Caring for Your Teak Furniture
Teak is one of the most naturally durable and weather-resistant woods available, making it an excellent choice for outdoor furniture. As a natural material, however, every teak bench will develop its own unique character and respond differently to the UK climate over time.
All of our teak furniture is stored in a UK warehouse upon arrival and is supplied with a temporary protective treatment designed primarily to protect the wood during transportation and storage. This coating is not intended as a long-term finish, so ongoing care is a matter of personal preference.
1. Leave It Untreated
Teak’s natural oils and dense grain make it exceptionally well suited for outdoor use. Even without treatment, teak furniture will typically outlast many comparable hardwood alternatives.
Over time, untreated teak will naturally weather into an elegant silver-grey patina. This ageing process is completely normal and highly valued by many customers.
As the wood reacts to changing weather conditions, you may notice slight movement in the grain or the appearance of small surface cracks. These are natural characteristics of solid teak and are not faults.
To keep untreated teak looking its best, most surface marks or algae can be removed using a mild soap solution and soft brush, a pressure washer on a gentle setting, or light sanding with fine sandpaper.
2. Treat It
Applying a teak treatment can enhance the wood’s natural durability by providing additional protection against moisture, staining and weathering.
Treatment can help to seal and protect the grain, reduce natural movement and surface opening, maintain the original golden-brown colour for longer, and provide extra resistance to marks and general wear.
If you decide to treat your furniture, we recommend applying a breathable teak sealant approximately 1–2 weeks after delivery, following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. During particularly warm or dry weather, treatment within the first week is advisable.
We recommend a breathable teak sealant such as Burgess Oil, commonly used in marine environments and available from fieldandhawken.co.uk. There are also many other suitable teak sealants available.
We do not recommend using varnish on teak furniture, as it can trap moisture and may lead to peeling or deterioration over time.
Once treated, you can either continue with regular maintenance treatments, typically annually for Burgess Oil, or allow the teak to gradually weather naturally to its silver-grey finish.
3. Cover It
Whether treated or untreated, using a furniture cover can provide additional protection from the elements.
It is important to choose a breathable cover designed specifically for outdoor furniture. Non-breathable plastic covers can trap moisture, increasing the likelihood of mould, staining and premature weathering.
Breathable covers such as Aerocover, available from fieldandhawken.co.uk, are ideal for protecting teak furniture while still allowing airflow.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Treatment Option
- How exposed the furniture is to harsh weather conditions, such as coastal or seaside environments
- How heavily the furniture will be used
- Whether food and drink are likely to be used around the furniture
- Whether you prefer to maintain the original teak colour or allow it to weather naturally
- How frequently you are willing to carry out maintenance treatments
