How to Maintain a Teak Patio Table
Teak furniture is made of an oily hardwood that is a natural golden honey color. If exposed to the elements and left untreated, teak can change to a weathered, silvery gray color. This will not affect the durability of the wood. However, there are a few simple things you can do to maintain the beautiful golden honey color of your teak patio table.
- Wash the teak patio table. In a bucket mix about five tablespoons of liquid dishwashing soap, one tablespoon of bleach, and a gallon of warm water. Use a soft brush to remove the surface dirt. If hard-to-remove stains exist, use a copper scrubber. Let the wood dry overnight.
- Sand the wood table with a fine grain sandpaper to remove the cells that turned the wood gray. Under the layers of oxidation, the golden honey color of the patio table will be revealed. Make sure to follow the direction of the wood grain.
- Wipe the sand dust with a dry cloth. This will assure a smooth surface for the application of teak oil.
- Apply teak wood oil to the table by using a paintbrush. Brush the wood at least three times, allowing an hour between coats. Make sure to wipe up any drips immediately to avoid stains. The oil will intensify the golden color and the grain patterns of the teak wood.
- Maintain the color of your teak patio table by sanding the furniture on a regular basis, and re-applying teak oil every three months.
- Care for your patio table by covering it during the winter months. In warm weather, keep it away from the wet ground and damp shady areas.