The Basics Of Teak Furniture Care
by Patricia Woods
Teak is a lovely yet durable hardwood that has a wide range of uses such as indoor furniture, boat decks in addition to other items that need weather and water resistance. Due to its durability, it is not affected by the normal wear and tear that mother nature may impose upon other types of wood furniture. The reason for this durability is that teak has a very dense grain.
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 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 moisture can cause mildew and this can make 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. Be sure to clean your teak furniture with a mild soap and water as needed.
The best solution for cleaning your teak furniture, especially your patio teak furniture, is four units of laundry detergent or dishwasher soap and one unit of bleach. Use this solution with a soft bristled brush for the best outcome. A special teak cleaner will actually reduce the silver gray petina that teak wood will naturally show over time. If you get scratches in your teak furniture, use a fine grain sandpaper to remove them.
If you keep your teak bare and do not sand it, it will fade to a natural silver gray color over time. This transformation affects the color of the wood only and doesn't in any way affect the strength or durability of the wood. This is especially true for outdoor teak furniture that is constantly exposed to the weather.
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.
About the Author: Patricia Woods is an long time teak furniture enthusiast. For more information on how you can use teak furniture to enhance your home decor, click here. Don't reprint this exact article. Instead, reprint a free unique content version of this same article.
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