When it comes to patio furniture materials, teak is a standout. The material has a rich history, unique characteristics, and sustainable nature, making it one of Fortunoff Backyard Store’s best-selling outdoor furniture materials. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the origins and popularity of teak furniture, teak's aging process, and how to maintain and care for your teak deck furniture.

Teak is graded based on its quality, appearance, and source. Grade A teakwood is defined by its rich color, straight grain, and minimal knots, and it is harvested from the heartwood of mature teak trees. Grade B and Grade C teakwood, may exhibit more imperfections in the wood's grain, but they still retain the same qualities that make teak an excellent material for outdoor furniture and patio accessories.

Sustainability is a crucial consideration in today's environmentally conscious world. When sourced responsibly, teak is an eco-friendly choice for outdoor furniture, which is why Chair King Backyard Store only sources teak from plantations dedicated to teak cultivation. This ensures a renewable supply and contributes to the long-term health of teak forests. Choosing furniture crafted from sustainably sourced teak benefits the environment and supports ethical business practices.

Day-to-Day Teak Outdoor Furniture Care:

While teak is known for its natural beauty and aging process, proper care can significantly extend its lifespan and prevent color fading and cracking. Regular cleaning is essential to remove dirt, mildew, and other contaminants.

General Soil
• Use a mild detergent such as dish soap and a sponge or soft scrub brush to wash the furniture as needed.
• Never use bleach, a brass brush, a pressure washer or steel wool on teak furniture. These items will damage or discolor the surface of the wood.
• Food stains or other soil or stains that are not removed by this process can be removed by using our cleaner as described in the restoring teak patio furniture section of this blog.

Preserving Teak Outdoor Furniture's Natural Color

To maintain the original color and prevent teak checking, we recommend furniture covers when your teak furniture is not in use and periodic applications of teak oil or sealers. However, it's essential to allow the wood to breathe, and excessive application of oils should be avoided. The Semco Teak Sealer replaces the teak oils that formerly were used on teak furniture. Other products such as varnish and polyurethane will peel and chip and are all but impossible to remove from intricate teak furniture.

Preserving Teak's Natural Color:

To maintain the original color and prevent teak checking, we recommend furniture covers when your teak furniture is not in use and periodic applications of teak oil or sealers. However, it's essential to allow the wood to breathe, and excessive application of oils should be avoided. The Semco Teak Sealer replaces the teak oils that formerly were used on teak furniture. Other products such as varnish and polyurethane will peel and chip and are all but impossible to remove from intricate teak furniture.

When to Apply?
The furniture should be allowed to weather for a couple of weeks or washed with a strong detergent prior to sealing. It is okay for the wood to get wet and be outdoors during this period. This process will remove the waxy feeling of new furniture which occurs when the natural oils have been polished or burnished by the sanding and milling process during manufacture. Failure to remove this mill glaze will result in a blotchy appearance and early failure of the sealer protection.

How to Apply?
1. If new, be sure the wood has weathered two weeks or washed with a strong soap. If working with older wood, all other finishes will need to be removed and washed. The wood must be completely dry before sealing.
2. Apply the sealer using a plastic spray bottle, brush or rag. Apply liberally, working with the grain of the wood. Wipe off the excess from the seams and other surfaces with a rag. Use a rag to rub it into the wood like a stain.
3. Apply a second coat immediately when the first coat is complete. Be sure to apply both coats in the same day. Wipe over the second coat with a clean rag. The furniture will be dry to the touch in a few hours and can be placed in service the next day. Two coats are all that are recommended for new or restored furniture.
4. Enjoy your furniture, knowing that is protected by the finest teak protection.

Alternatively, some teak enthusiasts prefer to embrace the natural aging process, appreciating the silver-gray patina that develops over time. Little to no maintenance is required if a patina finish is your goal, but for those who interested in restoring their teak furniture, here's how:

Restoring Teak Outdoor Furniture:

If your furniture has been allowed to weather, stained by food or other marks, or if you wish to remove the sealer, the Semco Teak Cleaner will restore the wood to like new condition.

When to Clean?
Clean at any time during the life of the furniture when cleaning back to the original unfinished wood is desired. It is not recommended that this type of cleaning be employed on a regular basis as it may contribute to the wood becoming rougher over time.

How to Apply?
1. Wet the wood with a hose and keep the wood wet during the entire process.
2. Apply part 1 of the cleaner to a small area at a time.
3. Use a Scotch Brite pad or soft scrub brush to scrub the area.
4. Rinse and rewet.
5. Apply the part 2 cleaner to the same area and scrub lightly with a soft brush or clean Scotch Brite pad.
6. Repeat steps 2 through 5 on the next small area. Working from top to bottom. Larger areas can be worked by using a garden type sprayer to apply the cleaners.
7. Rinse thoroughly with water. Repeat the process on any stubborn stains. The wood will lighten as it dries.

Annual Maintenance & Resealing:

Previously sealed teak should be resealed on an occasional basis to compensate for traffic and environmental wear and tear. Typically once a year is sufficient for residential applications away from salt air. Commercial and maritime applications may require twice a year recoating. When the color fades and water dashed on the surface soaks right in, it is time to recoat.

How to Reseal?
1. Clean with mild detergent to remove any soil. Wet the wood with a hose. Use a Scotch Brite pad or a soft scrub brush to gently clean the surface of the wood with a mild detergent such as dish soap. If any stains or soil remain, sand lightly with fine sandpaper to remove the mark. If this method does not remove a stain you may have to use the Restoring directions.
2. Ensure that the wood is completely dry before applying the sealer.
3. Apply a single coat of Semco Teak Sealer using a plastic spray bottle, brush or rag. Apply liberally and wipe off the excess with a rag. One coat should be sufficient to recoat most applications.