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All About Teak Outdoor FurnitureA Stylish and Durable Option for Furnishing Your Patio or Yard
Although plastic and metal outdoor furniture is popular and usually lower priced, teak is a good investment for your patio, garden or yard.
Shopping for TeakThere are many outdoor wood products available that resemble teak or have “teak oil” listed on the label but these may not be genuine. There is a wood called Nyatoh that closely resembles teak but it’s not as durable. It’s a Class 3 non-durable wood made from sapwood which is not resistant to termites and will split and warp over time. Other woods that are not resilient to the outdoors are African mahogany, Japanese Oak and American Cherry. Some manufacturers will treat wood products with teak oil. Once the oil wears off, the wood is vulnerable. Read the labels carefully and watch for words like “teak like wood” or “teak oil treated”. Characteristics of TeakDue to its durability, it is used as decking on ships. Teak has a dense grain and the color ranges from light to dark brown. It is resistant to swelling, shrinking, rotting or warping. The wood feels smooth and there are no splinters. There is also a faint smell. It is usually sold as “fine sanded” or “fine sanded with oil”. Teak has high natural oil and silica content which keeps the wood preserved for many years. There is a natural weathering process that occurs and the wood will take on a silver-gray patina. If this look is not desirable, the original color can be restored. Care of TeakTeak oil will help prevent stains from seeping into the wood and will slow down the graying effect caused by exposure to sunlight. There are products on the market that will slow down the bleaching effect of the sun. Some people prefer the weathered look; therefore, oiling is not required. They buy teak and let nature take its course. If cleaning is required, use a soft bristle brush and mild soapy water. Be sure to rinse thoroughly. There are also commercial cleaners available. Do not use pressure washers, wire brushes or steel wool. Fine steel or wire pieces can get embedded in the wood and start to rust, causing permanent discoloration. For stubborn stains or to restore the natural color of teak, use very fine sandpaper and work in the direction of the grain. You can either re-oil the furniture or leave the finish natural where it will acquire the silver gray patina from the sun. Some stains will fade with exposure to sunlight. To apply teak oil, be sure the furniture is clean and dry. Apply the oil with a paint brush and start at the top of the piece and work downwards. The wood surface should look wet but avoid leaving surplus oil. When the oil is tacky (5 to 10 minutes depending on the air temperature), wipe with a cloth. If a second coat is desired, apply one hour later. After the oiling process is complete, buff the furniture with a clean dry cloth. Do not apply teak oil over accumulated oil or dirt because it will eventually blacken the wood. Storage of TeakIf you live in a climate with severe winters, you may consider storing teak furniture indoors during the off season. Perhaps choosing a style with folding table and chairs may be the best bet for saving space. If this is not possible, consider buying covers. Manufacturers claim that teak can withstand all weather conditions so it’s a matter of personal choice. Genuine teak is resilient and can be restored to its original beauty or allowed to age gracefully. Although it’s not the cheapest furniture to buy, it will last a very long time. That’s why your investment in premium teak furniture will be worth it. Related Articles:
The copyright of the article All About Teak Outdoor Furniture in Home Furnishing is owned by Maureen K. Fleury. Permission to republish All About Teak Outdoor Furniture in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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