Wood is one of the most popular materials for garden furniture. Benches and tables made from this natural material have a natural, rustic look and blend harmoniously into their surroundings. Teak is a particular favourite for outdoor furniture. This hardwood from Southeast Asia is weather-resistant and known for its long lifespan. Philip Rabanus, one of our student assistants, is training to be a wood engineer and knows a thing or two about timber. He explains how to care for teak properly.
What is teak?
Teak is the wood of the teak tree, which is native mainly to Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands. "The high rubber content of the teak tree makes the wood very oily and the surface robust. That's why teak is not usually varnished or sealed," explains Philip. "Unlike many native European woods, this tropical hardwood is resistant to fungal attack and wood pests – another reason why it's ideal for garden furniture."
Teak care: how to keep your garden furniture looking like new
When you buy it, teak furniture has an intense reddish-brown to golden colour. Over time, the wood forms a protective layer known as a patina. The furniture takes on a silvery grey colour, which many owners find dull. "To preserve the reddish-brown tone, there are special teak oils," says Philip. "They're easy to apply with a linen cloth or rag. It's important that the wood is clean, otherwise you'll seal the dirt in with the oil." Teak oils are available from any DIY store.
If a patina has already formed, there are several ways to remove it. Because the wood is so weather-resistant, you can work with water without any problem. The simplest method is to scrub off the patina along the grain with an ordinary scrubbing brush and a little soapy water. You can also use a pressure washer, but take care: "It's very important to reduce the pressure and not hold the pressure washer too close to the wood. If the pressure is too high, it can roughen the surface. Work your way up slowly," explains Philip. A third way to tackle the patina is sanding. "That's very time-consuming, especially on chairs with lots of slats," notes Philip. To get a clean result, you have to work meticulously into every gap, which takes time and patience.
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Frequently asked questions about teak and how to care for it:
How can you recognise teak?
This tropical hardwood can be recognised by its intense reddish-brown to golden colour.
Which tree does teak come from? Where does it originate?
Teak comes from the teak tree, which is native mainly to Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands.
Is teak weatherproof?
Yes. Thanks to the high rubber content of the teak tree, the wood is very oily and the surface robust. This tropical hardwood is resistant to fungal attack and wood pests. After a while, however, it forms a greyish protective layer called a patina, which you can easily remove by scrubbing or sanding.
When does teak turn grey?
Depending on the surroundings and weather, the wood can change colour after just a few weeks. In a drier climate, the process takes a few months longer. The less moisture the furniture is exposed to, the more slowly the colour changes.
Why does teak turn grey?
In poor weather conditions, teak forms a natural protective layer known as a "patina". This has nothing to do with the furniture deteriorating – it's a natural weathering process.
Should you oil teak?
If you want to preserve the reddish-brown tone of your garden furniture, rub the wood regularly – roughly every few months – with special teak oil. Simply use a linen cloth. Teak oils are available from any DIY store. Oiling isn't essential, though: teak lasts for decades without any treatment at all, without losing any of its stability.
How do I clean teak garden furniture?
Because it's so weather-resistant, this tropical hardwood is easy to clean with a brush or cloth and a little soapy water.
How do I care for teak garden furniture?
If you don't mind the greyish patina, your garden furniture needs no work at all. Even after years in the harshest weather, teak loses none of its stability. If you want to keep the reddish-brown colour the wood has when you buy it, rub your garden furniture with special teak oil about twice a year. If a patina forms, you can simply scrub it off with a scrubbing brush and a little soapy water to bring back the intense reddish-brown.
