Teak is a natural hardwood from tropical forests that withstands a variety of elements. It is an extremely durable and resistant to cracking and breakage, making it an excellent choice for outdoor furniture. Though teak furniture is very weather and moisture resistant, without proper treatment it can fade from a lovely honey-caramel color to a weathered gray-silver.
This color change is desired by many. It lends a weathered, antiqued look to teak furniture. However, if you want to retain the original honey-caramel color, you can take steps early on to ensure it remains looking like new.
Teak protectors are available from many manufacturers, and should be applied every season. These protectors work like most other wood protectors to seal, treat and protect the wood from the elements. Ideally, the protector you purchase will also protect the wood from mold and mildew, as well as drying of the wood from moisture.
Other methods of teak protection, such as teak oil, can be applied throughout the year. These require more effort, although may provide a better result that standard protectors, which can mildly alter the color of the wood. Any time you apply protector or oil, ensure the wood is clean and dry.
While it isn't necessary, you may wish to bring your teak furniture indoors when it isn't in use, such as during the winter. Teak is incredibly resistant to moisture, but, like all wood, can swell or mold if left to sit in standing water. Water may draw out the natural oils after many seasons of unprotected exposure, so if it's to be left outside throughout the winter, be sure to cover it with a tarp.
If you have decided to allow the teak to weather naturally and adopt the gray-silver patina, you should clean it regularly. You can do this with a soft scrub brush and a mixture of 3 parts laundry detergent, 1 part bleach and water. Many manufacturers also offer cleaners made specifically for teak furniture. Because the wood is extremely hard, it shouldn't require much scrubbing to clean.
When cleaning, you should inspect the wood to ensure it is smooth, with no splinters, bumps or warps. If the wood has become dry or rough, you can sand it lightly and apply a teak oil to recondition it after cleaning. With high quality furniture, any such imperfections will only be on the very surface.
Teak furniture should never be painted. Its high oil content and extremely hard nature make it next to impossible for paint to bond to the surface. The paint will quickly crack and peel from the surface. If you plan on painting your teak, ask the furniture manufacturer if there is a specific brand or type of paint that will properly adhere.
Why is it a smart choice then? For starters, here is a background of this hardwood. Teak is imported from Southeast Asia and was previously used in building ships. Timber is used in the manufacturing of outdoor furniture, boat decks, and other items where weather resistance is required. It can also be used as indoor flooring and as a veneer for furnishings inside your house. It is easily worked and has natural oils which make it suitable for use in exposed locations, where it is durable even when not treated with oil or varnish. Teak cut is harder and more durable if it is from old trees grown slowly in forests; teak from young trees grown in plantations is more prone to splitting and water damage.
Teak is widely used in India to produce doors and frames for windows, columns, furniture and beams in old fashioned houses. It can resist termite attacks. Mature teak carries a good price. Forest departments in different states make sure that they grown in a lot of forest areas.
There are just so many types of furniture you can find today made of teak and all can be around for a long time provided the proper care is given. Before you decide on what to buy, listed are the things that a potential buyer should do.
Decisions You might need a whole set of patio furniture is you have just moved in to a new house having previously not having a garden or patio. Now is your time to have the patio essentials. However, you might just be looking for a chair, bench or any odd piece of furniture to add to what you already have. So decide first and only then can you make the wise investment.
Budget Next step is setting your budget. While the cost of teak furniture is generally a little more than you would pay for acacia, cedar, or oak, the fact that furniture of this hardwood is strong and durable, it is money well spent and a good investment.
Where to Buy When you scout for teak patio furniture, be sure not to leave out the online stores for they can offer great bargains. You can also find some teak furniture manufacturer offering wholesale items. There are stores that specialize in teak patio furniture and they have a wide range of furniture that are of high quality and good price.
Care When you have made your purchase of this resistant and durable hardwood furnishing then it is time to determine if you opt for the weathered look or well-maintained look. Some people prefer the weather look requiring no application of teak oil. They just buy this furniture and let nature take its course.
Coating your teak furniture with teak oil will prevent stains from damaging the look of the wood. The oil will also work to delay bleaching effect from continuous exposure to the sunlight. Before applying the oil onto the furniture, be sure that the surface is dry and use a paint brush start from the top and gradually to the bottom. A second coating can be applied an hour later or after the first coating is dry. It is important to remember that the oil should not be applied on dirt or accumulated oil as this can lead to darkening of the wood. Your finishing touch should be to buff the surface with dry cloth.
For restoring the natural color of teak, use very fine sandpaper and work in the direction of the grain. If cleaning is needed, use a soft bristled brush and mild soapy water. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning. The use of soft bristled brush rather than fine steel or wire bristled brushes can prevent wire pieces from getting embedded causing discoloration.
Storage of Teak The storage of teak furniture should depend on the climate of the place you live. Some furniture is designed in such a way that they can be folded so as to save space and for storage convenience. The furniture can then conveniently place indoors during the intense winter or cold days. Besides this you can also cover your furniture to protect them. Bear in mind that teak is durable and is able to withstand most extreme weather making it is your choice whether to store them or not.
Add beauty and dimension to your yard, garden or patio with teak outdoor furniture. Not the cheapest furniture to have but will last for a very long time. Without doubt, settling with premium teak is an investment definitely worth every penny.
Both Gen Wright & Kenny F Leichester are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Gen Wright has sinced written about articles on various topics from Terrier Dogs, Acne Treatment and Lose Weight. For more information on , please visit our website.. Gen Wright's top article generates over 1220000 views. to your Favourites.
Kenny F Leichester has sinced written about articles on various topics from Arts, Family and Room Furniture. Kenny Leichester is a foremost expert in the interior design industry specializing in the outdoor or patio settings using outdoor , patio umbrellas, out. Kenny F Leichester's top article generates over 450000 views. to your Favourites.