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Teak Furniture Conservation |
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Teak furniture is tropical hardwood that has a rich, golden honey color
when new. However, as it begins to age and is exposed to the elements,
the natural, beautiful color changes to a silvery gray patina. In fact,
this is how you can distinguish finely aged outdoor teak furniture! The
key with teak is that if you were to leave this silvery gray color on
the teak furniture without being treated, you would never be able to
get the lustrous honey, caramel back.
Although the color change
does not affect the strength and durability of the piece, it does give
your teak furniture a whole new look. Therefore, if you are going to
own outdoor (or indoor) teak furniture you first want to decide if you
want to maintain the original golden brown color or let your teak
furniture acquire a silver gray patina as it weathers.
When left outdoors without a teak protector or teak oil, your outdoor
furniture will turn silvery-gray. This process takes approximately 9
months and depends on the exposure to certain elements such as rain and
sun. If this is look you wish to maintain, the only care needed for
your teak furniture is a periodic cleaning.
The recommended
cleaning solution is a 75/25 mixture of a mild laundry detergent with
bleach in water. Only a soft bristle brush should be used. When your
deck furniture is clean, rinse the entire piece well enough to remove
any dirt or cleaning solution residue. This process is adequate for
general cleaning of your furniture regardless if it is golden brown or
has weathered.
Some people want to stain or paint their teak furniture. Manufacturers
frown upon this as the natural oil occurring in the teak prevents the
paint or stain to adhere to the wood. If you absolutely must have your
teak furniture painted or stained, you should go to your local marina
store and confirm what they recommend to use.
While some people
will allow their teak furniture to remain outdoors all year long, there
are those that recommend it be brought indoors. However, if you do keep
it out, then make sure it does not sit on wet ground and that puddles
of water are not allowed to pool on the furniture. But the great thing
about teak is that since it is a dense hardwood, it naturally resists
warping, shrinkage, swelling, and rot. In addition, it contains a high
oil content the continually preserves the wood, which is why you can
leave it outdoors without much problem. The smooth finish does not
splinter and looks absolutely beautiful.
Teak patio furniture is
luxury outdoor furniture. You want to make certain you take care of
your investment properly as this is intended to last for years.
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