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, who's scientific name is tectona grandis, is native to Southeastern Asia. The terrain there is dry and displays undulating hills where the teak trees make their home. This hardwood resists rot, shrinking, swelling, and bending. It has a higher natural oil content and that is what preserves the wood, protecting it from mother nature and allowing it to be left outdoors for years, even decades.

Teak doesn't need a great deal of maintenance, but there are a couple of things that you may want to consider to keep your teak furniture in the best possible shape.

Dirt and dampness can cause mildew and this can make your teak furniture look unattractive. Be aware of these conditions and clean your teak furniture accordingly. This is particularly important for garden teak furniture. You may clean your teak furniture with a mild soap and water as needed.

The best solution for cleaning your teak furniture, especially your outdoor teak furniture is four parts laundry detergent or dishwasher soap and one part bleach. Use this solution with a soft bristle brush for best results. A special teak cleaner will actually remove the silver gray of weathered teak wood such as garden teak furniture. If you get scratches in your teak furniture, use a fine grain sandpaper to remove them.

If you leave your teak bare and do not sand it, it will, over time, fade to a natural silver gray color. This metamorphosis affects the color of the wood only and does not, in any way, affect the sturdiness or durability of the wood or of the teak furniture. This is mainly true for outdoor teak furniture that is constantly exposed to the weather.

If you wish to keep the golden brown color and smooth finish of the wood, then it is necessary to sand your teak wood from time to time. You may use teak oil and apply it to the wood to lengthen the period of time between sandings. However, if you choose to apply teak oil, you should do it every few months or whatever the instructions on the teak oil container indicate. If you want to keep your outdoor teak furniture looking new with the honey brown color and silky smooth finish, then some work will be required.