How To Maintain Teak Patio Furniture
Wood patio furniture, bought from a store like Eastgate Pools, has a homey, earthy quality that you can't get with vinyl or even metal pieces. If you are trying to create a rustic feel for your deck, then teak is a good way to go. Not every type of wood you would use on a deck will have natural sealants, but teak does. Even though it is naturally rot resistant, teak is far from impervious to the elements, so you will need to decide how to preserve your teak.
The Natural Look
Teak comes in a natural buttery brown color, but if you do nothing to your teak it will not hold this color. Instead, it will start to go grey within a few months of direct exposure to the sun's rays. If you are okay with this silvery grey color, then simply do nothing. Even as the surface bleaches under the sun, the inner part of the teak will maintain its natural rot resistance.
What If Grey's Not For Me?
While there are those who have no issues with letting their patio furniture fade to silver, some people may want to maintain the buttery brown color of teak. If this is you, you will need to employ some sort of a sealant. You can find synthetic sealants that will take the brunt of the sun's rays for a few years. However, as soon as you see the color of the teak start to fade, you will need to reapply the sealant.
What About Natural Sealants?
If you want a completely green home and patio, then you might wish to find a natural sealant. Tung oil or linseed oil can work well as a sealant for teak; however, just as is the case with synthetics, you will have to reapply your natural sealant whenever the natural color of your furniture starts to fade. A further complication is that if you live in a humid area and leave your furniture under a shaded area, the cool, damp conditions and the natural oil can actually foster the growth of mold and mildew. Thus, natural sealants are best for furniture that will sit in sunny areas.
Teak is an impressive wood, but while a well-built piece of teak furniture can last for decades, you can prolong the life of your furniture by using a sealant to block out the sun and seal in the natural oils in the wood. A little maintenance is a small burden to bear if it allows you to enjoy the beauty of teak furniture.
Share