Sustainably Crafted Dining Sets | Bar Sets | Seating Groups | Benches & Swings
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Here are some commonly asked questions that may be of assistance to you for any concerns you may have about our products and services. If you can't find the answer to your question here, feel free to contact us for a personalized response.
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Does Teak Furniture Need a Finish to Last a Lifetime? No, teak furniture does not need a finish to last a lifetime, but adding a finish can enhance its longevity even further. Teak is a naturally durable wood, rich in oils that protect it from moisture, pests, and decay. These natural properties make it an excellent choice for both indoor and outdoor furniture without requiring a finish to maintain its longevity. With simple care and routine cleaning, teak can last a lifetime, weathering beautifully over time. Simple Care and Maintenance Teak furniture is low-maintenance, and simple routine cleaning is all that's required to help maintain its excellent condition over time:
Natural Aging Process Over time, untreated teak will naturally weather to a silver-grey patina. This change in color does not affect the wood's integrity or longevity. For those who prefer this naturally aged look, no finish is required - just simple cleaning and care. Optional Finishes If you prefer to maintain the warm, honey-brown color of new teak or opt for other finishes, applying a teak sealer can help preserve its appearance. While not essential for the wood's durability, a finish can offer additional protection against UV rays and slow down the weathering process, allowing the wood to retain its original color or chosen finish for longer and increase its longevity. | ||||||||
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What options do I have to protect my teak furniture from stains that can come from food and wine? To protect the furniture from stains and mildew and to keep the graceful silvery-patina of the weathered teak, we recommend the use of Westminster’s Teak Shield. This will protect the applied areas from spills such as red wine, coffee, or olive oil.
If your furniture is already stained we recommend using our Teak Cleaner and light sanding with 120 grit sand paper to fully remove the stain. | ||||||||
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I love the rich warm tones of oiled teak, but how often should I have to oil my furniture to keep it that way? We do not recommend the use of teak oil for furniture being placed outside because it increases the probability of mold and mildew. For that that insist, reapplying oil depends on the amount or degree of exposure to outdoor conditions. If your furniture is under the shade most of the day, say under a patio cover or lanai, then it would probably be more than 6 months before you really need to thoroughly re-oil your furniture. If your furniture is placed in an open area, totally exposed to the weather (sun, rain, etc), then you would probably need oiling about once every 2-3 months. Except for the occasional yearly oiling, if at all, ‘oiled’ teak furniture placed indoors or in an enclosed area (not exposed to direct sunlight or rain) is virtually maintenance free.
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Can I leave my furniture outside in the rain, sun, and snow all year round? Absolutely, however, as with all natural materials, the more it is exposed to the environment, the more it will accumulate dirt. Further, subjected to the sun, rain, or snow, the surface of the teak will gradually weather into a soft-silver gray as only the pigments on the surface layer begin to fade. This will not in any way compromise the structural integrity of your furniture.
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Can I stain or paint my teak furniture? One of the unique characteristics of teak is its inherent high content of oil. This distinctive property makes it difficult for paint to adhere to its surface; over time, through changes in temperatures and the seasons, the paint will crack and peel. Painting may also have a secondary impact on the teak wood itself. The wood surface may not have the ability to now “breathe," due to the sealing characteristics of the paint, and may start to develop mold and mildew in the areas where moisture is absorbed through the cracks and peels of the paint over time. This is why we do not recommend painting your teak furniture.
Like paint, stain is another form of sealant, though there are types that would allow the teak to “breathe.” Please consult a wood paint specialist to ask a suitable type for your application, i.e. indoor or outdoor. More often than not, the use of a sealant such as stain, oils or varnish, are better suited for indoor use where the furniture is not subjected to the effects of the outdoor environment.
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Do you have Teak Cleaner? Yes, we carry Golden Care Teak Cleaner.
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Wasps and bees seem to like my teak furniture. To keep bees, wasps and hornets away from Teak Furniture, we have included a couple of remedies below:
Vinegar and Water - 3 parts water to 1 part vinegar Spray the affected area thoroughly. This will not damage your furniture. Vanilla Sticks - Rub the affected area with vanilla sticks as they do not like the scent of this and again, it will not harm your Teak Wood. Do not use mild soap or water as bees are attracted to this. | ||||||||
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Do you carry teak oil? Yes! We carry Amazon's Golden Teak Oil, the best performing teak oil we have seen. We offer two sizes: a 16 ounce size and a 32 ounce size | ||||||||
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How do I change the fabric on my chair or lounger? Please Contact Us and we will provide you with detailed instructions on how to replace your fabric on your chair or lounger. | ||||||||
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Should I power or pressure wash my teak furniture. No, pressure cleaning teak furniture will result in raised grains and will increase the likelihood of splintering. Using Teak Cleaner is a safer alternative to pressure washing. If you have already pressure cleaned your furniture then use a 120 grit sand paper to remove the raised grains and then finish with a 220 grit sandpaper to smooth it out.
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How do I remove a dowel after it has been inserted? | ||||||||
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How do I care for my teak outdoor furniture? The short answer is that teak needs no care or special maintenance regimen. Untreated, natural teak (without oil) will weather to a handsome soft-silvery patina within a year or so, depending on the amount of sun and weather it is being exposed to. Mild soapy water, and a soft brush or pad, will clean away any accumulation of dirt. Finish by hosing it down with water. Depending on the environment, you should not have to do this more than twice a year. Over the years, your furniture will weather gracefully. If mold and mildew are persistent then consider using a 1:2 salt water rinse to clean your furniture. For best results, we recommend the use of our Teak Furniture Cleaner. For those that wish to maintain or restore the original color we have options on our Furniture Care page. |
