Teak furniture is both stunning and resilient, making it a great choice for both indoor and outdoor use. Teak is infused with natural oils, which allows these trees to survive in the harsh climate of the rainforest, where it grows. Because teak furniture may be more expensive than other woods such as oak, cedar or even redwood, you'll find that it is money very well spent. To help preserve your investment, here are some ways to help keep your furniture looking beautiful for many years to come:
Eliminate Moss
Teak patio furniture is prone to moss build-up. According to Gardening Know How, moss is unable to absorb water in the way other plants do because it does not have roots, nor does it require soil in which to grow. It simply adheres, or grows on other surfaces such as tree bark, rocks and even outdoor furniture.
While there are many commercial products available to help eliminate moss from furniture, these products may be harsh on teak wood and damage the finish. To help get rid of moss build-up, simply wash off your furniture with hot, soapy water. Always wash your furniture by hand, and do not use a power washer because the strong pulses of water may damage the wood.
Seal In Oil
While some people may prefer to allow their teak wood furniture to naturally weather outdoors, others prefer to use a product to help seal in the oils. If you want your teak items to weather naturally, you do not have to do anything but leave the furniture outdoors in the elements.
While the environment will weather the wood, you'll still need to keep it clean by washing it with soap and water once or twice a year. To seal in oil, use a commercially available oil sealer specially formulated for teak wood. You will get a better result if you use the oil sealer on indoor teak furniture because if used on outdoor furniture, the wood may mildew, and turn black.
Painting the teak and using a sealer will inhibit mildew and growth, as will giving the furniture a coat of an ultraviolet, or UV, inhibitor product. While these steps will discourage the growth of mold and mildew on your outdoor teak furniture, most manufacturers discourage homeowners from painting it because it can detract from the natural beauty and color of the wood. In addition, painting your teak furniture may also lead to peeling and blistering because of the high natural oil content of the wood.
Remove Oxidation
Teak wood furniture that is exposed to the elements will oxidize. The process of oxidation causes teak to undergo physical and chemical changes, however, the extent of oxidation generally varies with the amount of time that the furniture has been exposed, and which of the elements it was exposed to.
After short exposure time periods, the teak wood may take on a light gray color, which is due to degraded fibers and environmental microorganisms. It the teak is further exposed to the elements, its protective fibers may be totally lost from the wood's surface.
To brighten up wood that has been oxidized, combine a quart of bleach and 1/4 cup of mild laundry detergent to one gallon of warm water. According to Today's Homeowner, you should apply this solution to your furniture and let sit for 10-20 minutes. Then, scrub the wood with a soft bristled brush and rinse thoroughly with a garden hose.
Call or visit a teak furniture showroom to discover the beauty of this elegant and durable material. Before making a decision on which type of furniture to purchase, speak to an expert about cost and maintenance to determine if teak is the appropriate choice for your home.
Share22 September 2014
I am the proud mother of nine grown up children! There wasn't much money around when they were little, so I was always sewing, knitting, growing vegetables and generally being self-sufficient. Now that they have their own households, you would think that I could rest a little, but I am busier than ever. I am blessed that my children and their partners are talented and have good jobs. However, they are very busy, so most of their home decorating is left up to me. From making curtains to painting bathrooms, I always have at least one project on the go. To tell the truth, I really enjoy it and it makes me feel that all my skills gained over the years are useful. I thought that people might like to read this blog which shares a lot of tips and ideas. I really hope you enjoy scanning through these pages.
