Teak furniture is a popular choice for outdoor living spaces due to its durability, beauty, and natural resistance to weather and pests. However, even the hardiest of teak furniture can be damaged by prolonged exposure to the elements. In this teak furniture maintenance blog post, we’ll share some tips on how to protect outdoor teak furniture from the elements so that you can enjoy it for many years to come.
1. Clean and Sand Your Teak Furniture
The very first step of teak furniture maintenance, it’s important to give it a good cleaning. Dirt, grime, and other debris can accumulate on the surface of the wood, which can weaken the protective oils and make it more vulnerable to damage. Use a soft-bristled brush and a mixture of warm water and mild soap to clean the surface of the teak. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, which can damage the wood. Once you’ve cleaned the furniture, allow it to dry completely.
After cleaning, you may notice that the surface of the wood has become rough or uneven. This is normal and can be easily remedied by sanding. Use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots or uneven areas. Sanding will also help to open up the wood grain and allow it to absorb protective oils more easily.
2. Apply Protective Oil or Sealer
Once your teak furniture is clean and sanded, it’s time to apply a protective oil or sealer. There are many different products available on the market, but the most common types are teak oil and teak sealer.
Teak oil is a natural oil that penetrates the wood to protect it from the inside out. It’s easy to apply and provides a rich, warm finish that highlights the natural beauty of the wood. However, teak oil requires regular reapplication to maintain its protective properties.
Teak sealer is a synthetic product that forms a barrier on the surface of the wood, protecting it from moisture and UV rays. It’s longer-lasting than teak oil and requires less maintenance, but it can be more difficult to apply and can sometimes make the wood appear darker or less natural.
Regardless of which product you choose, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Apply the oil or sealer in a thin, even layer using a soft cloth or brush. Be sure to cover all exposed surfaces, including the undersides of the furniture. Allow the product to dry completely before using the furniture.
3. Cover when Not in Use
One of the best ways to protect your teak furniture from the elements is to cover it with a waterproof cover when it’s not in use. If you have a covered patio or outdoor living space, you may be able to leave the furniture outside year-round, but it’s still a good idea to cover it with a protective cover during the raining season.
If you don’t have a covered space, consider investing in furniture covers or storage bags that are designed specifically for teak furniture. These covers will help to protect the furniture from rain, snow, and other harsh weather conditions, as well as prevent the buildup of dirt and debris.
4. Remove Stains and Discoloration
Teak wood is known for its durability, strength, and resistance to decay and rot. However, it is still susceptible to stains and discolouration if not properly maintained.
For normal stains, clean the teak wood surface using a soft-bristled brush and a mixture of warm water and mild detergent. This will remove any dirt or debris that may be contributing to the stains or discolouration.
However, for stubborn stains, make a paste by mixing equal parts of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stained area and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes. Then, use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the area, and rinse with clean water.
If the stain persists, you can try using a teak cleaner specifically designed to remove stains and discolouration from teak wood. Follow the instructions on the cleaner, and be sure to rinse thoroughly with water after use.
For more severe discolouration, you may need to sand the teak wood surface. Use fine-grit sandpaper and sand in the direction of the wood grain until the discolouration is removed. Be sure to wipe away any dust with a clean, dry cloth after sanding.
Remember to always test any cleaning or restoration product on a small, inconspicuous area first before applying it to the entire surface to avoid any damage or discolouration to the wood
These are the teak furniture maintenance steps to take and protect your teak wood from the outdoor elements. Forget the hassle when you purchase teakwood from us! For more information, go to our website www.triconville.com.my to learn more about modern teak wood furniture.
Bought To You By Triconville Malaysia – An Exclusive Outdoor Furniture Manufacturer And Distributor.
