Teak Care

TEAK CARE GUIDE

Made for outdoor living.
Designed to age beautifully.

Teak is naturally durable, low maintenance, and built to live outdoors. Over time, it will either weather into a soft silvery gray patina or maintain its warm golden tone with periodic care.

New Natural Teak

New Natural Teak

Fresh teak has a warm golden tone with rich, natural character.

Weathered Gray

Weathered Gray

Left untreated, teak will develop a soft, silvery patina over time.

Cleaned and Sealed

Cleaned & Sealed

Teak can be cleaned and sealed to help preserve its golden tone.

Routine Care

Teak is naturally durable and low maintenance, but occasional care will keep it looking its best.

  1. Wet the surface with a garden hose
  2. Use mild soap and water or a teak cleaner
  3. Gently scrub with a soft nylon brush or sponge, always with the grain
  4. Rinse thoroughly
  5. Allow the furniture to fully dry

If the surface feels slightly rough after drying, a light sanding with fine grit sandpaper in the direction of the grain can smooth it.

Understanding Teak’s Natural Aging

New teak starts as a warm honey or golden tone. With sun, rain, and outdoor exposure, it gradually fades into a soft silver-gray patina. This is a natural cosmetic change and does not affect the strength or performance of the wood.

Maintaining the Golden Tone

  1. Prepare the area by laying down a tarp
  2. Clean the furniture thoroughly and allow it to fully dry
  3. If needed, lightly sand with 220 grit paper, always with the grain
  4. Choose a sealing product. There are many color and finish options available depending on the look you want
  5. We do not recommend using teak oil
  6. Always test any sealer on a small, hidden area before full application
  7. To maintain a warm golden tone, choose a water-based teak sealer in a golden finish.
  8. Apply two thin, even coats using a soft cloth, working with the grain and removing any excess as you go.
  9. Exposure to sun and outdoor elements will naturally soften the finish over time, which is why occasional touch-ups are recommended to preserve the warm, golden tone.

Do’s

  • Test cleaners and sealers on a small hidden area first
  • Apply sealers only to clean, dry, dust-free teak
  • Use a water-based sealer for best results
  • Choose a warm or golden-tone sealer if you want to preserve the original color
  • Wipe spills quickly and clean periodically to reduce buildup

Don’ts

  • Don’t use teak oil. It's not oil from teak trees. It's typically a linseed oil blend with added solvents and can leave a sticky surface that attracts dirt and moisture and can do more harm than good leaving the teak dark or feel gummy, especially in warmer climates.
  • Don’t use steel wool or harsh abrasives
  • Don’t use harmful chemicals near plants, grass, or animals
  • Don’t sand against the grain
  • Don’t pressure wash teak