Nederlands
English
Deutsch
Teak in winter
In the middle of winter, you may not want to think about summer. The last one is a vague memory and the next one seems so far away. It's cold, wet and in the Netherlands it gets dark around 4.30pm in the middle of winter. Before Christmas, you are focused on what it will cost you and after Christmas you worry about the bills you incurred during the holidays.
Buying new garden furniture doesn't have to be something you put off until spring. Weather permitting, you can enjoy your garden all year round. Garden furniture shops in the Netherlands realise that our weather is fickle. That is why a lot of furniture sold in the Netherlands is made of teak.
Characteristics of teak
It has always been valued for its robustness. Throughout history, it has sometimes been used in boat construction - it did not seem to rot as quickly; metal joints also showed less rust.
Teak is a tropical hardwood, which means it is a good choice for garden furniture. It does not need to be painted or oiled, as its natural oils protect it from the elements. These oils make it much more water-repellent than many of its hard and soft woods. It can withstand rain, wind, frost and snow - the kind of weather typical of the colder months in the UK. It is a delight for garden lovers because it is also resistant to pests, rot and mould that other types of garden furniture can succumb to over time. The Victorians recognised its potential and started reusing the wood; garden furniture shops across Europe have been selling recycled teak for more than a century - many public park benches in the city are made of teak.
Can teak furniture stay outside in winter?
It is better to store furniture inside, but if you don't have space, you can also leave it outside. In this case:
- However, clean it well before using it in spring
- Cover the furniture with a sheet
Does teak need maintenance?
As with any wood, it can get stained. Long summer evenings with wine or coffee in autumn will inevitably lead to stains. Even the dust and dirt of the urban environment can - if not dealt with - affect the appearance of your teak garden furniture as it settles into the wood. It is important to remove stains immediately and keep your teak furniture free of dirt. Usually a soak is enough, but if you want to keep them looking like new, there are other things you can try.
Teak wood ages as it ages. This is a natural ageing process and does not affect the quality of your furniture. You can let nature take its course or buy teak oil and other materials to preserve its natural colour. The garden furniture shop you choose can advise you on which products are most suitable for you. In winter, you can use a cover, but this is not necessary. If you choose to do so, make sure you use a breathable cover to prevent mould.
With a little basic care and attention, you won't have to worry about the effects of the winter elements on your precious, recycled teak furniture and may even be able to enjoy winter evenings in your garden. Purchase a patio heater and gather your garden furniture for mince pies and mulled wine!
