Teak Furniture Aftercare Guide

Teak is the perfect choice for outdoor furniture thanks to its strength, weather resistance, and natural beauty. It also weathers gracefully over time, developing a soft silver patina. While many people love this natural look, we understand that you may want to keep your furniture looking newer for longer. This guide will help you do just that — with simple, practical tips for cleaning, treating, and protecting your teak.

Cleaning Your Teak

Keeping your teak furniture clean is easy. All you need is warm water, a small amount of mild washing-up liquid, and a soft brush or sponge. Gently scrub the surface to remove dirt, algae, or mildew, then rinse and allow to dry completely.

If you prefer, you can use a dedicated teak cleaner, which we also offer. These are specially formulated to lift dirt and restore colour without damaging the wood when used as directed.

Please avoid pressure washers or harsh chemicals such as bleach or industrial detergents. These can strip away natural oils, cause splintering, and reduce the lifespan of the wood.

Treating and Sealing

Once your teak has been outside for a few days, you may decide whether to treat it or let it weather naturally. Untreated teak develops a silver-grey finish that blends beautifully into garden settings. However, if you'd like to preserve the original golden tone, we recommend applying a teak sealant or protector.

We offer our own carefully selected teak protector range, which can help maintain the colour and prevent mould build-up. Before applying, make sure the furniture is clean and completely dry to avoid trapping moisture beneath the finish.

We do not recommend teak oil, as it can damage the natural protective oils in the wood and increase maintenance in the long term. Sealants, on the other hand, work with the wood’s natural properties and require less frequent reapplication.

Please note: Applying sealants or oils makes the product unsellable and will invalidate your right to return. See our full terms and conditions for details.

Storage & Protection

Teak is a hardwood that’s built to stay outdoors year-round, even in UK weather. However, to prolong its appearance and reduce the risk of mould or algae, you can use a protective cover.

We recommend using our tailored, breathable furniture covers. Avoid plastic sheets or non-breathable materials that trap moisture and may cause mildew. Always ensure your furniture is clean and fully dry before covering.

Natural Weathering

Teak starts with a golden honey colour and will fade to a light silver-grey over time. This is a natural part of the ageing process and does not affect the strength or quality of the furniture.

As teak adjusts to seasonal changes, you may notice small cracks appear, especially on thicker areas like armrests. This is called "checking" and is completely normal. These cracks come and go with temperature changes and won’t compromise the structure of your furniture.

If you'd like to minimise the appearance of checking, a small amount of outdoor wood glue and gentle sanding can help. We suggest doing this only after the furniture has fully acclimatised (usually after 6 months).

Surface Mould & Furring

During shipping from Indonesia, teak furniture can occasionally develop a fuzzy texture or surface mould due to humid conditions. This is harmless and easily removed with a light clean or soft brush. It does not affect the performance of the furniture.