How to Restore Teak Outdoor Furniture Set
Teak is a tree that originates from tropical rain forests in southeast Asia. It contains oil that allows the wood to resist water, making it a popular choice for outdoor furniture. Outdoor teak furniture requires periodic restoration to replace its natural oil.
- Bucket
- Mild detergent
- Soft brush
- Fine sandpaper
- Chemical stripping solution
- Teak oil
- Cloth
- Waterproof furniture cover
- Fill a bucket with water and add one part mild detergent for every two parts of water. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to obtain a cleaning solution for outdoor teak furniture.
- Remove the cushions from the outdoor teak furniture. Dip a soft brush into the cleaning solution and scrub the furniture with the brush. This will remove debris on the surface of the furniture, including patina. Remove thick patina by rubbing it with fine-grit sandpaper until you expose new wood. Stubborn patina may require a chemical stripping solution from a home improvement store.
- Pour a small amount of teak oil onto a soft cloth and rub it into the outdoor teak furniture according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This oil will provide the furniture with a lustrous appearance and restore the original golden color of the wood. Allow the teak oil to soak into the furniture.
- Repeat step 3 to apply oil to the outdoor teak furniture until it stops absorbing oil. Dry off the excess oil with a cloth and replace the cushions.
- Place waterproof covers over the outdoor teak furniture whenever it is not in use. This will prevent the furniture from fading due to the sun’s ultraviolet rays and rain.
- Bring the outdoor teak furniture inside during cold weather to prevent the wood from aging prematurely. It’s especially important that teak not experience rapid changes in temperature. This makes the wood to expand and contract, which can cause it to split.