The Natural Weathering Process

As your furniture adapts to its new outdoor surroundings in the first six months, the timber will naturally change to the distinctive silvery-grey patina of aged teak.  You may also see some small hairline cracks as the wood expands and contracts. These cracks, called checking, come and go, and eventually settle and are a natural response to the outdoor environment.

Due to the quality of our teak which is rich in natural oils, and the manufacturing processes we use, such as kiln-drying, the strength of the furniture remains unaffected by this natural weathering process.  

Use of oils and artificial products

Don't be tempted to reach for the varnishes, sealants or teak oil!  Let the natural oils found in the high quality teakwood protect your furniture. Artificial products deplete the wood of its natural oils and weakens the furniture (they also attract dirt and are also not particularly kind to the environment!).

Cleaning your furniture

To keep your furniture in the best condition, we recommend an annual clean:

Rinse: Use a hose on a standard setting to release ingrained dirt. Don’t be tempted by a high pressure setting which can damage the wood.

Clean: On wet furniture, use a mild detergent or waterbased Teak Cleaner (or mild vinegar solution to help remove mould or stains) and, using a soft-bristle brush, brush gently along the grain to remove dirt and stains. Rinse thoroughly with water, wipe down with a clean towel and leave to dry.  Avoid abrasive cleaning pads which can damage the grain.

Sand: Once your furniture is completely dry, if desired,  sand along the grain with fine grit sandpaper to help smooth the surface and remove any stubborn stains.

Storing your furniture

Our furniture can be left outside year round; however, where possible it should be positioned in an area with regular direct sunlight and airflow to keep mould and mildew at bay. Storing furniture in an outbuilding or garage can help prolong its lifespan.

We don’t generally recommend furniture covers, as the lack of airflow can cause damp to build up. However, if you would like to cover your furniture, we suggest a breathable fabric such as Tyvek or breathable polyester rather than PVC or vinyl. A few tips if you do use a cover:

Dry first: Make sure your furniture is completely dry before covering it.

Prop it up: Raise the cover in the middle (e.g. with an upturned bucket or a cover support pole) so rain runs off rather than pooling.

Let it breathe: On dry, breezy days, take the cover off or loosen it to let the air circulate.

Reduce risk of warping

Place your garden furniture on an even surface and away from outdoor heaters. 

Joinery and moving parts

All fittings should be checked regularly, and always before use following a period of non-use. They should not be overtightened, as this may damage and weaken the surrounding wood.

Keep extending tables fully extended for the first six months, so the extension leaves weather at the same rate as the tabletop. Lubricate the extending aluminium sliders annually – rubbing a candle along them works a treat!

Fold reclining and steamer chairs from the fully reclined seatback position to avoid weakening the joints.   

Need Help?

Don't hesitate to contact us if you'd like any further help or advice on caring for your Teakunique furniture.