Teak Furniture Care Guide

Grade A teak, beautifully made and designed for outdoor living

Since 1989, Sloane & Sons has specialised in premium outdoor teak furniture. This guide explains the simple care your bench, dining furniture or patio lounge set needs to age gracefully and remain a lasting part of your garden.

Caring for Your Grade A Teak Furniture

Thank you for choosing Sloane & Sons. Your furniture is made for outdoor use and requires remarkably little maintenance. Grade A teak contains natural oils and has a dense grain, helping it withstand changing weather conditions without frequent treatment.

Why Grade A Teak?

Grade A teak is selected from the mature heartwood of the tree. It is valued for its dense grain, naturally high oil content and long-term suitability for outdoor furniture.

Has My Furniture Already Been Treated?

Yes. Your furniture is supplied pre-treated with a light coating of teak oil for immediate outdoor use. No additional treatment is required when it is delivered.

We recommend enjoying the furniture as supplied and allowing it to settle and weather naturally. Do not apply further treatment during the first 10-12 months.

Natural Weathering and the Silver-Grey Patina

Exposure to sunlight and rain gradually changes the original golden-brown colour into an elegant silver-grey patina. This is normal and does not indicate deterioration.

• The rate of weathering varies according to position and exposure.
• Sheltered and exposed areas may change colour at different speeds.
• The patina has no adverse effect on strength, durability or structural integrity.

Routine Seasonal Cleaning

For most furniture, a thorough clean twice each year is all that is required: once in spring and again at the end of the outdoor season.

1. Brush away leaves, dust and loose debris.
2. Wash with warm water and a non-biological detergent.
3. Use a soft brush or cloth, working with the grain.
4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
5. Allow the furniture to dry naturally.

Should I Oil My Teak?

Many owners prefer to allow their furniture to develop its natural silver-grey patina. This is the simplest care option and the one we recommend.

If you prefer the golden appearance and decide to apply teak oil, wait at least 10-12 months after delivery and prepare the surface carefully.

• Choose a dry day and make sure the timber is fully dry.
• Wash thoroughly with warm water and non-biological detergent.
• Remove mould, mildew, algae, moss, bird mess and other contaminants.
• Strip back as much previous oil as possible.
• Lightly sand where necessary before applying any fresh product.

Black or Blotchy Patches

Black spots or uneven blotches usually indicate that oil has been applied without sufficient preparation. Dirt, moisture, mould or mildew can become trapped between the timber and the oil.

To correct the problem, wash the furniture with non-biological detergent, strip back the existing finish and lightly sand the affected surface. Allow it to dry completely before deciding whether any further treatment is needed.

Sanding and Surface Marks

For stubborn stains, minor scratches or raised grain, use P120 grit sandpaper lightly and always follow the direction of the grain.

• Do not over-sand one isolated area.
• Feather the edges so the repaired area blends naturally.
• Freshly sanded teak will gradually weather and match the surrounding surface.

Natural Cracks and Timber Movement

Teak is a natural material and responds to seasonal changes in temperature and moisture. Fine surface checking, hairline cracks, grain movement and colour variation are normal characteristics of solid timber.

Most minor surface cracks can be lightly sanded. Where a wider cosmetic crack develops, seek advice before filling or repairing it.

Understanding Tannins

Teak naturally contains tannins. During the early months outdoors, especially after rainfall, small amounts may wash from the timber and temporarily mark pale paving or patios.

• Rinse affected paving promptly with clean water.
• Use a suitable patio cleaner where required.
• Take extra care with newly delivered furniture placed on very light surfaces.
• Tannin release reduces naturally as the furniture weathers.

Pressure Washing

Pressure washing is acceptable only on a very low setting. Keep the nozzle moving, maintain a sensible distance and avoid concentrating the spray in one place. Excess pressure can lift or damage the wood fibres.

For routine care, warm water and non-biological detergent remain the preferred method.

Covers and Winter Storage

Grade A teak can remain outdoors throughout the year, so covers are not essential. A cover may be used during extreme conditions such as prolonged snow or severe frost.

• Only cover furniture when it is clean and dry.
• Allow ventilation beneath the cover to reduce trapped moisture.
• If storing indoors, use an unheated garage, shed or outbuilding.
• Avoid prolonged storage in a centrally heated room.

Quick Care Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions

A Lifetime of Outdoor Living

With occasional cleaning and an appreciation of its natural ageing process, your Sloane & Sons furniture will continue to develop character and provide many years of outdoor enjoyment.