Teak is the most weather resistant wood in the world. Historically, shipbuilders have used teak due to its high oil content which resists rotting and insects. No other wood is comparable.

Teak wood products are usually categorized into outdoor and indoor uses. Both interior and exterior teak wood are finished in several ways, including totally natural, oiled, sealed, and varnished. Since interior teak gets less abuse than exterior, maintenance is generally is less demanding.

If your Teak furniture requires cleaning this can be done with VERY soft brush or pad and some warm mildly soapy water. Wash down afterwards with clean water.

f the furniture has some stubborn and heavily ingrained stains these can be removed by sanding with a fine grade of sandpaper, being sure to work only with the direction of the timber grain. After sanding stains away like this, if the furniture was previously teak oiled you may wish to re-oil.

We are often asked about the necessity of oiling teakwood furniture. To begin with, please understand that it is not needed to protect the furniture. Oiling is done to maintain the warm tones of the wood - it keeps the furniture from weathering to a soft gray color.

To maintain the color you will need to oil the furniture approximately three times each year. Remember, teak does not require oiling. It's completely optional. 

If you do wish to oil, please use the following as a guide:

1. Your furniture MUST BE completely dry, otherwise moisture trapped within the wood may cause black mildew spots to appear after oiling. Your outdoor furniture may take up to 48 hours to fully dry out after a rain.

2. You must apply teak oil before your furniture begins to weather. If it has begun to weather, scrub your furniture with a stiff poly-bristle brush and soapy water, rinsing as you go with the garden hose. (Note: there are several wood deck cleaners available which will make the job much easier, or, a pressure washer works wonderfully too.) then allow the furniture to fully dry.

3. Ensure the surface is clean and free from dust.

4. Use true teak oil - do NOT use "finish". This is available right here at Galleria Enteak.

5. The oil can be applied with a clean brush, starting from the top and working downwards. The surface should be left wet by the brush, but try to avoid leaving too much surplus oil behind as you work. After a few minutes - maybe 5 - 15 depending on the ambient temperature, the oil will start to become 'tacky'. At this point the surface of the furniture should be wiped down with a clean cotton rag, carefully removing all surplus oil. One coat is sufficient.

6. Teak oil will trap dirt and darken with age, therefore it will be necessary to scrub off the old oil and recoat periodically (once a year is generally sufficient). Follow the instruction on the teak oil label.

Teak Cracks and Scratches

Teak wood surface scratches and scrapes can be easily removed with 600 grade sandpaper, but keep in mind that sanding will remove the "graying".

Small cracks, known as "checking" may appear on the top edges of legs and arms. This is entirely natural as the wood expands and contracts slightly when outdoors. The grain will return to a smooth state after initial weathering and is not to be considered a concern or defect.

Click to see our selection of Teak Care Products