Frequently Asked Questions about Hardwood Teak Outdoor Furniture

Q.   Why Teak?

A.   Teak is an immensely stable timber that has a high oil and rubber content, an in-built natural water repellent which makes it virtually immune to rotting. Tom’s teak is 100% Grade “A”, plantation-grown, earth-friendly teak from the highly reputable Perum Perhutani Plantations, managed by the Indonesian Government.  High priority is given to continuous replanting of Indonesian timber resources.  Our teak furniture can be enjoyed in the certain knowledge that the estimated 4,000 species of trees, 500 species of mammals, and 1,500 species of bird flourish, safe and secure in their natural habitat of 

Q.  How do I clean and care for my teak furniture?

A.  Every piece of teak is unique and will vary in tone when new. Even after the wood’s drying process, all wood continues to undergo a “breathing” process. As part of the natural expansion and contraction of the wood when new, the wood may feel slightly rough, as the wood grain has expanded. This can be sanded out using light sandpaper (150 grit), or left to smooth out naturally. As the wood weathers, slight "checking" (fine cracks) may appear where the wood is cut across the grain. This is merely the wood "breathing" with changes in temperature and the

checking will settle down over time. This does not affect the structure or the strength of the furniture. Left outdoors, teak will gracefully silver in color to harmonize with its surroundings. Sunlight oxidizes the natural oils in teak wood, which turn the surface to a silvery gray color. The teak may initially weather unevenly, but it will eventually silver uniformly in about a year's time depending on its exposure to sunlight.

Regular maintenance:
Unfinished teak is very simple to maintain, but a regular cleaning is crucial every 6 to 12 months. The oils in teak wood can cause the product to turn black due to mold and mildew feeding upon the oil.

To clean, scrub with the rough side down of a Blue Scotch Brite® No Scratch Sponge and a cleaner (such as Simple Green Cleaner or Dawn Dish Washing Detergent) and water. Tough stains can be removed with diluted Clorox Bleach mixture with water in a 1:2 mixture.

Teak furniture should only be covered by material which is breathable and specific for covering teak wood furniture.

More on Teak Cleaners
Teak cleaners generally come in one-part or two-part formulas. One-part cleaners usually use a mild chemical to clean the wood. Two-part cleaners typically consist of firstly an acid, then a neutralizer. Due to the chemical content of any teak cleaner, ensure that care is taken to protect yourself and your environment. It is not recommended to repeat this process too often, as it will eventually leave the wood feeling rough, due to teak cleaners opening up of the pores of the wood to “flush” out the weathered layer. Clearly follow the directions given on your Teak Cleaner product.

Q.  What is the weathering process of teak?

A.  Your teak furniture will appear polished when initially purchased.  The polished appearance comes from oil occurring naturally in the teak wood.  The oil on the surface will evaporate after a few days outdoors – it is the oil that remains below the surface that gives the wood its durability.

      The teak furniture, when left outdoors, will turn a handsome silver gray.  This process will take approximately nine months, depending on the amount of sunlight and rain exposure.  The end

result is furniture with a timeless appeal.  During the weathering process a slight “checking” or lifting of the grain may occur on the top edges of the arms and legs.  You may even see a few small cracks.  This is perfectly natural, as wood expands and contacts slightly when left outdoors.

If you prefer to keep your teak from turning “gray”, talk to us, we have the answers.

Q. More Questions?

A. Please don’t hesitate to drop by or give us a call us at 650-366-0411 we are happy to help.