When it comes to strength, durability, and beauty, teak wood is undoubtedly one of the best materials for outdoor furniture. With minimal maintenance, easy restoration capabilities, and long-lasting beauty, teak furniture can stand strong for decades without needing replacement.
In just four simple steps, you can restore your Sissonne Outdoor teak pieces to their original honey-golden hue, making them look brand-new. All you need are a few tools, a well-ventilated outdoor area, and your beautiful furniture.
Here is everything you need to know about where teak originates, its history, and how to restore it.
The Story of Teak
Teak wood is a dense hardwood sourced from the Tectona grandis tree. Native to South and Southeast Asia—specifically Indonesia and Malaysia—as well as Africa and South America, these trees grow to an average height of 30 to 40 metres (100–130 feet), providing abundant timber for various uses.
Originally used for shipbuilding in the Middle Ages, teak has long been a trusted material for marine applications and construction. For centuries, it has been used to create indoor furniture, doors, flooring, pool decks, and, of course, outdoor furniture. This versatility stems from teak's natural strength, durability, appealing patina, and ease of maintenance.
Why Teak is the Gold Standard
Unmatched Durability
Teak is ideal for exterior surfaces because it contains unique natural oils that repel water, prevent warping or cracking, resist termites and pests, and prevent wood rot. These natural, weather-resistant properties make it the perfect material for outdoor living.
-
Weather-Proof: Teak does not require special treatments or finishes to reinforce its strength.
-
Longevity: Left untreated, teak furniture can last for 75 to 100 years.
The Beautiful Patina
New teak begins as a warm honey-gold colour that gradually weathers to a sophisticated silvery-grey patina over time. This transformation is caused by the wood interacting with oxygen, UV light, rain, and humidity.
-
Design Flexibility: Whether you preserve the golden hue or allow it to patina, teak complements a range of styles, especially contemporary designs, and pairs beautifully with metals and recycled plastics.
-
Reversible Beauty: The best part about teak is that this change isn't permanent. You can always restore your furniture to its original colour in the future.
Daily Maintenance Made Simple
Caring for real teak furniture doesn't mean a life of deep cleaning.
-
Routine Care: Dust your furniture after use to prevent dirt buildup.
-
Spills: Clean spills immediately with mild soap, warm water, and a sponge or soft-bristle brush. Agitate the stain, use a dry towel to soak up excess water, and let it air dry.
-
Pressure Washing: If you prefer to use a pressure washer, do so gently and from a distance to avoid stripping the wood's natural oils.
How to Restore Your Teak in 4 Steps
While some love the aged silver patina, you may prefer the original vibrancy of new teak. Restoring real teak is relatively easy—unlike fake teak, which cannot be restored. Investing in real teak saves money, time, and effort by ensuring your furniture lasts a lifetime.
What You'll Need:
-
Real teak wood furniture
-
Drop cloths or tarps
-
Teak wood cleaner and a soft-bristle brush
-
Hose with a spray nozzle or pressure washer (under 2,000 psi)
-
Sander with 80-grit and 220-grit sandpaper
-
Teak protector
-
Rubber gloves and rags
Step 1: Sanding
The goal is to remove the top layer of dirt, debris, and patina to reveal the warm inner layers.
-
Method: Use an electric sander for larger surfaces and manual sanding for slats or table legs.
-
Grit: With 80-grit sandpaper, lightly sand all surfaces. You will see the patina lighten back to the original honey colour.
Step 2: Clean Your Furniture
After sanding, wash the pieces down with a garden hose.
-
Warning: If using a pressure washer, use a very light setting (no more than 2,000 psi) and keep your distance to avoid stripping natural oils.
-
Cleaning: In a shaded, well-ventilated area, apply teak cleaner (or a mild dish soap and warm water solution) while the wood is wet.
-
Scrubbing: Lightly scrub the entire surface to work the cleaner into the wood. For tougher stains, add a small amount of bleach to the soapy water.
-
Rinsing: Let the solution sit for 1–2 minutes (or as per label instructions), scrub along the grain with a soft brush, then rinse thoroughly with clean water and let air dry.
Step 3: Sand Again
Once the furniture is dry to the touch, use 220-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surfaces.
-
Technique: Sand in the direction of the natural grain, not against it, to avoid scratches.
-
Finish: Use a dry rag to brush off any remaining dust.
Step 4: Protect (Optional)
While not strictly necessary, applying a teak protector can prolong the golden hue and make cleaning easier.
-
Product: We recommend a quality protector like Golden Care Teak Protector with UV block.
-
Application: Use a soft-bristle brush to apply the solution to all surfaces, then leave it to air dry for 24 hours.
-
Avoid Teak Oil: Commercial teak oil is not the same as the wood's natural oils. It merely creates a temporary sheen, whereas natural oils protect against rot and pests.
The Verdict
Teak wood is easily the best investment you can make for outdoor living. It will last for decades without losing its strength or natural beauty. Whether you let it weather gracefully or restore it every few years, your Sissonne Outdoor teak furniture is built to last.
