How to treat teak garden furniture

One of teak's best qualities is its ease of care, making it the perfect choice for garden furniture. Whether you've already purchased teak outdoor furniture or are looking to invest in your first garden set, we'll help you keep your wood looking its best. In this guide, our experts will show you how to care for your teak, from treating the wood to deciding whether to stain or varnish your furniture.

Should I treat my teak furniture?

Because teak wood is naturally oily, it can withstand almost all outdoor weather conditions. One of the main reasons for treating teak garden furniture is to maintain the wood's rich brown color. Over time, teak ages naturally, developing a silvery-gray patina, which is also beautiful but not to everyone's taste.

We advise against using teak oil in any form on your outdoor furniture. Applying oil can destroy the naturally occurring protective oils in the teak. If you do choose to oil your teak, you must do so regularly to prevent the wood from drying out.

What treatments can be used for teak furniture outdoors?

Our experts recommend choosing a water-based treatment solution, such as a teak protectant or sealant. This ensures that the teak's natural oils are protected and its rich brown color is preserved. 

Can I paint my teak furniture?

You can paint teak, but we don't recommend it. The high oil content of teak not only masks the wood's natural beauty but also makes applying paint or other decorative finishes difficult. If you do wish to paint your teak furniture, we recommend leaving new teak garden furniture exposed to the elements for at least six weeks. After this period, we recommend preparing the wood with an aluminum oxide primer. 

Can I seal teak garden furniture?

It is possible to seal teak outdoor furniture, provided you use a water-based wood sealant. Sealing your teak is a great way to protect it from dirt and spills, especially food and drinks! After sealing, you can simply wipe your teak furniture with a damp cloth to clean it. 

Can I polish teak furniture?

We advise against using polishes, oils, or varnishes on teak garden furniture. These products not only leave an unnatural layer on the wood, but the high oil content of teak also makes it difficult for these products to adhere. Applying products like polishes can lead to chipping or peeling, which then has to be removed by sanding.

At Luxus, we want to ensure you receive the support you need when choosing the right teak garden furniture for your home. Take a look at our comprehensive teak buying guide for expert advice, or check out our teak cleaning guide for further care tips.