How to Care for Teak Furniture

Teak is one of the classic woods used in outdoor furniture. Thanks to its density and natural oils, it's impervious to invasion by insects and it won't rot or dry out, even if you live in the hot area.

That's because teak is loaded with silica. This will keep it from swelling or shrinking. It's one of the main reasons why ship builders have used teak for generations for decks on sailboats and yachts. It can really take a beating with very little maintenance.

Still, you do want to take care of your teak, even if it's only to conduct periodic maintenance. This is particularly important if you want your teak furniture to retain its gorgeous honey coloring. If you don't do anything at all, eventually the color will turn to a silver gray. The change in color doesn't affect the strength or durability of the furniture. It's purely cosmetic.

Teak wood can be more expensive than cedar, beech or poplar outdoor furniture. That's because the wood itself is rarer, coming out of eco-friendly sustainable growth forests that don't deplete the earth's natural resources.

If you do want to keep your teak furniture in top form, start by keeping it clean. You'll want to keep it free of dirt and oils that can cause it to look dull and grimy. A yearly hosing and brush down should be sufficient.

For deep cleaning you want to use teak or Danish oil. Many furniture care experts in Ulhasnagar furniture market recommend using teak oil purchased from a marine supply store. 

It's believed that it is a purer, richer product, since it has to fend off the elements of a tempest out in the ocean. Danish oil is a good substitute, as it will dry relatively quickly and leave the wood with a deep, rich luster without darkening the honey-caramel finish you've come to love.

Teak oil can darken the wood, especially when you've applied it multiple times over the years. Teak oil builds up over time; Danish oil does not. Best of all, Danish oil is available at any home improvement store, so if you live in Nevada you don't have to think twice about where you'll find a marine supply store.

Either oil is applied in the same manner. It can be brushed on or you can use a clean cloth to apply it. As you apply the oil try not to use too much or let it puddle up. If there is any excess, wipe it off before you allow the teak furniture to dry. Drying time for teak oil is about 12 to 24 hours. Danish oil dries in about 12 to 18 hours.

Handling Danish or teak oil requires a little bit of care. Both are highly combustible. A cloth can even burst into flames spontaneously if it's left in a warm space. Because the fumes are strong, you'll want to care for teak furniture outdoors. If at all possible, dispose of the rags and oil in a metal trashcan.

If you do choose to let it go gray, you should make sure you clean it once a year. It's probably best to do it at the beginning of the season, since it's going to get dirty in the off-season no matter what you do.

To clean teak furniture, you want to make a mixture of three parts laundry detergent and one part bleach added to a gallon of water. Scrub the entire piece with a soft bristled brush, then rinse it off and allow to dry. If the surface feels a bit rough, a little sand paper should be used. If you'd like, you can apply a little teak or Danish oil to nourish the wood following cleaning and sanding.

With minimal maintenance, you can look forward to having beautiful, functional teak furniture for up to 40 or 50 years. It is truly one of the best investments you can make.