The Basics Of Teak Furniture Care

Teak is a beautiful yet durable hardwood that has a variety of uses such as outdoor furniture, boat decks as well as other items that require weather and water resistance. Outdoor teak furniture is a beautiful addition to your garden or patio. Teak furniture is very durable which means that it does not succumb to the normal wear and tear that the elements may impose upon other outdoor furniture.

Teak, also known as tectona grandis, is native to Southeastern Asia. The land there is dry and displays rolling hills where the teak trees make their home. This hardwood is not affected by rot, shrinking, swelling, and bending. It has a very high natural oil content and that is what gives the wood its unique characteristics, protecting it from mother nature and allowing it to be left outside indefinetly.

Teak doesn't need a great deal of maintenance, but there are a couple of things that you may want to consider to keep your teak furniture in the best possible shape.

Dirt and dampness can cause mildew and this can make your teak furniture look unattractive. Be aware of these conditions and clean your teak furniture accordingly. This is particularly important for garden teak furniture. You may clean your teak furniture with a mild soap and water as needed.

The best solution for cleaning your teak furniture, especially your outdoor teak furniture is four parts laundry detergent or dishwasher soap and one part bleach. Use this solution with a soft bristle brush for best results. A special teak cleaner will actually remove the silver gray of weathered teak wood such as garden teak furniture. If you get scratches in your teak furniture, use a fine grain sandpaper to remove them.

If you keep your teak wood bare and don't sand it, it will turn to a natural silver gray hue over time. This change affects the hue of the wood only and doesn't in any way affect the strength or rigidity of the teak wood. This is particularly true for outdoor teak furniture that is consistently exposed to the the elements.

If you want to keep the golden brown hue and smooth surface of the wood, then you may want to sand your teak furniture from time to time. You can use teak oil and apply it to your teak wood to lengthen the period of time between sandings. However, if you do use teak oil, you must do so every three months or whatever the manufacturer instructs you to do. If you want to keep your outdoor teak furniture apprearing new with the honey brown hue and smooth finish, then some work will be necessary.

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About the Author: Patricia Woods is an 8 year teak furniture enthusiast. For more information on how you can use teak garden furniture to enhance your home decor, please visit www.upscaleteakfurniture.com.
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