How to care for your Solid Teak outdoor furniture.
Teak is a durable hardwood that is known for its strength and stability.
Its resistance to harsh weather make it a reliable choice for the Australian climate.
Your teak furniture may require different levels of care depending on the environment in which it is used.
Speak with your Designer to ensure the products selected are suitable for your specific environment and discuss the care that will be required.
General Care
- All our outdoor teak is supplied unsealed and we recommend it be left in its natural state without applying any oils or varnishes. Oils and varnishes prevent the teak from breathing and can make it difficult to maintain, encourage mould growth and cause uneven weathering.
- As outdoor teak is unsealed, use coasters, place mats, trivets, tablecloths and table runners to protect furniture surfaces from heat, stains and objects with abrasive finishes that may scratch your furniture.
- Remove dust, dirt & debris regularly with a dry, soft-bristled brush. Always brush in the direction of the grain.
- Clean spills immediately. Blot the spill with a soft cloth to remove as much as possible. If required, use a soft-bristled brush to gently wash the surface of the wood with water, always brushing in the same direction as the grain. Use a clean cloth to wipe away debris and asorb excess moisture. Allow the teakwood to completely air-dry.
- Do not use excessive force when cleaning. Do not use abrasive objects, metallic brushes or power washers/pressure cleaners to clean solid teak.
- Do not use chemical or abrasive cleaning products and avoid contact with oils, alcohol, citrus/acidic liquids or similar as these may cause discolouration.
- Do not leave objects in the same position on the furniture over long periods of time to prevent permanent discolouration and uneven weathering.
Focused Care
Along with general care and maintenance guidelines, Solid Teak has unique characteristics and care requirements that should be considered. Please follow these additional guidelines to ensure the longevity of your outdoor teak furniture.
Natural Greying
- Teak is a tropical hardwood with a beautiful golden/honey brown colour when it is new. Over time, teak will transform and adopt a natural, silver-grey patina as the pigments in the surface layer of the timber gradually fade.
- Depending on the environment, natural greying and weathering may become noticeable after only a few weeks. In moist and humid climates subject to regular dew and sunshine, teak furniture will wear more quickly. Allowing teak to grey will not impact the structural integrity of the product.
Natural Oil Migration
- Teak has a high level of natural oils which increases its stability and longevity. Over time, these oils will migrate to the surface of the timber, this is called oil surfacing. This is a normal, recurring characteristic in solid teak.
- To help prevent the transfer of natural oils, use floor protectors under your furniture, avoid contact with other external surfaces where possible and use drawer or shelf liners in internal
compartments. - Natural oil transfer may also occur on cushions & upholstery installed on teak frames. We recommend removing and storing cushions from outdoor furniture when not in use to minimise transfer. To clean affected upholstery, follow the cleaning instructions for your specific upholstery to ensure the best result.
Natural Mould/Mildew Growth
- Mould/mildew growth is natural and caused by excess moisture. All outdoor teak furniture is likely to experience mould/mildew growth over the course of its life, especially if installed in a damp or high humidity environment and unable able to dry completely.
- To remove mould/mildew growth:
- Dry out the teak completely first before cleaning. Placing in direct sunlight to allows the timber to dry through and stops further growth of mould/mildew.
- Use a soft-bristled brush to gently wash the surface of the wood with water and remove the mould/mildew, always brushing in the same direction as the grain.
- Use a clean cloth to wipe away any debris and asorb excess moisture. Allow the teak to completely air-dry in direct sunlight.
- Do not use excessive force when cleaning. Do not use abrasive objects, metallic brushes or power washers/pressure cleaners to clean solid teak.
- Do not use chemical or abrasive cleaning products and avoid contact with oils, alcohol, citrus/acidic liquids or similar as these may cause discolouration.
- If the normal cleaning process does not remove the mould, some light sanding may be required however this may remove any colour stain where applied.
- Note that the location in which the furniture is installed and the surrounding environmental elements will influence forming and reforming of mould and mildew.
- We recommend your teak furniture is left uncovered. If you choose to use a protective cover over your furniture, it is important to always follow the cover manufacturer's instructions for proper usage. Protective covers restrict airflow and increase moisture build up which can permanently damage your teak furniture and will not be covered under warranty.
Important Considerations
- Speak with your Designer to ensure the products selected are suitable for your specific environment as well as discuss the level of maintenance that will be needed.
- Your outdoor furniture may require different levels of care depending on the environment in which it is used. In general, monthly cleaning and maintenance of your outdoor furniture is recommended to help prevent damage.
- As coastal/seaside environments may accelerate development of natural salt deposits and deterioration of your outdoor furniture, it is important to consider that products used in these locations will require frequent maintenance.
- Consider storing your outdoor furniture under cover during the off-season or extreme weather to avoid preventable damage and deterioration. To store, clean the product thoroughly and let it dry completely. Store in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight. Do not store in humid or high moisture environments.
- Take care when moving furniture between environments, as sharp changes in temperature and moisture can cause solid wood to split or crack.
- Every teak piece has its own character and structure. Sometimes small fissures will open in the end grain, this is known as checking. This is normal, particularly in heavier components as the teak adapts to changing environmental conditions. Checking will not affect the structure or functionality of your furniture.
- Some teak furniture may have small inlays to fill minor imperfections. This reduces material wastage and adds to the character of the timber. This is not considered a product fault.
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