Elegant, durable, and easy to maintain – these three qualities make teak a perfect material for garden furniture. This robust hardwood impresses with its elegant appearance and low-maintenance properties. The high oil content of teak forms a natural barrier that effectively protects against stains and pest infestations . Therefore, it remains manageable and requires minimal maintenance.
Cleaning teak garden furniture
Unlike indoor furniture, solid teak garden furniture is exposed to varying weather conditions. Dirt on teak tables and chairs isn't just caused by spilled liquids or food scraps. Dust, pollen, plant debris like leaves, and insects can also leave marks on the wood surface. Regardless of the degree of soiling, chemical cleaning agents aren't necessary. A mixture of warm water, a little soap, and half a bag of baking soda is sufficient for a cleansing effect. Apply the mixture to the wood surface, let it sit for about 10 minutes, and then rinse with clean water.
Even dark edges caused by dried liquids can be removed in a flash. Simply sand the affected areas with fine sandpaper. Important: Always sand along the grain of the wood, i.e., with the wood fibers. This prevents scratches on the teak surface. You can then seal the wood surface with a special oil.
Typical feature: Silver-gray patina on teak garden furniture
Garden owners who have used solid teak garden furniture for years are familiar with this phenomenon: after a certain amount of time outdoors, a silver-gray patina develops on the wood surface. This is a natural process that does not affect the functionality of the garden furniture. The wood itself is also unaffected by the formation of a silver-gray patina. Remove dirt with a garden hose. For stubborn dirt, use a standard brush with soft bristles.
Special oil for color preservation
Not every owner of teak furniture is satisfied with the patina on their garden furniture. To prevent this, specific measures are necessary. Regularly treating the furniture with a special teak oil prevents the development of the silver-gray patina. However, for a lasting result, the treatment should be repeated two to three times a year. The oil is not applied with a brush, but with a kitchen sponge, which is available at any drugstore or supermarket. This method distributes the oil evenly over the wood surface, preventing dark spots or stains. After treating the garden furniture with the special oil, dry it with an absorbent cotton cloth. Excess moisture is absorbed by the cloth.
How to properly winterize your teak garden furniture
Teak garden furniture is weather-resistant and can be left outdoors year-round without fear of damage. Narrow grooves in the tabletops and the seats and backrests of the chairs prevent puddles and unsightly stains from standing water. Garden furniture treated with special oil should preferably be stored in a dry, covered place during the winter. If you use a tarpaulin, make sure it doesn't rest directly on the wood surface. Insufficient air circulation can cause mold to develop. Teak furniture should never be overwintered in a dry boiler room or heated storage area. The low humidity combined with dry heating air will dry out the natural material and, in the worst case, can cause cracks in the wood surface.