Teak is a beautiful yet durable hardwood that has a variety of uses such as outdoor furniture, boat decks as well as other items that require weather and water resistance. Outdoor teak furniture is a beautiful addition to your garden or patio. Teak furniture is very durable which means that it does not succumb to the normal wear and tear that the elements may impose upon other outdoor furniture.

Teak wood, also known as Tectona grandis, grows in Southeast Asia. The terrain there is dry and features rolling hills which is where the teak trees make their home. Teak is best known for its durability and ability to withstand all weather conditions. The reason for this is that teak is very dense grained. This hardwood resists rot, shrinking, swelling and warping. It has a very high natural oil content and that is what preserves the wood, protecting it from the elements and allowing it to be left outdoors for years, even decades.

Teak doesn't need a lot of maintenance, but there are a few items that you should do to keep your teak furniture in optimum condition.

Dirt and dampness can cause mildew making your teak furniture look a bit discolored. Be aware of these conditions and clean your teak furniture accordingly. This is particularly important for outdoor teak furniture. You shouldmay clean your teak furniture with a mild soap and water as necessary.

The most practical solution for maintaining your teak furniture, especially your patio teak furniture, is four units of laundry detergent or dishwasher soap and one part bleach. Use this mixture with a gentle bristled brush for the best results. A special teak cleaner will actually reduce the silver gray petina that teak will naturally display over time. If you happen to get scratches in your teak furniture, use a fine grit sandpaper to remove them.

If you keep your teak wood bare and don't sand it, it will turn to a natural silver gray hue over time. This change affects the hue of the wood only and doesn't in any way affect the strength or rigidity of the teak wood. This is particularly true for outdoor teak furniture that is consistently exposed to the the elements.

If you want to keep the golden brown hue and smooth surface of the wood, then you may want to sand your teak furniture from time to time. You can use teak oil and apply it to your teak wood to lengthen the period of time between sandings. However, if you do use teak oil, you must do so every three months or whatever the manufacturer instructs you to do. If you want to keep your outdoor teak furniture apprearing new with the honey brown hue and smooth finish, then some work will be necessary.