools that have been well maintained. Dull tools can pull or snag the wood, whereas sharp tools can make a smooth cut with minimal effort. You will also want to consider the type of nail you are using for repairs; brass is recommended as it won’t rust like other metals.
Some methods of repair include:
- Filling holes and cracks: If nails were used to secure the furniture together, small holes may be present. Clean out sawdust from drilling or woodworking and fill in with wood filler specifically made for teak furniture. Allow 24 hours to dry completely before sanding down with a fine-grit sandpaper and applying your chosen finish if desired.
- Replacing joints: Broken and old joints can be replaced by tracing around the new joint piece and cutting with your tool of choice following the manufacturer’s guidelines carefully. For much larger pieces of replacement teak, you may need professional help depending on your skill level or the tools available.
- Replacing wooden parts: Consider replacing broken armrests, broken back sections, seat slats, etc., by purchasing new ones ready-made in pre-machined sizes or have them custom-made to suit your specifications using good quality hardwood materials like teak or mahogany that are designed to last as long as your original pieces did.
Teak Furniture Finishes
An unvarnished teak surface will gray and age over time, giving it a rustic and elegant charm. To prevent this graying and to keep the wood looking its best, many people choose to seal or oil their teak furniture. This helps maintain the yellow honey-colored wood that it starts out as, but a sealer or oil does not completely prevent greying; these treatments only slow it down.
-Teak Oil: Enhances grain texture while moistening the wood surface; offers good protection against UV rays; may require several applications annually; leaves a natural look without any film or sheen.
-Teak Sealer: Offers more protection than oil due to its protective coating; produces a greater level of water resistance; often requires additional coats every couple of years; leaves a shiny finish when applied correctly.
-Teak Protector: Develops an extremely waterproof coating that looks like wax when dry; provides excellent UV ray protection with minimal greying effect even after prolonged exposure to weather conditions; repels water but doesn’t offer much UV blockage unless further treated with an additional product like paint or stain.
Final Thoughts
Teak furniture is a wonderful investment for any home. Not only does it provide you with stunning beauty, but its durability and longevity make it an ideal choice for long-term use. With the proper care and maintenance, your teak furniture can remain beautiful and functional for years to come. By following our tips on how to maintain your teak furniture, you can ensure that your pieces will stay looking great while maintaining their value in the long run.
