| Teak has long been used in outdoor and maritime applications due to its amazing resistance to rot and deterioration. Unweatherd teak ranges in color from light to dark brown, but when left outdoors and expose to the elements it will gradually turn to a grey color that appears almost silvery in some instances. Many people find this weathered look to be extremely attractive, so teak is a very popular wood for constructing patio furniture.
Teak is also used indoors as well because of its durability and warm earth-tone colors.It can be found as part of chairs, sofas, coffee tables, end tables, and even as flooring.Teak is a very easy care material when it is used indoors.
Outdoor Teak Furniture
Teak is often used for outdoor furniture because it is sturdy and holds up well in the outdoors.New teak will gradually turn from a light golden or brown tone as it is exposed to rain and sun.This weathering process will take anywhere from three to nine months, depending on the climate and amount of exposure the furniture has to the elements.
Most manufacturers of teak outdoor furniture do not recommend applying oil or any other preservative to teak wood that will be used outdoors.
The exception is if you want it to maintain its soft brown tones, then you should use a specialized teak cleaner and sealer. Use the sealer on brand new furniture annually to prevent the color from weathering, or if your teak is already weathered us a teak cleaner to restore the natural color and then apply the sealer.
The easiest way to care for teak outdoor furniture is to just leave it alone and let it go through the gradual weathering process.If the furniture becomes dirty or stained you can use a gentle soapy solution; in the case of severe stains like grease or red wine, use a specialized teak cleaner to remove the marks.
When teak furniture is new it will tend to bleed out some of the natural oils during exposure to the first few rainstorms.When using cushions or other fabric covers of any kind, make sure the furniture is completely dry before placing those items on it. If any dampness remains then the natural oils may soak onto the fabric and leave behind a stain.Once your teak furniture has weathered to a silvery grey color, this is no longer a concern.
Indoor Teak Furniture and Flooring
When used indoors, teak wood makes beautiful and durable furniture and flooring. Furniture should be coated with a very light layer of teak oil when it is first brought into your home.
This will help protect it from dirt and grease, and will last for several years before needing to be refreshed.
Teak flooring requires the same type of care as most other wood floors, but it is even more critical to maintain it properly due the high cost of replacing or repairing damaged teak floorboards.
Use rugs and mats on both sides of doorways to help catch dirt and grit before it can get to your teak floor. If you place furniture on the floor, put pads made of felt or some other soft material under the legs to help prevent scratching.And always be sure to pick up furniture that needs to be moved rather than sliding it across the floor, otherwise you could end up with visible scuffmarks or scratches.
Never use a vacuum cleaner with a beater bar or moving brush to clean your teak floor.The rotation of the brush will eventually dull and scratch the floor surface, leaving it susceptible to damage and deeper marks. A soft dust mop or a broom with fine bristles is a much better choice for keeping a teak floor clean and free of dirt or grit.
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