ABOUT TEAK

Teak wood (Tectona grandis), a very durable hardwood, performs beautifully in any climate. Teak is the very best wood you can buy for outdoor use because it is resistant to water damage and severe weather, and will never rot. Teak is the ultimate wood for outdoor furniture.

Teak requires no preservatives or treatment of any kind to protect it from the elements. If left outdoors unattended, natural teak will gradually turn a light silvery gray color over time. You will begin to notice the "graying" after 3 months or so, depending on the degree of exposure to the elements. (The weathering process will occur faster in moist climates and slower in dry climates.) The "graying" is only on the surface layer and can be removed by cleaning with soapy water and a poly-bristle scrub brush. If you wish to maintain the rich honey color of your furniture, apply a little teak oil 2 or 3 times a year to restore its natural luster.

Your new teak furniture will appear polished. The polished appearance comes from oil occurring naturally in the wood. The oil on the surface will evaporate after a few days outdoors - it is the oil that remains below the surface that gives the wood its durability.

Before placing a cushion or umbrella cover on your furniture, remove any dust from manufacturing by wiping the furniture with a damp cloth. Your furniture contains oil. Expect some of this oil to bleed out following the first few rainfalls. In order to protect your cushions, bring them inside before the furniture gets wet. Once the furniture has begun to form the silvery-gray patina, it is no longer necessary to bring the cushions indoors.

Teak furniture may be left outside all year round without an outdoor furniture cover. Snow and freezing temperatures will not harm the furniture. If you prefer to store your furniture, we recommend doing so in a dry, unheated garage or garden shed. We do not recommend the use of furniture covers, as many varieties do not provide proper ventilation and can make the wood susceptible to mildew growth.

Should you choose to use your furniture indoors, we suggest that you periodically apply a thin coat of paste wax, ie. Briwax or Johnson's Wax. Doing so provides the teak with additional protection from natural body oils, dust, and dirt that may come in contact with the furniture.