Teak Furniture Aftercare Guide

Teak is one of the best choices you can make for outdoor furniture. It is strong, naturally weather resistant, and designed to live outdoors all year round. One of the things people love most about teak is how it changes over time, starting with warm golden tones and gradually softening into a light silver grey.

Some customers enjoy this natural ageing, while others prefer their furniture to stay looking newer for longer. There is no right or wrong approach. It simply comes down to personal preference. This guide explains how to care for your teak either way, using simple and practical steps.

Cleaning Your Teak

Teak does not need anything complicated to stay clean. In most cases, warm water, a small amount of mild washing up liquid, and a soft brush or sponge are all you need.

Gently clean the surface to remove everyday dirt, pollen, or algae. Rinse with clean water and allow the furniture to dry fully. Doing this a couple of times a year is usually enough to keep things looking tidy.

If you would prefer something more specialist, a dedicated teak cleaner can also be used. These are designed to lift ingrained dirt and refresh the colour without damaging the wood when used as directed.

We recommend avoiding pressure washers and harsh chemicals such as bleach or strong detergents. While they may seem effective at first, they can strip away teak’s natural oils, roughen the surface, and shorten the life of the furniture over time.

Treating and Protecting Your Furniture

Once your furniture has been outdoors for a short time, you can decide whether to treat it or leave it to weather naturally.

If left untreated, teak will gradually develop a silver grey finish. This is completely normal and does not affect the strength or quality of the wood.

If you would like to keep the original honey coloured tones, a teak protector or sealant is the best option. These products help slow down the weathering process and reduce the chance of surface mould developing.

We offer carefully selected teak protectors that work with the wood’s natural properties rather than against them. Before applying any treatment, always make sure the furniture is clean and completely dry to avoid trapping moisture beneath the surface.

We do not recommend using teak oil. Although it can darken the wood at first, it often leads to higher maintenance over time and can interfere with teak’s natural oils. A sealant is a more stable and lower maintenance option.

Please note that once a treatment or oil has been applied, the furniture becomes non returnable. Full details can be found in our terms and conditions.

Leaving Teak Outdoors and Using Covers

Teak is a dense hardwood and is perfectly suited to staying outdoors all year round, even in typical UK weather. There is no need to bring it indoors over winter.

Using a breathable cover can help keep your furniture cleaner and reduce the build up of algae or surface dirt, particularly during wetter months.

If you choose to cover your furniture, we recommend well fitted and breathable covers. Avoid plastic sheets or non breathable materials, as these can trap moisture and cause mould. Always make sure your furniture is clean and fully dry before covering.

Natural Changes in the Wood

As teak responds to changes in temperature and moisture, you may notice small hairline cracks appear, particularly on thicker areas such as armrests or legs. This is known as checking and is a normal part of working with solid hardwood.

These small cracks often open and close with the seasons and do not affect the strength, stability, or lifespan of your furniture.

If you would like to reduce the appearance of checking, a small amount of outdoor wood glue followed by light sanding can help. We suggest waiting until the furniture has been outdoors for around six months before doing this, once it has fully settled.

Surface Mould and Furring

Because teak is shipped from a humid climate, it can occasionally arrive with a light surface mould or a slightly fuzzy texture. This is harmless and simply caused by moisture during transit.

A gentle clean with warm water or a soft brush is usually all that is needed to remove it. It will not affect the performance, strength, or longevity of your furniture.