Do you ever wonder if you should oil teak furniture? I’ve also thought about that when I first purchased my teak outdoor furniture many years ago. Today, I already know the answer, which I’ll share with you in this post.
Teak wood furniture has a high oil content, making it highly resistant to water, insects, and rot. It can also prevent twisting and warping. As such, the hardwood doesn’t need oil, especially if you regularly take care of it.
But if you left the teak wood to weather outside, you may want to consider applying wood oils. Below, I’ll cover both the benefits and downsides of oiling teak furniture. I’ll also answer your questions about teak maintenance in general.
Should Teak Furniture Be Oiled?
The answer depends.
I’m tempted to say no because teak is a naturally oily wood. However, in some situations, one may find oiling teak furniture beneficial.
Let me explain more clearly.
Oiling teak wood furniture is unnecessary for the most part. This is due to the fact that it already contains a large amount of oils. These natural lubricants protect the hardwood from moisture, insects, mold, and rot, among other things.
Teak furniture also requires little to no maintenance. It can last you for many years without warping or twisting. So, an oil finish is not recommended because it just eats up your time. Applying oil can also do more harm than good. For example, indoor teak furniture treated with oil might develop mold or mildew.
That said, teak, like any other wood, goes through a natural weathering process. In particular, outdoor teak furniture turns gray due to the presence of a patina. It can decrease the amount of protective oils produced, weakening the hardwood. It also makes the surface dull.
In such cases, consider applying wood oils to outdoor teak furniture. These can increase or replace the teak’s natural oils. As such, they further protect your home decor and restore its beauty.
Should You Use Teak Oil Or Teak Sealer?
If your teak furniture has already faded or weathered, you can apply wood oils, as mentioned. Teak oil is one of the best products to use to treat old wooden furniture. However, teak oil is not waterproof, so consider putting a teak sealer as well.
Below, I’ll show you the differences between teak oil and sealers, and which one to use on teak outdoor furniture.
Teak Oil
Despite its name, teak oil doesn’t come from the natural oils found within a teak tree. Instead, it combines different oils (usually linseed and tung oils), mineral spirits, and varnishes.
Teak oil got its name because it was originally designed to condition teak garden furniture. It acts as a protective layer over the wood furniture. It can resist water, sunlight, dust, and other outdoor elements. It can also enhance the wood grain. But teak oil is not waterproof, which brings me to the next product.
Teak Sealer
Unlike teak oil products, teak sealers don’t penetrate teak wood furniture. Instead, they lock or seal in the natural oils that the teak wood contains. At the same time, they prevent moisture and other contaminants from damaging the outdoor furniture.
So, going back to your question: Should you use teak oil or teak sealer? The answer is both. Apply teak oil to protect your weathered garden furniture from within. Then, top it off with a sealer for an extra layer of protection.
How Often Should You Oil Teak Furniture?
As mentioned, oiling outdoor teak furniture is unnecessary. It can withstand different types of environments, thanks to its natural oils.
But should you choose to apply oil, do it once or twice a year for the best results. Make sure the teak outdoor furniture is already faded or weathered when oiling. If you oil any surface that will not be exposed to the sun and other elements, it might lead to problems.
Those with outdoor teak furniture can apply wood oils more frequently every three to four months. Avoid over-oiling as much as possible, though.
How to Clean Teak Furniture?
Cleaning your teak wood furniture is relatively straightforward. However, the technique varies depending on whether it is built outdoors or indoors.
If you have indoor teak furniture, follow the steps below.
- Cover the floor and any furniture pieces near the teak wood.
- Mix equal parts of soap and water in a container or sprayer.
- Soak or spray the teak wood furniture with the soapy water.
- Use a soft-bristle brush or a lint-free cloth to clean teak furniture.
- Let the cleaning solution sit on the wooden surface before wiping it off with a cloth.
- Wait until the furniture is dry before using it again.
Those who own outdoor teak furniture can review the following steps.
- Wear protective equipment, such as a mask, gloves, and safety goggles.
- Use old newspapers or plastic sheets to protect the floor and other furniture pieces while cleaning.
- Buy a dedicated teak cleaner or create your own cleaning solution. Combine dish soap, vinegar, and water.
- Brush away dirt and other types of debris from the teak garden furniture.
- After a few minutes, rinse off the soapy residue from the surface.
- Allow the teak furniture to dry completely before sanding it. Doing so gives the wood a smooth surface.
- Remove sand dust before applying teak oil and teak sealer (both are optional).
- Wait until the lubricants are dry and cured before using your outdoor wood furniture.
How Long Does It Take Teak To Turn Gray?
It depends on the location and weather conditions.
Outdoor teak furniture left uncovered in the full sun without shade can fade and turn gray in around one year.
If there is shade and the wood is only exposed to mild rain, it might take more than a year until it becomes gray.
Meanwhile, indoor teak furniture that is properly maintained doesn’t show signs of weathering until many years later.
How to Preserve the Color of Teak Furniture?
If you find the gray patina of teak wood unappealing, you must regularly take care of your furniture. Start by cleaning it often. Refer to the steps above on how to clean teak furniture.
Next, apply an even coat of teak sealer or protector to seal in the natural golden brown color of teak wood. Read the product label for detailed application instructions. Let the teak sealer dry completely.
Lastly, consider moving your outdoor furniture to a shaded area of your home. Constant exposure to sun and other elements causes teak to weather quickly, which leaves a gray patina on the surface.
Conclusion
Teak is a naturally oily wood that can resist insects, decay, and rot. Still, many homeowners, including me, wonder whether to apply oil to teak furniture or not.
Oiling teak furniture is unnecessary. However, if the wood is showing signs of fading or weathering, using oil can be beneficial. In particular, teak oil can increase or replace the natural oils found in teak. It can effectively protect outdoor furniture.
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