Teak wood comes from trees native to tropical climates in Southeast Asia. Prized for its weatherproof durability, teak wood was initially used for shipbuilding in the 7th century. Today, this honey-colored wood is used to make beautiful furniture for both indoors and out.

If you’re interested in the best way to care for your teak wood furniture, look no further. Here at Federal Brace, we not only offer the highest quality teak shelves, but we also want you to feel confident caring for your new furniture. 

The Advantages of Teak Wood

Teak wood has natural water resistance, meaning it will not warp or mold in humid environments. This weather resistance is due to a high concentration of natural oils and rubber trapped in the wood’s tight grain.

Teak also ages beautifully. Most other types of wood are susceptible to dry rot and pest infestations, but not teak wood. The oils that protect the wood from moisture also do wonders for warding off these common aged wood issues.

On the Janka Hardness scale, teak has a rating of 1,555 lbs, making it harder than English oak. However, its strength not only makes teak furniture incredibly durable but termite-resistant as well. 

Cleaning Teak Furniture

It’s best to avoid harsh cleaners when caring for teak furniture. One cup of mild laundry detergent diluted in a gallon of water and a soft-bristled brush is all you need for basic cleaning. Allow the soapy water time to loosen stains, and use a gentle dish sponge for scrubbing if necessary. 

In case of mold, you can add one cup of bleach to the detergent and water solution. Alternatively, you can also use a diluted vinegar solution for teak wood cleaning. After cleaning your teak furniture, be sure to rinse off the soap well and allow the wood to dry completely before washing again. 

You may also consider using a purpose-made teak cleaner. These are especially good at removing stubborn stains without damaging the wood. Also, if you’re considering restoring weathered teak wood, these teak cleaners will help you begin the process. 

Why Teak Wood Turns Gray

When teak is exposed to UV rays and wind, the surface dries and turns a silver-gray color. Teak’s gray patina is the wood’s natural defense mechanism against the weather and does not affect its structural integrity. 

Many people love the appearance of weathered teak outdoor furniture with a gray patina, while others seek its natural honey color. 

Outdoors, you can expect teak patio furniture to turn silver in about a year. However, natural premium teak that has turned gray still retains its oily strength under the patina. If you prefer this look, all your teak requires is spot cleanings as needed and an annual deep clean.

Preventing Teak Wood From Turning Gray

If you prefer to retain your teak’s original honey color, you can use a teak protector. However, you mustn’t use a protector on brand new teak, so leave your new teak patio furniture outside for a couple of weeks before applying any form of protectant. 

First, you will want to clean your teak furniture well and allow it to dry completely. Then, you can go ahead and apply a thin coat of teak protector with a lint-free cloth or sponge. Apply a second coat at least one hour after the first application.

Be sure to wait a few hours before using your patio furniture after treating it with a teak protector. For best results, you should repeat this process annually.

Advanced Care and Restoration of Teak Wood

If you have gray weathered teak furniture and wish you could restore it to its original luster, you’re in luck. Since teak retains its oils within its dense grain, it is possible to refurbish it back to teak’s natural honey color, even for the most faded pieces.

First, you will want to give your teak outdoor furniture a good deep clean and ensure it is fully dry. Then, you can carefully sand the wood with a fine grain to remove residue and oxidation. 

Oiling Teak Wood

After lightly sanding, the next step in refinishing your teak wood furniture is oiling. There are two popular oils for use on teak, Tung oil and linseed oil. Tung oils are best for teak wood since they are more water-resistant and are less likely to darken the wood, but linseed oils are also acceptable and typically cost less. 

You will want to apply a generous coat of teak oil using a brush or lint-free cloth. Then, wipe off any access oil with a clean cloth and let dry for a few hours. 

After your furniture is dry, you can repeat this process until the teak oil is no longer absorbing into the wood. 

Sealing Teak Wood

A couple of weeks after oiling your teak furniture, you can move on to the sealing process. Even if the teak seems dry, it takes a while for the internal resins to dry fully after oiling. Therefore, sealing is essential even for well-oiled teak to prevent future discoloration. 

To seal your teak furniture, first, you will have to clean it again and wait two weeks for the grain to fully re-open. Waiting allows the sealant to adhere properly.  Then, you apply the teak protector in the same way as oil, with a soft-bristled brush, and then wipe off with a lint-free cloth. 

You can apply a second coat after the sealant is completely dry according to the product’s directions. Sealers will help keep out dirt in moisture while allowing the teak to retain its natural oils. 

Alternatively, you can use a teak sealer or protector without oiling. Then, after cleaning and waiting for two weeks, you can lightly sand the teak down to the honey color and apply the teak protector as described above. 

Using Varnish on Teak Wood

If you desire a shiny finish on your teak furniture, you may choose to use a wood varnish. Apply the varnish in thin coats to achieve this glossy look and prevent the wood from drying out as it ages. 

If you wish to prevent the teak from developing a gray patina, be sure to use a UV-protected varnish. 

Staining Teak Wood

Optionally, you may choose to stain your teak furniture. Be sure to sand and seal the teak first to ensure an even application of stain and check that it is completely dry before moving on to staining. 

Then, following the directions of the wood stain, apply an even coat using a foam brush. With a lint-free cloth, wipe off any access stain to prevent imperfections. Allow the stain to dry, and apply a second coat if you desire a darker color.

After staining, you may use a coat of finish or sealant to protect your teak further.

Painting Teak Wood

If you choose to paint your teak wood furniture, start with the cleaning process detailed earlier. Then you can sand the wood if necessary to establish a smooth finish. 

Due to the abundance of natural oils in teak, starting with shellac or lacquer-based primer is essential. Apply the primer brushing with the grain of the wood and let dry thoroughly, ensuring oils are not bleeding through the primer before moving on to painting. 

To paint teak, use either oil or latex-based paint and apply the first coat in the direction of the wood’s grain. After it dries, scuff the first coat and apply a second. You may choose to finish off the paint job with a varnish. 

Other Considerations When Caring for Teak Wood

Teak is an incredibly low-maintenance wood well suited for patio furniture and humid indoor environments such as the kitchen and bathroom. There are, however, a couple of things to keep in mind when caring for teak. 

Never Use Steel Wool on Teak

Under no circumstances should you use steel wool to clean or restore your teak furniture. Bits of steel can easily get stuck between the fibers of the wood and leave orange rust spots all over! Not only is this unsightly, but damaging to the integrity of the teak. 

Protecting Teak From Termites

Because of its high density and natural oils, teak wood is incredibly termite resistant. So if the little buggers have access to easier chew wood options, they will leave your teak alone. As a bonus, teak is also unpopular with beetles, fungus, and wood rot! 

Even though a termite infestation is unlikely with teak, you can use a teak sealer to protect your furniture further. 

Why You Should Choose Teak

While teak wood furniture may be pricier than its alternatives, it is a worthy investment. Teak can last a lifetime when left outdoors in the elements. In addition, teak wood is so weather and pest resistant that 2,000-year-old objects made from teak have been found intact in Western India.

Federal Brace is excited to offer brand-new teak wood shelving solutions, teak mats and stools. Our Teak Floating Shelf is clean and modern, while our 3 Tier Hanging Shelf can stand freely or be mounted to the wall or ceiling. These beautiful teak shelves are sure to last for years to come.